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Yes, my best friend suffers from arthritis. My best four legged friend that is. When I discovered that my dog had been diagnosed with arthritis, the next thing I asked my vet was how to treat it best. I was happy to learn there were many options for arthritis treatments for dogs. Since arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs many vets are exposed to this condition. It is also one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.

If your dog is facing arthritis, there are several signs that your dog may exhibit. You might see that your dog is favoring one limb, they may even sleep more, and even have difficulty sitting or standing. Sometimes you may notice that your pet seems to have stiff or sore joints. Other signs of arthritis in your pet might be their hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs. Even more sad is the fact that your dog may have no interest in playing anymore and may even show signs of weight gain. All of these are typical signs of arthritis.

If you are concerned, then make an appointment for your dog to see the vet. It is important to take your dog to their veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. After a complete examination, if your vet reaches a definitive diagnosis of arthritis, then your vet will talk with you about the many available arthritis treatments for dogs. Interestingly enough, these arthritis treatments for dogs are similar to that of humans.

It is important for your dog to have a healthy diet and get exercise to help maintain proper weight. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS, are the most common form of pharmaceutical arthritis treatment for a dog. Also there are over-the counter, OTC, pet treatments such as pills or food that can aide in treating your dog’s arthritis. Be sure to talk with your pet’s vet about these additional options. Some OTC options are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega fatty acids and Boswellin.

Glucosamine is a charged sugar molecule that is a primary component of the extra cellular matrix of cartilage. It absorbs and releases water with each step and so it serves as a shock absorber for your dog’s joints. Glucosamine also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans. These important proteins are found in joints’ cartilage and help to ease your pet’s pain by helping to slow the deterioration of joints.

Chondroitin sulfate, another option, helps to attract fluids into proteoglycan molecules which can help to provide pain relief in two ways. First of all, chondroiten draws nutrients into the cartilage and second it increases the flow of fluid into your pet’s cartilage to add resiliency. It also helps protect existing cartilage from premature degeneration and provides structure and flexibility to the joints, all of which aid in pain reduction and increased flexibility.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are constituents of fish oils that act as anti-inflammatory agents. This helps to reduce pain where inflammation is present.

Boswellin is another form of an over the counter medication used for arthritis treatment for dogs that can help your pet gain some pain relief. Boswellic acids increases the blood supply to your pet’s joints and helps them to maintain the integrity of blood vessels. Boswellin also helps reduce swelling and improves joint mobility.

There are several different arthritis treatments for dogs. Your dog may see improvement within a few weeks. It is important to see your veterinarian to first determine if your dog has arthritis and then which is the best treatment option for them. Your best friend deserves the best treatment and just like us, there is simply no need for your dog to suffer with the pain of arthritisespecially when there are arthritis treatment options available for your dog.

Make the call today and talk with your vet about your dog’s symptoms. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, then do the research, talk with your vet and make a decision to seek appropriate treatment.

Arthritis treatment for dogs is readily available! Call your vet today.