We have all heard of arthritis occurring in adults and even in children, but our pets? Yes, even Fido can develop this painful disease. Although your dog cannot speak, he can show you if he has arthritis or not.
Some of the signs to watch for are:
· Favoring a limb
· Difficulty sitting or standing
· Sleeping more
· Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
· Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
· Weight gain
· Decreased activity or less interest in play
· Attitude or behavior changes
Being less alert If you notice these symptoms in Fido for more than two weeks, then take him to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation right away. This evaluation will more than likely consist of a physical exam and possibly X-rays.
As with humans, the sooner arthritis is diagnosed and treated, the better for the patient. What is Fido’s treatment? Very similar to the treatment of osteoarthritis in humans, which may include:
· Healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight.
· Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain.
· Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs.
· You can also use over-the-counter pet treatments with your dog, such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both have shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.
· Your veterinarian may prescribe both an NSAID and an over-the-counter treatment that together may help decrease pain and disease progression.
A word of caution here. Never give your dog human medication without checking first with your veterinarian. Certain medications can be toxic to dogs — particularly acetaminophen and ibuprofen — and a safe dose will differ between a greyhound and a dachshund.
No matter how you decide to treat your dog’s arthritis, make sure you work with a veterinarian to ensure that you select a program that helps your best buddy.
