Posts Tagged ‘diet’

Dog’s With Arthritis – Dog Arthritis Treatment

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009



dogs, arthritis, dog, vitamin, vitamins

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Dog's With Arthritis - Dog Arthritis Treatment

Does it seem as if your dog isn’t her old playful self? Well, did you know that arthritis affects not only humans—but one in every five adult dogs in the United States? Since your dog can’t tell you if it’s arthritis—it’s up to you to pay close attention to the signals. Signs that your dog may have arthritis include limping, difficulty sitting, standing, climbing or getting up, hesitancy to run or jump, sleeping more, less interest in play and listlessness. If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, arthritis may be a possibility—and here are some ways to ease the pain and discomfort.

 

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Take your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation which will likely include an examination and X-rays. If arthritis is the diagnosis, blood work will likely be done and a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will be prescribed for pain and inflammation.

Step 2

Keep your dog on a healthy diet and exercise to maintain the proper weight. Excess weight hinders movement and aggravates arthritis. Several short walks a day are better than one long walk.

Step 3

Give your dog supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 (fish oil), which have been shown to relieve arthritis symptoms. These supplements can be found in capsules or in powder form and in certain dog foods.

Step 4

Make sure your dog has a comfortable and warm enough place to sleep. There are dog beds designed for arthritis that distribute their weight evenly to take excess pressure off the joints. A foam mattress topper for humans that conforms to body contours will also work as a bed.

Step 5

Massage gently with a kneading motion around the painful joint and on the surrounding muscle to help ease some of the pain. You can also apply moist heat to the aching joints, such as a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in warm water (wrung out).

Step 6

Let your dog out only briefly during cold and damp or rainy weather. This type of weather aggravates arthritis in dogs, as it does in humans.

Step 7

Put down mats and rugs. Slippery floors cause further wearing of the joints.

What To Give A Dog With Arthritis 

 

Dog's With Arthritis - Dog Arthritis Treatment

 

Tips & Warnings

  • To determine if your dog is overweight, check for a "waist.” Dogs at the proper weight will have a visible indentation behind their ribs. Place both hands (palms down) lightly on your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs, but they shouldn’t be sticking out. If you can’t feel the ribs, chances are he’s overweight.
  • If your dog has to climb steps, consider getting a ramp for her instead. And if she sleeps in your bed, it’s also a good idea to have a ramp.
  • Engage your dog in therapeutic exercises for arthritis. Swimming is great therapy because it exercises the muscles without putting pressure on the joints.
  • Acupuncture can be used to treat dogs with arthritis, but it should only be performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
  • There is a special leash/harness available called "Bottom’s Up" that is designed for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. It works by supporting a portion of the dog’s hind legs while he walks or attempts to go up/down stairs. (See Resources below)
  • Never give your dog human pain medication such as aspirin, without checking with your veterinarian first. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs if the wrong dose is administered.
  • Rimadyl is an NSAID that is often used to treat dogs with arthritis. Sometimes it can be toxic to the liver, so make sure blood work is done before administering it to your dog. Also, if your vet prescribes Rimadyl, inquire about other NSAIDs that are more gentle on the liver.
  • Large dogs are more prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia.

 

From The Blogosphere:

 

I found the best arthritis vitamins for my dog

I recently bought some vitamins for my dog who suffers from joint problems. I have noticed a big improvement. 

 

What do I give my dog for arthritis pain? : Natural Arthritis Relief
7 Responses to “What do I give my dog for arthritis pain?” oregano13 on January 15th, 2009 8:42 pm. There is NO over the counter human medication that is safe for dogs long-term. Aleve, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen are toxic to dogs.

 

Arthritis, allergies, and cancer are top health concerns and …
“Any work that allows these wonderful guide dog teams to enjoy better health and wellness is very important to MAF,” Olson said. “After all, it was important in our past to help Buddy and remains important in our future to give all.

Why Does my Dog’s Leg Give Out?
Why Does my Dog’s Leg Give Out? Arthritis is extremely common in older pets. Arthritis can lead to soreness and weakness in one or multiple legs. Other, rare causes of trouble walking in older pets include slipped discs.

Which Type Of Vaccine Will Be Given To Your Beloved Pet?
Mostly dogs are vaccinated by Lyme disease. It can cause severe arthritis dogs should be vaccinated or not? The only answer to this question is consulting a vet. No other fef person in this world can and lethargy. It can recur, once your pet has been affected by this. It is not a fatal disease and can be cured by antibiotics. There have been many debates on the topic that whether give
you the perfect knowledge of this. You need to be sure on this point after all it.


Tips In Getting An Orthopedic Dog Bed profession articles site
Orthopedic beds are actually more suitable for older dogs and are especially ideal for dogs that suffer from issues with their legs and hips, and for dogs that have developed arthritis. The benefits of the orthopedic … A pet store is where you want to begin your search for a good orthopedic dog bed. Your local vet might be able to give you an idea who sells the best ones, have a recommendation, or even sell them herself!

 

Best Nutritious Dog Diet

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

Best Nutritious Dog Diet

give your dogs the vitamins they need

Find The Best Food For A Nutritious Dog Diet

If you’ve owned a dog for awhile, you most likely are aware of the benefits of a healthy and nutritious dog diet. With so many excellent dog foods on the market today, how do you decide which are the best?

It’s a difficult question to answer because dog food scientists are more aware that dog diets are equally as important as our own. Dogs need proper vitamins and minerals every day. They need a balanced diet, one that contains meat and vegetables.

We often don’t think of it, but dogs are carnivorous, but they also eat berries and vegetables if necessary for survival in the wild. These products provide nutrients that are not readily available from protein-rich diets.

Researchers also know that certain ingredients can produce negative reactions in dogs that are sensitive to them. As dog food manufacturers improve on their products by adding more of the nutritious elements and less of the harmful ones, dog owners can rest a little easier.

Many excellent products are on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, including canned, bagged and as individual treats that provide extra benefit such as teeth cleaning. Chain stores that once focused more on providing moderately adequate economical food are now beginning to offer dog foods that are higher in quality yet still at a low cost.

While economical food is better than it once was, it still doesn’t match up to the superiority of premium dog food that has a price to match.

If you would rather not risk your dog’s health, consider stores that sell feed for other animals and that regularly deal with customers interested in excellent nutrition for their pets. They would undoubtedly be able to help you decide on a specific brands that suit your dog’s particular needs.

Look online and you will find companies that specialize in organic and natural dog diets. Some of the merchants will deliver the food right to your door, making it extremely convenient for you to find and purchase the best option for your dog.

Some people are still reluctant to buy online which is always a risk unless the company is well known and established. Take whatever steps you can to check them out. See how long they have been online and in business. Look for reviews of the company and their products to see what users might be saying.

Barring the internet, do not overlook your veterinarian as a good source of information. He will be able to make a recommendation based on your particular dog’s breed, size and any health conditions that might exist. The food you choose can help or hinder your dog’s condition, especially if he is in a weakened state.

Many vets sell specific brands and varieties of dog food from their office. The price might be a bit higher, but the value is worth to your dog’s health is worth it.

Buying from your vet is handy as you can collect the food during your pet’s check-up or when going to get your dog’s monthly medication in the case of heartworm or other condition. If the vet recommends a particular type of diet for your dog due to health reasons, he likely will be the best person to talk to about finding the exact food your dog requires.

Of course, what better way to guarantee your dog gets only the freshest food than to grow your own. Since dogs require vegetables as well as meat and grain, you can prepare some recipes yourself from your own garden stock. Choose green beans and carrots which provide are excellent food value.

For quality meat and ideal bones, check with your local butcher who will have fresher food than you will get from processed dog food. Once you have decided on a specific diet for your dog, take advantage of the healthiest and most convenient method available to you.

By: Alex Rocklane

Best Nutritious Dog Diet