Dogs can get arthritis as well, and it’s not as uncommon as you might think. It’s important to know the signs of arthritis in dogs, so you can start treatment right away. The earlier you start treatment, the better it is for your dog.
In most cases, dogs with arthritis will be stiffer than normal when they move around or jump up on things. They may also show pain when they move around or use their back legs. Other symptoms include limping and trouble getting up from laying down or lying on their side. In some cases, dogs will have trouble standing up after laying down for a long time.
Arthritis medication for your dog can help relieve these symptoms by reducing swelling and inflammation around the joints in your dog’s body. This will help improve your dog’s mobility and reduce pain that might be caused by arthritis.
Arthritis is a common cause of mobility issues in dogs. Like humans, dogs experience osteoarthritis (OA), which can lead to inflammation and pain in the joints. It’s important to talk with your veterinarian if you notice any signs of OA, like limping or decreased activity levels. And if your vet prescribes medication for your dog’s condition, this handy guide will help you understand what it is and why it might be needed.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, which can be caused by a number of factors. These include age, injury, and genetics. Arthritis can also be caused by infection or obesity. Long-term illness such as diabetes or kidney disease may also contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs. Diet plays a role as well: dogs that consume high-fat diets have been shown to have higher rates of arthritis than those fed low protein/high carbohydrate diets. Poor muscle tone can contribute to joint problems, particularly in older dogs that are less active than younger animals.
Symptoms Of Arthritis Medication For Dogs
If your dog displays any of the following signs, they may be suffering from arthritis:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced mobility
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst
A dog who doesn’t feel like eating is a red flag when it comes to treating arthritis in your pup. If you notice that your dog has stopped eating and does not seem interested in food, be sure to contact your vet immediately. In some cases, dogs will eat normally despite having arthritis. However, this could mean that the pain is so severe that they cannot enjoy their meals as much as before. This may also be an indication that something else is wrong with them beyond just joint pain.
How Does Arthritis Medication For Dogs Work
The medication you choose will work in a variety of ways, depending on the type and severity of your dog’s arthritis. In general, medications work by reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. They may also slow down or stop further damage to the bones and cartilage that make up our pets’ joints.
Some common types of arthritis medications include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These can be given orally or as injections and can help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis by blocking prostaglandins, chemicals produced by the body during an inflammatory response to injury, from reaching their target cells.
- Corticosteroids are used for more severe forms of osteoarthritis because they have potent anti-inflammatory effects on both joint tissue itself as well as the immune system in its entirety; however, these medications should only be used under close supervision due to potential side effects such as high blood pressure, weight gain and increased susceptibility to infection among others
When To Administer Arthritis Medication For Dogs
You should only administer arthritis medication to your dog when he or she is showing symptoms of pain. If you do not see any signs of discomfort, there is no need to give them a dose.
The best time to give arthritis medications for dogs is at the same time every day, for example every morning or evening before dinner. Giving the medication at the same time each day will help ensure that your dog takes it regularly and consistently, which will keep him from feeling any discomfort from lack of relief later on in his life.
When giving a dose of medication for arthritis, place it into food if possible because this will make swallowing easier for your aging dog and could reduce the amount needed per meal depending on how severe his condition may be. Do not combine this type of treatment with other medications unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian as they may interact negatively with each other and cause undesirable side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea (which could result in dehydration).
How To Administer Arthritis Medication For Dogs
This is an important question for many dog owners, and there are several ways to administer medication. The easiest way is to give your dog pills hidden in treats or food. You can also make a paste that contains the medicine and smear it on your dog’s gums (if they will let you).
Another method is to hide pills inside peanut butter or cheese spread that has been warmed slightly by running under hot water. Then use a syringe to squirt some of this peanut butter into your dog’s mouth as though he were taking medicine from his own personal Peanut Butter Puff. If you don’t have access to a syringe, try putting some peanut butter on your finger and tapping it gently against the back of his throat until he swallows it whole like the appetizer course at an upscale restaurant with tablecloths and cloth napkins instead of paper ones you find at fast food joints
Prednisone
Prednisone is one of the most commonly used medications for arthritis pain in dogs. It works by reducing inflammation and swelling, which helps reduce pain as well as improve mobility. The medication can be given orally or intravenously (IV) depending on what works best for your pet and their condition.
Once you start administering Prednisone to your dog, it will take several days before any effects are seen. You may not see a noticeable improvement until after 10–14 days of treatment, but once they do happen they should last anywhere from three to six months depending on how severe your dog’s arthritis was initially.
Prednisone does have some side effects that owners should be aware of when considering this medication for their pets:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight gain
Metacam (Meloxicam)
Metacam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint conditions. It belongs to the group of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors.
Tasty Chews
If your dog is not a fan of taking pills, then Tasty Chews are the way to go. They come in a variety of flavors including beef, chicken and salmon. You can buy them in a variety of sizes as well, depending on how much pain relief you want your dog to have. These treats also come in different strengths and dosage forms such as chewable tablets or gel caps.
Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl)
You may be wondering about the difference between Carprofen and other drugs for arthritis. As you can probably guess, Carprofen is not a steroid. It’s also not a NSAID, COX-2 inhibitor, or narcotic.
So what IS it? Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, just like Rimadyl is for humans. In fact, Carprofen was originally developed as an alternative to Rimadyl.
Actistatin L4 Powder
Actistatin L4 Powder is a natural anti-inflammatory supplement that can help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis in dogs. It works by blocking an enzyme called COX-2, which is responsible for causing inflammation.
While there are no side effects associated with Actistatin L4 Powder, it’s important to note that if your dog weighs less than 8 pounds or has kidney disease, you should avoid using this medication. Additionally, if you notice any changes in behavior or appetite after administering the medication, or if your dog experiences diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues, stop giving them Actistatin L4 Powder immediately and contact your vet for further advice on treatment options.
Final words,
Dog owners who want to prevent arthritis in their pets should keep them active and strong by providing adequate exercise and a healthy diet. If your dog begins showing signs of arthritis, talk to your veterinarian about which medication is right for your dog. Some options may be more appropriate than others, and they can help you decide which option is best for your pet. This article has covered some common drugs used to treat arthritis but it’s important to note that not all medications work for every animal.