Just like we suffer from arthritis, so do our pets, especially dogs and cats. In fact, arthritis in large dogs is a prevalent physical aliment that usually sets in after years of degeneration of the cartilage. When affected with arthritis, dogs suffer from joint pain, stiffness of joints, and fatigue, and other symptoms that are common in humans who suffer from arthritis as well. Here is some vital information on arthritis in canines.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Typically, there are many types of dog arthritis such as immune-mediated arthritis, infective arthritis, idiopathic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, osteoarthritis is one of the more common types of arthritis that affects dog breeds. The two most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and joint stiffness. If you observe that, your dog finds it difficult to get up from a lying position or that he is reluctant to go for long walks, or hesitates to climb stairs or climb on the couch, perhaps his joints are bothering him due to either inflammation or degeneration. But help is at hand and arthritis can be treated with the help of medication that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, along with diet and exercise.

Diet and Exercise

A healthy diet is important for everyone, man or pet. However, dogs suffering from arthritis should be given a healthy diet that ensures that they are not overweight. Obesity can aggravate their arthritis with the extra weight stressing inflamed joints. Moreover, a healthy dog diet helps maintain good dental health. There are many types of arthritis special dog foods available in grocery and pet stores. You can visit your veterinarian to know more about these special arthritis dogs foods that contain supplements, which promote healthy joints.

Exercise along with diet can help keep your pets joints flexible and alleviate joint pain due to arthritis. Additionally, exercise also helps control weight in older dogs because they have a tendency to put on weight with age. Vets recommended light and limited exercise for dogs suffering from arthritis and joint pain, like short 15-20 minute walks on flat, soft surfaces such as grass or wet sand, two to three days every week.

Care should be taken that strenuous activities are completely avoided. In addition they may recommend NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or alternative medicines such as Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine. Some of the pain drugs prescribed to our pets, do more damage than good long term. Liquid Glucosamine is a natural and very safe product, and should be tried first. Syn-flex for Pets has a huge following and its success has Vets recommending it by name.

Medication

As soon as you notice your pet is having problems with typical movements you are accustomed to seeing, you should take your pet for diagnosis from a veterinarian. Veterinarians usually prescribe medication for arthritis that alleviates pain and reduces inflammation. Prescription medications are limited to pain relief and come with a list of health risks.