Arthritis pain can be devastating for your dog. As a puppy, your dog was energetic and playful, and it seemed like he never rested. That was before the arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the connective tissue in your dog’s joints deteriorates. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Now that some professionals have questioned the safety of prescription arthritis medications, many pet owners are exploring nonprescription alternatives.
The top nonprescription arthritis treatments might be a good solution for your dog, but you should always talk with your dog’s veterinarian before making any decisions about care. Every dog is an individual with individual needs, and no one understands that better than your dog’s own vet. This article will help you understand some of the nonprescription arthritis treatments that are available on the market.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
One nonprescription method for treating arthritis is glucosamine and chondroitin. These are two supplements that can be useful for treating arthritis in dogs. Both of these supplements help repair the weakened connective tissue and encourage joint lubrication. You can administer this medication in pill form, chewable treats, or as an additive to the dog’s foods. Bear in mind that while treats and tablets are cheaper than liquid additives, your dog can usually absorb the liquid more readily, getting more benefit from the amount given.
Glucosamine and chondroitin can also be used as a preventative treatment so your dog may be able to avoid arthritis. ArthriMAXX, Arthogen, and Arthroflex are three supplements that include both glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin are good choices for nonprescription arthritis treatment.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments
Aspirin may be another treatment option for your arthritic dog. Aspirin is a nonprescription arthritis treatment that if often suggested by veterinarians, but be sure to check with your vet before making any decisions regarding treatment. Be careful when administering aspirin because the pills you can buy at your local grocery store are human doses. Aspirin overdoses can result in stomach problems or internal bleeding. If you give your dog aspirin, it can help ease swelling and give some pain relief.
Fitness and exercise
As your dog ages and struggles with arthritis pain, he may not feel as energetic as he used to. Low energy and a decrease in exercise can lead to weight gain. Sadly, weight gain will only make your dog’s condition worse. If you want to ensure that your dog stays in the best health possible, you should provide your pet with regular and frequent exercise. Not only will regular exercise help your dog stay mobile, it will also encourage fluid circulation. If your dog has significantly decreased his level of physical activity, then it is best to reduce your dog’s diet. Before making changes to your dog’s exercise routine or diet plan, you should be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
Keep warm and comfortable
Of course, when your pet is in pain, your main concern is making the dog comfortable. If you are not able to improve your dog’s condition, you can still provide some pain relief. Sometimes dogs with arthritis wake up in the middle of the night due to pain. While the dog is sleeping, immobility can result in stiffness and pain. Do your best to create comfortable spaces for your dog. If your dog doesn’t have a dog bed, you can still attempt to make a soft and calm space. For serious cases of arthritis, pet owner may want to consider specialized dog beds that are made for arthritic dogs.
Use the top nonprescription treatments with preventative measures to best help your arthritic dog deal with this condition.
