Traditional Treatments For Canine Arthritis
Canine arthritis will afflict most dogs as they age. Unfortunately, dog owners and veterinarians rarely notice the early warning signs of arthritis because dogs tend to hide soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in joints have become severe.
In this post, I’ll tell you about all the traditional treatment with medication for canine arthritis.
Of course, you’ve heard it a million times, exercise, proper nutrition, and a healthy weight is the best way to prevent arthritis in dogs. There are ways, both traditional and alternative to treat canine arthritis.
Traditional Treatments
Steriods
Steroids are medications that relieve canine arthritis pain and inflammation. They mimic natural steroids but are in a much higher concentration. Generally, they are used for an emergency rather than chronic treatment of painful conditions. Steroid drugs have serious side effects and require a prescription, and your veterinarian may request periodic blood tests to confirm your pet’s liver remains healthy. Some veterinarians recommend supplementing with Denosyl to protect the liver.
- Steroids are given to pets for emergencies, inflammation, allergic reactions, and cancer.
- Steroids help control inflammation and allergic reactions and help reduce pain.
- Potential side effects include: stomach ulcers, delayed wound healing, thyroid hormone suppression, immune suppression, increased appetite, fluid retention, weak bones, and thinning hair/hair loss.
Steroids typically used for arthritic pain are:
Pain Medications
Dogs are susceptible to pain just as humans are. Managing the pain of canine arthritis is becoming a routine part of veterinary medicine and in some states, there are even laws for pain management in pets to help guide veterinarians. Never give your dog long-term pain medication without consulting with your veterinarian. Never give your dog Advil or Ibuprofen! They are toxic to dogs.
That is why in Part 2 I’ll share with you some non-traditional, alternative, and holistic treatments for canine arthritis.
Don’t miss Part 2 to learn the alternative treatments for canine arthritis. CLICK HERE >>
Dr. David Roberts from Manchester West Veterinary Hospital discusses canine arthritis pain
Arthritis and Diet
A healthy diet of fresh ingredients plus arthritis supplements will go a long way to relieving the pain associated with canine arthritis. The best fresh dog food is formulated by a veterinarian nutritionist and is created for your Chihuahuas’ specific needs, including arthritis.
The easiest and most economical way to do that is with NomNomNow. It’s what I feed my dogs when I’m not feeding them my own recipes.
Just try it and you’ll see a big difference in your dog’s mobility like I did with my 16-year-old Chihuahua with arthritis! Try it for a month and if you aren’t impressed (you will be) then cancel any time. By clicking the button below you will get 50% off!