Arthritis doesn’t discriminate. It affects not only people of all ages — including children — but also strikes our canine friends. As a conscientious, caring dog owner, you make sure that your pooch takes his heartworm preventative meds, eats well, looks bright-eyed and playful, and greets you as only a dog can when you come home.

One day you notice changes in your pet’s mood and activity. It looks like your pal isn’t feeling in top form, you may suspect a cold or stomach virus. However, it could be arthritis.

In fact, arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the USA and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain veterinarians are called upon to treat.

As dogs age, they become more susceptible to this debilitating ailment.  With the same symptoms as arthritis in humans, this joint disease is related to the loss of cartilage in joints. It causes pain, stiffness, and immobility in the knees, hips, ankles, and other joints.

Symptoms of Canine Arthritis

How do you know if it’s arthritis? After all, your dog can’t tell you how he feels and where it hurts. Therefore, you should watch for some of the indicators that your pet may be suffering from arthritis.

• A declining interest in walks and other physical activities.
• Your dog becomes fatigued more quickly than usual.
• He may be unwilling to climb stairs.
• Difficulty getting to his feet from a reclining position.
• His movements are stiffer than normal and may include a limp.
• It seems to take your dog longer than usual to prepare to lie down.
• Sleeping longer and excessive weight gain.

Treatment of Canine Arthritis

WARNING: While the symptoms of arthritis may appear to be the same for both humans and dogs, NEVER give your dog medications that are intended for human use. Certain medications can be toxic to dogs — especially ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Also remember that a safe dosage level of any pain killer will differ among various sizes and breeds of dogs.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from arthritis you should take him to your veterinarian for a physical exam. The best thing to do for your dog in managing his arthritis is to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible. Therapy may include:

- Regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain proper weight. Extra pounds pressing on painful joints should be avoided.

- Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common form of doctor prescribed pharmaceutical therapy for arthritis in dogs.

- Non-prescription nutritional supplements have also been shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Popular Nutritional Supplements for Joint Pain

Nutritional supplements for joint pain work by lubricating the joints to reduce stiffness and the pain of bone rubbing on bone. Before choosing the supplement that’s right for you, take a few minutes to examine a list of some of the more effective and commonly used products:

• Flexpet with CM8: Flexpet with CM8™ is a new scientific breakthrough in your pet’s joint health that is different from anything else on the market. Flexpet will relieve pain caused by Dog Arthritis, Cat Arthris, and all forms of arthritis or pet osteoarthritis that affect your pets. CM8™ is a patented compound in this breakthrough all-natural formulation that is clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in your dog, cat or any other pet. The combinations of ingredients in Flexpet with CM8™ are especially designed to nourish the joints, support stronger cartilage, help stimulate the lubricatng fluid in the joints and increase total mobility. CM8™ is the clinically proven ingredient in FlexPet that cannot be found in any other product on the market. Flexpet is NOT to be confused with one of those terrible tasting liquids your pet will refuse to ingest.

• Cosequin: Cosequin provides basic joint support and Cosequin Plus (with perna mussel) helps keep healthy dogs active. Cosequin DS (double strength) is recommended for large dogs (50+ lbs). Cosequin Multi provides joint maintenance with the added benefit of vitamins and minerals; available in formulations for small or large dogs. Tasty chewable tablets or bonelet treats.Recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide, Cosequin is renowned for the purity of its ingredients and its fast-acting pain relief.

• Natural Vet Blends Arthritis Hip and Joint Chewables: Natural Vet Blends Chewables provide a natural innovative way to help promote healthy joint function in dogs of all ages and sizes.like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Hyaluronic Acid, this is a quality supplement for active dogs.  No need to fight with your dog trying to get them to take pills as our great tasting liver-flavored chewable tablets makes giving supplements a pleasure.

• Doctors Foster and Smith Maximum Joint Support Kit: This kit offers a three-pronged approach to sustain your dog’s hip and joint health! It includes:  Omega-3 Gel Caps, a foundational support to help maintain your pet’s overall health. It also includes Joint Care 2, an advanced glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplement to maintain smooth movement of joints and offer superior joint support. Finally, also included are delicious Joint Guard® Treats with perna mussel and MSM. These products work in synergy to offer maximum support of healthy joints

• Glyco-Flex: This effective joint treatment is made from glucosamine, extract of perna mussel, and Dimethylglycine (DMG), an antioxidant which promotes healthy circulation and oxygen flow. Dogs find the tablets’ smoky flavor appealing.

• Duralactin: This anti-inflammatory pet medication and nutritional aid is formulated primarily from MicroLactin, a special milk protein that reduces joint swelling without causing intestinal irritation. The all-natural treatment includes only all-natural, food-grade substances.

  SynoviG3: SynoviG3 for dogs is a comprehensive formulation providing high concentrations of Glucosamine, MSM, Creatine, and glycosaminoglycans. It is fortified with antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It supports joint function and flexibility, and helps strengthen joint cartilage. It is available as moist soft chews with enhanced palatability, or as granules.

• Nutri-Vet Hip and Joint for Dogs: Nutri-Vet Hip & Joint provides natural ingredients that support joint function and connective tissue to help your dog stay active and enjoy life. These highly palatable, liver-flavored chewable tablets are the easy way to add glucosamine hydrochloride with ester-C to your dog’s diet. Made in the USA.

• Super Joint Omega: This supplement contains a powerful combination of Omega-3 fish oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin with a tasty caramel flavor in a convenient gel cap for dogs and cats. Its high-potency formula helps maintain healthy joints and support healthy cells, skin and coat, heart, brain, eyes, and energy levels for your pets.

• Arthro-IonX™: Arthro-IonX™ uses a proprietary blend of 74 oligotherapy ingredients to help increase your pet’s vitality immediately. Oligotherapy uses traces minerals to support enzymatic function, and can speed up your dog’s metabolism on the cellular level. It is fortified with targeted nutrients and minerals that have been researched worldwide for their ability to support joint health. These nutrients can help your pet live an overall healthy lifestyle, and once again feel the vitality he’s been longing for.

  

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