A degenerative joint disease

Much of the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joint is what causes the pain and disability in the dog as it ages.

Having a cartilage that has been injured lends itself to releasing inflammation-causing enzymes. This disrupts the elasticity and the ability of the joint capsule to nourish and heal itself.

A dog that is arthritic will usually not vocalize its discomfort. a dog may simply refuse to walk for any distance like it used to before. laying down becomes a difficult task for them. Some dogs plainly have difficulty going up and down stairs, let alone attempting to get up or off of a couch or bed.

Dysplasia

The joints most susceptible to arthritis are the knees, elbows and hips. It is when they are young puppies that the developmental disease dysplasia is developed. This is noticed when they are approximately one or two years of age. If there has been arthritic damage done, it can not be reversed. The severity and symptoms can be minimized through various treatments. To take a non-surgical approach, there are three steps to adhere to. The dog’s weight must be kept under control, they need regular exercise, and some method of pain relief may be necessary to increase their quality of life and slow down the progression.

A normal joint is made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The integrity of a joint capsule is important for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms, and a smooth gliding function. Proper synovial fluid production is required to ensure metabolic waste removal from the cartilage as well as supplying nutrients and lubrication.

Canine Osteoarthritis

The wear and tear joint disease is Osteoarthritis. In the progression of OA, there is an increase on the load of the cartilage from the subchondral bone thickening. This leads to further damage and pain in the joint. A decrease in range of motion as well as reduced functioning, is secondary to the low-grade inflammatory process and joint capsular thickening.

Chondroprotectants and Nutraceuticals are effective and popular for treating dogs with arthritis. A thorough treatment plan for arthritis includes weight loss, exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, pain management, nutritional therapy and possibly surgery.

Solutions

By reducing the weight of the dog, it lessens the forces placed upon the abnormal joint surfaces. Any dog with hip dysplasia will only benefit from a reduction in their weight. Swimming is the ultimate exercise for a dog with arthritis. All of the joints are mobilized without excessive strain and weight placed upon them. They reach a great range of motion and actually feel good while exercising.

One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.

Nutraceuticals such as chondroitin and glucosamine also have anti-inflammatory properties. They are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis and can be used with other products. It has been shown that they reduce the swelling and help with the pain. Glucosamine HCL is one of the best since it is easily absorbed into the joint.

Some herbal supplements that have been used for centuries in India are Boswellia and Tumeric. These naturally fight joint inflammation and are effective in reducing pain. Devils Claw and Ginger are also very helpful in the treatment of arthritis.

If you want to change the course of the disease, relieve the pain from it and use something totally natural, Acupuncture has been around for centuries. The results on animals is astounding.

Another method of treatment for arthritis is Homeopathy. Causticum is useful for an older dog that has less pain with heat. Rhus Tox is very effective for joints that are worse in cold damp weather and stiff upon rising. When the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather use Bryonia. Check with your dog’s health care practitioner for correct dosages for your individual dog.

Some simple modifications in the home can help with canine arthritis. Using ramps is very helpful for assisting with the dog getting up or down from places and instead of using stairs. Elevated food bowels minimize back and neck strain. Heated beds help with painful, stiff, achy joints. There are many options available for treating arthritis in dogs. Have surgery and drugs be a last resort, for the well-being of your dog.

About the Author:

Helga Schmitt has been keenly exploring and researching dog health, physiotherapy and rehabilitation actively for the past 20 years. She is a Chartered Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist and she holds a Certificate in Homeopathy. She strives to educate dog owners about healthy choices. For your Free dog Health Book and to read more on dog arthritis, go to www.treatment-for-dogs.com.

Totally Natural and Safe Remedies to Help Your Dog’s Arthritis

A degenerative joint disease, arthritis inflicts dogs just as it does humans. Much of the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joint is what causes the pain and disability in the dog as it ages. 

Dog Arthritis Treatments – Totally Natural

For help with dog arthritis pain, Omega-3 fatty acids are hugely beneficial. Not only do these help with the pain associated with arthritis, they normalize the immune system and prevent abnormal cell growth.

Training Dog Guide Dog Pain Relief Options

It is important that you choose one of the dog pain relief options for your pet so that they no longer have to live with the pain and discomfort of arthritis. None of these options are difficult, and your pet will thank you for it. 

Let us know what you think. Please add your comments below

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Traditional veterinary medicine, much like in the human world, is often based on treating symptoms rather than the cause, or the underlying problem. Alternative horse therapies, on the other hand, are ancient forms of treatment that take a holistic approach to the whole body, mind, and spirit of the horse, to treat the underlying causes of problems manifesting in the body, and promote an overall sense of well being.

There are many types of alternative horse therapy treatments used to treat a large range of problems that your horse may be experiencing. It is recommended that alternative treatments be used regularly as a preventative treatment, rather than having to use them as a treatment after damage has been done. Below are some of the most commonly practiced alternative therapies for equine treatment, and well being.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, as an alternative therapy, which uses tiny needles inserted into meridians, or certain parts of the horse body, to maintain the horses balance, as well as promote good overall health. The examination and treatment requires close observation of the horse to identify the points of the body that need the treatment.

Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic treatments also need close observation of the horse, after a close observation the horse body is then manipulated to improve the flexibility of the horses spine, and joints. Horse chiropractic therapy is much the same as human chiropractic therapy and can increase the performance of a horse by moving joints into place to assist with overall performance.

Body Work

Bodywork is the term used for massage therapy, which treats soreness in the horse muscles. Unlike chiropractic therapy; bodywork concentrates on the horses muscles, rather than joints. This therapy is used to promote efficient movement by taking away the soreness in the horse muscles.

Homeopathy
Using naturally occurring substances diluted down to minute particles are the basics of homeopathy medicine. This therapy is used for treating diseases in a horse body. Homeopathy is an ancient Chinese form of medicine, which has been used successfully with horses and humans alike to treat a large range of diseases, and illnesses. Homeopathy is usually used along with other alternative therapies, such as chiropractic, bodywork, and acupuncture.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses fragrances that can affect the mood of a horse, assist in healing, and promote a sense of wellness. Aromatherapy is often used alongside herbs in a horse diet, to reduce irritation of the digestive tract, for better overall health, and well being.

Other Physical Therapies
There are many physical therapies being introduced to treat pain in horse tissues, and bones. Some of these therapies are known as magnetic therapy, laser therapies, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound, and are often used by veterinarians.

In most cases, the horse body can heal itself without medicines, synthetic, or alternative. But when natural therapies are used, they provide quicker healing times, and a feeling of overall well being, which will put the horses body into the healing mode faster, and possibly reduce healing times considerably.

Kelvin Ho

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/alternative-horse-therapy-101862.html

Alternative Equine Therapy

Practicing horses to render healing therapy to people is often named equine-assisted therapy, alterative horse riding, or adaptative riding. 

Animal Therapy  Natural Health Alternative

In fact, my Hypertension No More Program was inspired by the horse training methods I observed and have used with my own horses. Growing up on a farm gave me plenty of opportunity to observe and even compare the socialization of animals 

Alternative Horse Therapy

There are many types of alternative horse therapy treatments used to treat a large range of problems that your horse may be experiencing. It is recommended that alternative treatments be used regularly as a preventative treatment

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If your female dog leaks urine, it’s important for you deal with this problem. Don’t ignore female dog incontinence, as it can cause many problems for both you and your dog.

Signs And Symptoms Of Female Dog Incontinence

The most noticeable sign of this problem is a wet spot or urine puddle where your dog has been sleeping. You’ll see it when she gets up. You may even observe that she’s unable to control the urine leaks.

Your dog’s bottom may also be red and raw due to urine scald. Urine is caustic and irritates the skin if it’s in contact with it for too long. You may also notice that she’s licking her bottom more often, in an effort to keep the area clean. This can lead to further irritation. All in all, it’s an uncomfortable situation for your canine friend.

Another sign of incontinence in female dogs is frequent bladder infections. Bladder infections in dogs are more common in female dogs anyway, because the urethra in females is shorter and broader, which makes it easier for disease-causing bacteria to get into the urinary tract. A pet with female dog incontinence may also have a relaxed urinary sphincter, which makes it even easier for pathogens to enter.

How Can I Help My Incontinent Female Dog?

Your vet can offer several treatments. The first thing to do is to treat the bladder infection, if one exists.

Many times incontinence in female dogs is hormone related. Estrogen is very important for keeping the bladder muscles tight in female dogs. When a dog is spayed, her ovaries and uterus are removed, so her body no longer produces estrogen. This is why this problem often shows up in spayed female dogs between the ages of three and five. Vets will often treat hormone-related incontinence with DES, or diethylstilbestrol.

Another common treatment for incontinence in female dogs is phenylpropanolamine (PPA). This used to be an ingredient in diet pills until it was banned by the FDA for human use. However, it’s still approved for use in animals. Your dog may lose her appetite, and become irritable. Another side effect is changes in blood pressure.

These drugs must be administered to your dog for the rest of her life.

Can Herbal Pet Remedies Help?

Many people are using herbal remedies for various ailments. These natural remedies have stood the test of time and are still being used in many places in the world. The question many pet owners have is, can these herbal remedies be used on their pets?

The answer is yes. Herbal pet remedies are safe and effective, as well as being inexpensive and readily available. It’s important, though to buy these remedies from a reputable company that specializes in producing formulations that are safe for use on pets. Buy only from a company that stands behind its products and offers a money-back guarantee.

In conclusion, people are becoming more cautious about the ingredients in their own medications, so it’s right that they should be concerned about what their pets are taking too.

By: Darlene Norris

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Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can help your incontinent dog, and find the best place to buy them at naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

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How about the use of glucosamine for treating dog arthritic joint pain .

In 1999, glucosamine was the top-selling dietary supplement in the United States, with annual sales of US $288 million. It has become an immensely popular dietary supplement around the world.

It has proven itself again and again though its potential for repairing damaged joints and slowing the progression of arthritis.

Since glucosamine works so well for human arthritis, it is natural to ask: ‘What about dog arthritis?’ Is it safe? Is it effective?

The answer: Yes, it appears to be both safe and effective.

The main safety concern comes from animal studies in which large amounts of glucosamine were given to rats and other animals intravenously, for short periods of time. Under these extreme and usual conditions, glucosamine tended to decrease insulin levels and/or induce insulin resistance. When researchers tested humans with large amounts of intravenous glucosamine, the same thing happened. Hence a concern arose that glucosamine could cause diabetes or make diabetes worse.

Normal therapeutic doses of glucosamine given orally have never been shown to have an adverse effect on insulin levels, insulin resistance or blood sugar levels. Even in diabetic rats and type 2 diabetic humans, normal therapeutic doses of glucosamine taken orally have been shown to have no significant effect on insulin, insulin resistance or blood sugar levels.

Cosequin is the brand name of a glucosamine and chondroitin formulation made to treat dog arthritis, cat arthritis and horse arthritis. It is taken orally and appears to have an excellent safety record.

Cosequin has been seen to have an excellent safety profile. In safety studies, Cosequin given at twice label recommended levels for 30 days in healthy dogs had no adverse effects on blood sugar levels. No clinically significant effects were seen on any biochemical parameter in these studies.

Although no change in blood sugar control would be expected for a diabetic dog, as with the addition of anything new to a diabetic’s regimen, it is advisable to monitor closely.

By: Barbara Allan

Here are some comfortable options for helping relieve the pain of dog arthritis

Doggie Stroller – Allow Your Pampered Pet to Relax!

You can well adorn his wardrobe with the most stylish and fashionable clothes and accessories, and also get him a comfortable dog house and a cozy bed.

The Best Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

These beds provide excellent support and at the same time are extremely soft and comfortable. Typical dog beds are usually one or the other, but only memory foam gives the capability to provide both. 

Dog Beds: Invest Wisely

Dog Bed Just as people appreciate a comfortable bed, dogs appreciate a comfortable dog bed. My dog currently has 3 dog beds; all located in different rooms, and all used throughout the day.

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Barbara Allan is publisher of the website ArthritisArticles.org where expert authors provide info on arthritis treatment and more. Click here for more information on glucosa

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