Arthritis in Dogs

A common issue

40% of all dogs, and up to 80% of all aged dogs experience Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

In healthy joints, the cartilage (the lubricating layer of tissue over the end of the bone within the joint) allows the bones to smoothly glide over each other and also provides shock absorption.

When arthritis is present, the cartilage breaks down (or degenerates) and wears away. Unfortunately, as a result of this degeneration, damaged joints and sensitive bones rub together during movement. The swelling and loss of motion which follows is often quite painful and ongoing (also known as chronic arthritis).

Unfortunately, arthritis is a degenerative disease which must be managed. There is no cure, but management can really improve your dog's day to day life.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

  • Reduced playfulness

  • Limping or looking awkward when moving

  • Stiffness and difficulty rising, climbing stairs etc.

  • Reducing jumping onto the lounge/bed

  • Change in personality

  • Yelping in pain, increased vocalisation

  • Lagging behind in walk, or unwillingness to exercise

  • Licking joints

Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs

Treatment for Arthritis varies depending on the severity of the clinical signs your dog is showing, costs and response to treatments seen in your dog.

Please know human medication is not appropriate and could be harmful to your pet.

Below are some therapies that may be used. A combination of these therapies generally gives the best result for your dogs' arthritis.

  • Medical therapy – medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. These are used to reduce inflammation and to help control joint pain. These can come in tablet form or a course of injections. 

  • Dietary Supplements – natural products that can relieve chronic arthritic pain. See below for specific examples.

  • Prescription diets. See below.

What diet changes can help your dog with Arthritis?

These dietary supplements are natural products that can help.

  • Fish oils – Paws and Claws fish oil or human fish oil capsules.

  • Sasha's Blend/Pernease powder – marine products in powder form.

  • Glucosamine tablets – both animal and human preparations are available e.g. Naturvet.

  • Joint Guard – animal formulation of glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. Available in powder and liver treat form.

  • 4cyte – animal formulation of epiitalis, available in palatable granules. This has been shown to improve clinical signs within 10 days.

Hill's J/D is a prescription diet specifically designed to improve mobility by decreasing inflammation in the joints and slowing the progression of arthritis. This is a complete diet that can entirely replace your pets' current diet.

At our clinic, there is a 100% money back guarantee on this product if your dog does not eat it.

Remember, to get the most out of therapy for arthritis, we recommend a combination of the treatments above.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you think your pet is or could be showing signs of arthritis. Caring for your pets is our main goal, so please call us on 6884 9900 and we’ll do our best to assist you.

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