Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative condition that affects adult dogs of all ages and breeds. Normally, one in five adult dogs in the US is affected by arthritis. Large breed dogs are affected more than the small dogs. Heavier dogs feel the symptoms of arthritis more on ligaments and joints due to their weight.
Causes of dog arthritis
Most cases of dog arthritis are inherited orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia, injury in the joints or osteochondrosis. A few cases of arthritis are due to infection of the joints.
Signs of arthritis in dogs
As dogs cannot verbally express their predicament like humans, the onus is upon dog owners to look out for early warning signs of arthritis in dogs including subtle changes. Some of the indicators of arthritis which dog owners have to keep their eyes peeled for are:
- Tendency of the dog to use a particular limb more than others
- Lameness, stiffness and joint pain especially on waking up in the morning
- Tendency to take more naps than normal
- Hesitation in climbing stairs, jumping or running
- Gaining weight
- Less inclined to play or indulge in physical activity
- Behavioral changes
- Attitudinal changes
- Reduction in alertness levels
If a dog owner can see any of these symptoms over a period of fifteen days, then it is best to take his/her pet to the veterinarian and get a physical examination done and also X-ray analysis. Early diagnosis and a proper plan of treatment is crucial to effective management of canine arthritis.
Osteoarthritis treatment in dogs
Osteoarthritis in dogs is degenerative disease of the joints. Although joint disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled through proper treatment that is made up of physical therapy and weight control.
Conventional medicines in the form of analgesics and corticosteroids can help provide pain relief but also create a host of harmful side effects in your dear dog. Alternative treatments like magnetic therapy for dogs and acupuncture provide excellent drug free pain relief minus the expensive drugs and harmful side effects.
It is of utmost importance to consult a veterinarian before subjecting the dog to magnetic therapy treatment.
Monitored physical activity key to canine arthritis control
Exercise that is moderated and monitored by veterinary physical therapists is a key factor in controlling the spread of arthritis. Exercise helps the dog in maintaining muscle mass and the flexibility of joints. Swimming is an excellent activity that achieves such results without placing stress on the joints.
Owners should avoid exercising their arthritic dogs in excess as it can create more problems in future. Dogs with arthritis should not be allowed to jump up and down. Moreover, they should be exercised on a harness.
Magnetic therapy for dog arthritis
Magnetic therapy from Woolrest BioMag in the form of pet magnetic beds or the PetMag consists of static magnets embedded strategically in luxurious Australian wool.
Getting an arthritic dog to sleep on this pet magnetic bed exposes him to beneficial static magnetic fields throughout the night and helps alleviate the arthritis pain drug free and helps your dog move around with less discomfort the next morning. Get a PetMag today for dog arthritis pain relief.