Sponsored By
Do you weigh your dog frequently?
Yes
No
My dog gets weighed at the vet’s office



Printer Friendly Bookmark and Share
Sponsored By

Dog Arthritis Treatments

New arthritis treatments help aching dogs get back on their feet.

Carol Brzozowski-Gardner

Page 4 of 4


Owners may alleviate an arthritic dog's pain in some low-tech ways, too. Of utmost importance is weight reduction, which prevents and treats degenerative joint disease. Additionally, owners can:

  • Engage their dogs in regular moderate exercise. Swimming is especially favorable, because it maintains muscle mass without stressing arthritic joints.

  • Make a dog's sleeping arrangements warm and cozy. Apply heat in the form of a warm water bottle or towel over affected joint areas. Warm clothes also are recommended when it's cold outside.

  • Massage the sore area with gentle, circular motions.

  • Raise water and food bowls off the floor or purchase an elevated feeding system so the dog doesn't have to lower its head.
  • Install ramps to help dogs climb stairs. For a dog having trouble, sling a towel underneath its belly.

Drug and holistic remedy manufacturers continue to study more products. "I think we will see further studies with agents that are considered safer," Dr Johnston said. "With the chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine products...more information should become available to us on those and how effective they are and under what conditions they should be used.

"I also believe more nonsteroidal products will become available to us as various drug companies discover the market in veterinary medicine."

The Rennicks attempted some over-the-counter approaches, that primarily center on buffered aspirin, before deciding on carprofen. While the drug makes their Collie sleepy for about an hour after he takes the drug, Cathey Rennick has seen no other side effects.

Although the drug is expensive on their budget, Cathey wanted to keep Murphy pain-free: "Fifty dollars a month isn't much to spend for a puppy who has been such a good watch dog and faithful friend."

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Posted: Tue Jan 30 00:00:00 PST 2001

 Give us your opinion on
Dog Arthritis Treatments
Submit a Comment
Reader Comments
I have a 13-year old pit-bull dog and she developed arthritis in her left hind leg about two years ago. My vet recommended that I give her Glucosamine Chondroitin supplements three times a day. Because she is only 50 pounds, I gave it to her only twice a day. A few months ago, she developed a pancreatic infection and a stomach ulcer. She was drinking water excessively throughout the day. We took her to the vet and sure enough she did have a pancreatic infection and ulcer. She was on antibiotics and other medication to treat her ulcer. After a week, she was healed. The vet was surprised that she healed and infection was gone. So since then I have not put her back on the Glucosamine Chondroitin supplements because I think the long-term side effects of those supplements may have caused her pancreatic infection and stomach ulcer. At this point, I am still researching healthy alternative treatments for my dog. I hope to find some other solutions in the near future.
Mary, Destin, FL
Posted: 9/30/2008 12:45:05 PM
Can anypone suggest a repuptable brand for getting my dog some supplements to treat his arthritis ex: Glucosamine hydrochloride, fish oil etc. Are some brands better then others? Is it best from a vet or just @ Petsmart etc.., Thanks for any helpyler
Tyler, Costa Mesa, CA
Posted: 7/28/2008 5:07:16 PM
View Current Comments

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email:

Grooming Your Dog
Buy Now
Healthy Puppy
Buy Now
House-training Your Dog
Buy Now

Dogs & Puppies
Dog Activities dog shows, dog show news, Westminster, dog sports, dog fun, working dogs
Dog Breeds Labrabor Retriever, Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Boxer, Mixed Breeds
Dog Care dog vaccination, dog microchipping, dog grooming, dog neutering, dog spaying, dog nutrition, natural dog remedies, natural dog prevention, natural dog treatments, natural dog care success stories, fleas & ticks, dog obesity, senior dogs
Dog Diseases dog cancer, dog diabetes, dog epilepsy, dog hip dysplasia, sick dog
Dog Experts Allan Reznik dog breed expert, dog show expert, veterinary expert, dog grooming expert, dog training expert, Cesar Millan, dog adoption expert, dog rescue expert
Dog Magazines DOG FANCY, Dog World, Dogs for Kids, Dogs in Review, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, Popular Dog Series, Natural Dog
Dog Medication dog allergy medication, dog pain medication, dog anxiety medication, dog flea medication
Dog News entertainment news, dog laws, seasonal tips, good dog news, dog health news
Dog Pictures puppy pictures, funny dogs, cute dogs, dog breeds, sleeping dogs, silly dogs, small dogs
Dog Products dog bowls, dog crates, dog toys, dog beds, dog ramps, dog food storage, dog tags
Dog Symptoms dog vomiting, dog limping, dog diarrhea, dog bad breath, dog coughing, dog seizures
Dog Training dog aggression, dog barking, dog chewing, dog behaviorDog Whisperer, dog containment, housetraining
Living with Dogs dog travel, family dog, dog-friendly home, dog-friendly yard, dog style, dog trends, dog exercise
Puppies ready for a puppy, puppy health, puppy nutrition, puppy breeders, puppy training, socialization, housetraining, spay-neuter, new puppy checklist
More Dog Topics dog videos, dog books, Club Dog
DogChannel Facebook
DogChannel Twitter
Sponsored by


Hi my name's Lucky #155272~ Thank you everyone for DOTD!!

Visit the Photo Gallery to
cast your vote!