As our dog grows older, the tissue that surrounds the joints begins to thin and wear, leading to joint damage and causing inflammation and pain that makes it difficult for the dog to move as he once did. Unfortunately, just as with humans, there is no cure for the condition and treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory drugs.
You might spot early signs of the symptoms of arthritis in your dog – these might include favouring a limb, difficulty in sitting or standing, hesitating when running or jumping, moving stiffly and showing less interest in playing or walking.
Once the condition has been diagnosed, your vet is likely to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with pain relief medication. In extreme cases, surgery might be an option to replace a joint damaged beyond repair. Your vet will recommend the right course of exercise for your pet and the right diet to keep its weight under control and protect painful joints.
The biggest issue facing you as a dog owner is administering effective pain relief to your pet. Your dog cannot tell you how much its joints are hurting and as dogs have a lower pain threshold than humans, your dog might be struggling to deal with the aches that come from arthritis.
Talk to your vet before giving your dog any pain medication that is recommended for humans. Aspirin is often suggested as a good pain reliever but, again, don’t give any to your animal until you’ve been given the go-ahead.
Other well-known pain medications available on prescription from your vet are rimadyl (Carprofen) and polysulphated glycosaminoglycan, which is known as Adequan and when injected, can offer pain relief for up to six months.
Supplements containing omega 3 or glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate can also offer a natural remedy to pain and symptom relief for arthritis in your dog.