Help for Arthritis in Dogs

As a conscientious dog owner you obviously wish to do all you can to restore your pet to health and vitality. As part of a holistic, natural approach to the health of your pet’s musculoskeletal system, a well balanced, natural, organic diet will supply all the nutrients needed to keep muscles, joints and bones in optimal health.

Natural remedies

Additionally you can provide natural pain relief from the discomfort of arthritis by using natural remedies containing Glucosamine, Harpagophytum procumbens, Arthrospira platenis, Calcium Fluoride, Natrium Phosphoricum, Natrium Sulphate and Lecithin.

Controlled exercise is an important part of managing arthritis in your pet. Although your dog may object to going out for a walk, by getting him/her up and walking, blood circulation to all those painful joints will be improved and the inflammatory substances that are involved in the discomfort of arthritis will be flushed away.

This is the reason that most owners report that the stiffness often disappears after a bit of exercise or even with warmer weather when circulation is less sluggish. Your arthritic cat will also benefit from a gentle game of seek-and-destroy the catnip mouse  Read more... (524 words, 2 images, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a progressive disease and the simplest definition is inflammation of the joint. Any damage to the cartilage in the joint as well as the daily wear and tear that joints are subjected to during movement slowly destroys the thin layer of protective cartilage, and in response the body launches a reaction which leads to further cartilage destruction and inflammation. This is a classic no win situation and hence the progressive nature of arthritis.

Pets with arthritis may show no signs of lameness or discomfort but in other pets swelling of the joints, pain and creaking and clicking of the affected joints may be noted.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis:

* Limping
* Difficulty getting up
* Pain when jumping
* Joints making a creaking or crackling sound
* Stiffness

What causes Arthritis?

The causes are many and include trauma, such as cruciate ligament rupture, infection, and immune-mediated diseases or may even result due to malformation of the limbs such as bulldogs and daschunds.

Diagnosing Arthritis

A diagnosis will be based on a history of trauma – if the cause is injury or a gradual decline in mobility if it is age related. The vet will take x-rays and possibly blood tests.  Read more... (543 words, 2 images, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)