Dog Arthritis Medicaton

Is your dog experiencing a great deal of pain from arthritis? Then let’s look at the various forms of dog arthritis medication.

Due to modern day science and research, there are now a good amount of dog arthritis medication alternatives for your precious pet.

Animals are similar to humans - as we grow old, our bodies become weaker and we become more prone to health problems such as arthritis. Similarly, it is not uncommon for your four-legged friend to develop some form of joint disease. Elderly and larger dog breeds are certainly more vulnerable to dog arthritis as opposed to younger, smaller breeds.

Dog arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joint cartilage. The cartilage is what enables the bones to move effortlessly against each other. The joint is also enclosed in a membrane that contains a joint fluid. This joint fluid is a thick, clear liquid that acts as a shock absorber, as well as a lubricant. When your dog suffers from dog osteoarthritis, the cartilage is damaged and there is less cushioning and lubrication. This causes two bones to rub against each other, causing a great deal of pain and discomfort for your dog.

Typical canine arthritis symptoms include:

Pain to touch
Lowered activity level
Limping when walking
Unwillingness to play
Increased sleeping time
Unwilling to ascend stairways

The most common drugs used to combat dog arthritis are classified as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are considered to be potent and effective pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents that is capable to reduce dog joint pain. NSAIDs are prescriptive medications and should only be prescribed by a veterinarian, who'll determine which type of medication will be administered to your dog. Dog owners are advised to adhere to dosage quantities and frequency. Manufacturers have also encouraged that regular periodic blood checks to be carried out on pets who have taken NSAIDs to monitor any developing liver or kidney complications.

Since NSAIDs are generally potent drugs, they do run the risk of side effects. The most common side effects include:

Nausea or vomiting
Decrease in appetite
Increase in thirst
Depression
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Seizure, hostility or confusion

Serious side effects include:

Intestinal bleeding
Kidney damage
Liver complications
Red, itchy skin
Jaundice

In view of such side effects, many veterinarians are slowly encouraging the use of chondroprotective dietary supplements formulated with high-quality liquid glucosamine such as Synflex for dogs to aid pets relieve joint pain and rehabilitate damaged cartilages instead of the conventional NSAIDs.

Nonetheless, NSAIDs still remain an effective short-term medication to manage pain related to musculoskeletal disease or injuries. Bear in mind to only administer to your dog NSAIDs that are prescribed by your veterinarian, who will conduct medical tests on your dog's health.