What can I give my dog for pain-have you asked this question one too many times? Maybe you've helplessly seen your pet in throes of some canine ailment. I know that can't be easy for a loving master like yourself. While we can't always shield our dogs from certain diseases, we can do our best to make sure he is as comfortable as reasonably possible. Here are some great tips to help you do just that.

A common reason why dogs experience discomfort is canine arthritis. As with their human counterparts, arthritis usually befalls the older, more aged subjects. Sometimes, younger dogs get arthritis when they get an injury in the leg that have not been dealt with properly. What are some of the things you can do about this? It is important that you keep his weight low, and provide him healthy food daily.

Involve your dog in exercise but stay away from sports that are too rough and extreme in nature. Frisbee, for example, is way too hard on his joints. Opt for a light jog or swimming instead. Swimming widens the scope of his movements, and dogs love water also. If you have a smaller dog, fill a plastic pool or even a large tub with water and have him play around in it for a few minutes each day.

Sometimes, dog pain relief entails just a few simple adjustments in his daily routine and lifestyle. Elevating their food dish and water bowl to a more level height will take the strain off his neck and shoulders. On cold and damp days, a warm place is ideal so furnish his little home with an old mattress and a few worn blankets he can nestle into. His joints will thank you in the years to come.

Inflammation is also a major source of pain for dogs. You can take care of this by applying an ice pack on the affected areas alternately for 20 minutes for the next 48 hours. Never put hot pressure on these parts because it will only worsen the condition. Warm compress can help relive tense muscles but it won't do any good on inflamed joints and muscles.

Massage is a great tip to ease pain. It triggers the blood to flow in the other areas of his body, subsequently releasing stress and encouraging deep relaxation. Brushing his hair also relaxes him. As you brush out his coat, examine his skin and hair for parasites, tumors and lesions that may cause infection. Rub Aloe Vera over cuts to take the sting away from it.

Do not attempt to use human medications to relieve your dog of his suffering. Even over-the-counter prescription drugs contain chemicals that are too strong for dogs and will potentially cause serious internal damage. Consult the vet for canine pain medications you can give him instead.

An effective dog pain relief therapy needs to have one vital ingredient-a master's love and attention. It truly does more than any other pain medication combined. Love your pet and provide the best care possible for him-and he will enjoy his life regardless the condition he is in.

What can I give my dog for pain relief? Find out the answers to all your dog pain relief questions when you go to HealthyHappyDogs.com-the premier pet-care site all pet owners trust.

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.