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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Your pet is an important member of your family. Keeping him or her healthy will give them a longer life, and you and your family more time to enjoy their loyal companionship. Pets have health care needs that are in many ways much like that of humans. They are also vulnerable to diseases that only animals can be stricken with and adequate preventative care for pets is essential for helping them avoid these.

Most likely, you already know from taking your pets to the vet that they need yearly inoculations to protect them from rabies, distemper, and other common animal diseases They also need to be tested for heartworm once a year and to be placed on heartworm prevention medicine such as that made by Heartguard and Interceptor, for example. There are other tests your veterinarian may choose to give your pet to  identify any potential health problems  that exist. When health problems are found, your veterinarian can recommend certain pet medicines for treating your pet and restoring their health. Flea and tick medicines are commonly used by pet owners to help keep their pets and homes free from these disease-carrying pests. These are available in prescription and nonprescription formulas. For tested effectiveness and for the safety of your pet, however, it might be wiser to choose prescription flea and tick medicines to treat your pet with.

Many preventative care for pets can be used as preventatives to ward off the development of health problems in your pets. Boosting your pet’s immune system and helping body organs to function correctly will strengthen your pet’s health and prolong their life. Pets can fall prey to many human aliments like bladder infections, gastro-intestinal disturbances, kidney stones, liver deficiencies, allergies, lung and breathing disorders, muscle and joint weakness, osteoarthritis, and much more. Antibiotics, anti-fungals, and other prescription medicines are given to lessen symptoms for pets suffering from these health issues, and also as a way of preventing pets from getting sick in the first place.

Some pets have the nasty and seriously harmful habit of eating their own waste or the waste of other animals. Animal waste can harbor bacteria and diseases that are very harmful to your pets. Using a pet medicine such as Forbid and similar products to discourage pets from eating waste will help keep them from engaging in this unhealthy activity. Other pets have a habit of licking themselves incessantly. Stress, anxiety, boredom, and learned behavior are some of the reasons pets do this. This can lead to loss of fur and skin irritations. A pet medicine that has an unpleasant taste or odor is often successful in teaching pets not to lick themselves excessively.

Nutrition is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Like humans, pets need to get proper neutrition for strong health. You might find it surprising to learn that the commercial food you are feeding your pet may not be giving them all  the nutrition they need . The package says it provides complete nutrition for your pet; however, manufactured pet foods do not contain all of the nutrients your pet would get from a ‘wild’ diet derived from plant and animal sources. The solution to helping your pet stay strong and healthy as a domesticated member of your family is to supplement their diet of pet foods with nutritional pet medicines. These are often called health or nutritional supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements such as fatty acids, omega3, vitamin E, and other nutritional supplements can bolster your pet’s diet, giving them the nutrients they need to maintain strong health.

Did you know that regularly bathing and grooming your pet is an important part of helping them to stay strong and healthy? Shampoos made especially for dogs and cats help wash bacteria, debris, and insects from your pet’s body. Regular washing of your pet may also reveal skin irritations that might otherwise remain hidden under a thick coat of fur. Pet medicated shampoos that also contain lotions, can help alleviate dry skin conditions on your pet and restore skin health for your pet. Brushing your pet’s fur keeps it from matting, which can trap dirt and pests in the fur and make your pet uncomfortable. There are brushes and combs made especially for use on dogs or cats. De-shedders keep both you and your pets happy. They like the pleasurable sensations caused by the brushing, your pets coat will be really shiny and you will like not having stray fur all over the place. Trimming your pet’s nails is also important for their health and not just for saving your floors and furniture from scratches. Untrimmed pet nails can grow inwards and penetrate your pet’s paws. This can be very painful, encourages the growth of bacteria, and can even limit your pet’s mobility. There are several popular pet nail trimmers that make trimming your pet’s nails easy on you and them.

The best way to keep your pet strong and healthy is vigilance on your part to make sure that you have provided them with all the veterinary, nutritional, and preventative health care possible. You love your pet; help them stay strong and healthy for a long, happy life as a member of your family.

By: Brian Jenkins1

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as pet meds.

If you have any health questions concerning dogs you may find some answers below

Dog Anxiety – Fear Of Thunderstorms, And Other Dog Fears

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in holistic dog health. Her site, Healthy Happy Dogs, has pages and pages of information on improving your dog’s health naturally.

Pets | Dog Health Care Article: How To Avoid A Dog Ear Infection

In this article, How To Avoid A Dog Ear Infection Or Other Canine Ear Problems , we investigate the some causes of ear infections and other related ear problems as well as providing some pratical advice on how to keep your dog’s ear

Regular Dental Examinations Provide Early Detection Of Oral Tumors

During a pet’s annual health wellness examination, a veterinarian performs an oral and dental examination, but in the time between visits, regular home dental care can help an owner identify oral and dental diseases.

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Ever wondered if there’s something you can do at home to

prevent or treat cat urinary problems ?

Here’s a list of five natural remedies for cat bladder infection, along with how to choose the best natural remedies for pets.

Feed Your Cat A High-Quality Canned Food

But, you say, this isn’t a natural remedy. Actually it is.  Feeding your cat the best diet possible is the easiest natural way to keep him healthy and prevent future problems due to poor nutrition.

Did you know that cats that eat only dry food are chronically dehydrated? Dry food has an extremely low moisture level, compared to canned food. Cats are meant to get most of their water from their food, so many of them don’t drink enough water, which can lead to cat urinary problems.

Fresh, Clean, Water Is A Must

Lots of clean, fresh water is another natural remedy that promotes bladder health in your cat. Your tap water may taste funny to your cat, so give him filtered water to make it more appealing to him. If your cat still won’t drink enough, you can add a little extra water to his canned food to increase his moisture intake.

Recommended Supplements

If your cat is suffering from a feline bladder infection, try giving him between 250 and 500 milligrams of vitamin C every day. Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to relieve the pain of a cat bladder infection. It helps an irritated, inflamed bladder to heal itself, too.

Vitamin C can cause diarrhea if the dosage is too high, so start on the low side and work up to determine the best size dose for your kitty.

Cranberry is an old natural remedy that prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Avoid the super-sweet cranberry juice at the grocery store, and give your cat cranberry capsules instead.

Herbal Pet Remedies

Many of these same herbs that people have been using for centuries can be used on pets, too. The best-known herbal pet remedies for feline urinary tract infections are uva ursi and Oregon graph holly.

Uva ursi is a strong diuretic that kills bacteria in the bladder, and also supports urinary system health.

Oregon grape holly contains berberine, a natural antibiotic that’s effective against strep and staph bacteria. It also relieves inflammation in the bladder.

Homeopathic Remedies For Cat Bladder Infection

Cantharis is a homeopathic remedy that is very effective for relieving pain. It’s also useful when your cat is straining to empty his bladder, since it gets rid of the feeling that the bladder is still full, even after it’s just been emptied.

Staphysagria also relieves pain and promotes healing of inflamed tissues.

How To Choose The Best Natural Remedies For Pets

You’re probably wondering how you’re going to give your cat four different herbs and homeopathic remedies. Wonder no more. There is a product available now that combines all four of these traditional remedies. It’s safe and effective, as well as being easy to use.

You’ll be relieved to know that you can give this remedy right along with any antibiotic treatment your cat is on. This herbal remedy for pets doesn’t interfere with the antibiotics in any way. And you can continue giving your cat this remedy to support bladder health long after the antibiotic is finished.

Now that you’re armed with this information, you can prevent cat urinary problems from sneaking up on your feline friend.

Here are some more very useful tips  and information about cat health and urinary issues

Crystallized Cat Urine
Crystallized Cat Urine. I have two adult cats, one about 13 and the other about six or seven. I have read lots about cats having difficulty urinating, urinating in odd places, etc. and crystals in their urine.

Serious Cat Urine Prevention Tips
NEVER EVER punish the cat by kicking, hitting, chasing, screaming or rubbing their nose in their urine (remember the smell doesn’t bother them).

By: Darlene Norris

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com. 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.

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