As your dog ages it is not unusual for him to slow down a little; but only a little. The gradual decline of activity, and interest in activity, are signals that your pet may be experiencing joint pain as a result of arthritis. Joint issues are a very common problem affecting over 12 million dogs, especially older and large dogs. Dismissing your dog's symptoms as normal aging could be allowing your dog to suffer needlessly. Pain relief for dogs experiencing joint pain and mobility problems can be effectively managed. Arthritis is a chronic disease that requires life long treatment.

What does arthritis for dogs mean? The hip, knee and ankle joints in pets are the joints most commonly affected by the deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage is the spongy, protective cushion between the bones where joints meet. When the cartilage begins to break down, that is, to disintegrate, the condition is known as arthritis. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, which causes inflammation, pain and stiffness, and in advanced cases, lameness.

Your beloved pet can't explain what's wrong with him or if he's in pain. So, how do you know if your pet is experiencing arthritic problems and pain? You need to watch for the non-verbal clues and take behavior changes seriously. Here are a few of the classic symptoms of arthritis for dogs:

* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs

* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture

* Tiring easily during walks or walking more slowly than usual

* Taking longer to get moving after resting or sleep

* Lies down rather than sits or stands

* Favoring a limb

These are only a few symptoms you may notice in your pet, but there are other, subtle indications in behavior that could also be pointing towards joint pain. Your pet could be sleeping more than usual, gaining weight, being less alert and showing less interest or enthusiasm for play and going for walks. If your dog seems to have symptoms for more than 2 weeks, it is time to take him for an arthritis evaluation by your veterinarian. The best thing you can do for your pet is to get a diagnosis and begin a prescribed arthritis treatment for dogs plan of management.

Commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs with arthritis are NSAIDS; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These alleviate pain, as the name implies, but another more important part of your pet's treatment may include supplements that support good joint health and good health in general. Glucosamine and chondroitin are over the counter supplements that are known to promote healthy joints, but buy the supplements that are intended for your pet! Do not feed them human supplements. Your pet's needs are different. A good diet is essential, including Omega fatty acids and fiber. Your pet may need to lose some weight to relieve extra stress on painful joints. Your veterinarian may suggest additional courses of treatment to get your pet back to his/her old self.

Exercise is also a prescribed treatment in arthritis for dogs. Low impact exercises will keep the joints mobile and build muscle without causing undue strain on the joints themselves. The key is 'motion'. Your dog has to be kept mobile to stay healthy. Daily, low impact exercises, like leash walking and swimming, will provide range of movement activities to help prevent the joints from becoming stiff from lack of use. Like people, your pet should have a muscle warm up before more strenuous exercise. If the weather is cold and damp, which can cause muscles to be stiff, give him/her a warm up inside before out of doors exercises. And always provide your pet with a warm, dry and comfortable place to sleep and rest.

Massage and physical therapy are an acknowledged arthritis treatment for dogs. If prescribed, the veterinary staff will show you how to perform specific physical therapy treatment for your pet at home. Massage is something you can practice regularly at home to relax your pet's stiff muscles and joints, and promote a better range of motion. If you have never massaged your dog before, think of it as petting with a little more gentle pressure in the afflicted sore areas. Begin in a warm, relaxed and safe environment. Relax your dog by petting the joint area and then gradually knead the area with your fingertips in a small, circular motion. You could use massage as the beginning to an indoor warm up before taking your pet outside for a leash walk.

Overall, you want to work closely with your veterinarian to manage your dog's arthritic condition. Your goal is to provide the best treatment and supportive lifestyle that will decrease the degeneration of the cartilage between joints, alleviate joint pain, and keep your pet as healthy as possible. Remember, arthritis doesn't go away, but effective, managed arthritis treatment for dogs can ensure that you will both enjoy the coming years together.

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Written by Nicky Takasura using tags: arthritis for dogs, arthritis treatment for dogs, dog arthritis, Pet Arthritis, Pets, pets with arthritis, pets with joint pain