Pet Arthritis Relief

Our pets cannot speak for themselves so unless we know the symptoms and understand the options available, we will not be prepared to provide for our favorite pets’ aches and pains. Arthritic joint pain needs special attention and we want to help our pets with this painful problem. Join us as we look at the options, review the symptoms and medications and provide the answers to best support your decision. Our pets surely deserve that!

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One major important factor to most owners of aging and arthritic canines is comfort. Pet owners want to see their animal family member happy and free of pain.

Along with comforting their animal through pet medicine and treatments, many dog owners desire to create the perfect resting spot for their canine. While young, healthy, and active dogs often require much less thought when it comes to their bedding, special circumstances are often given to older, arthritic pets.

There are several different factors to consider when choosing the right bed to comfort arthritis in dogs. Orthopedic beds are a very popular choice. However, within this category come even more decisions for pet owners to make.

Does Your Dog Need an Orthopedic Bed?

If your pet suffers from any of the following orthopedic trouble signs or symptoms, then an orthopedic dog bed may be right for your animal.

1…Apparent stiffness getting up from a resting position

2…Limping or appearing stiff after exercising or playing

3…Trouble jumping or climbing stairs

4…Moving slowly under normal conditions

Why Choose and Orthopedic Bed to Ease Dog Joint Pain?

Orthopedic foam beds for dogs are extra thick. They help distribute the dog’s weight so that pressure points, stiffness, and soreness from uneven surfaces are eliminated. These beds, like other dog beds, also provide the pet with protection from hard floor surfaces. They give insulation against drafts and coldness that often contributes to sore joints.

When your pet is happy and comfortable in his bed, he will not seek other locations to sleep. This will prevent additional pain and injury from the dog jumping onto sofas and other soft places.

Types of Orthopedic Beds to Comfort Arthritis in Dogs

Orthopedic pets beds can be used to help ease pain from arthritis in cats and dogs. Several different options exist when shopping for one of these resting pillows. Check for these types of bedding.

1…Standard orthopedic beds: Provide comfort and reduction of pain to pressure points

2…Super Orthopedic beds: Offer extra support and a waterproof layer to prevent water and urine saturation

3…Heated Orthopedic beds: Provide extra comfort with a removable heating unit

4…Wellness bed: Offer both heated comfort and vibrations to mimic a massage

5…Coil Orthopedic beds: Highest quality of pet bed with the most support and comfort available

Factors to Consider when Buying Orthopedic Pet Beds

Before making a hasty decision and purchasing an orthopedic dog bed, it is important to analyze your pet’s needs.

Consider the following:

1…The size of the bed you need: Make sure that the bed is not too large or too small for your pet.

2…The location of the bed’s placement: Some beds are more suitable for outdoor use while others work best indoors.

3…The needs of your pet: If your dog suffers from severe arthritis and dog joint pain, then a more supportive bed

4…with additional features is a best option.

5…Your budget: High quality orthopedic pet beds can be expensive. You may want to compare prices at a variety of stores.

In addition to pet medicine, choosing the right bedding for your dog can make a big difference in easing the pain of arthritis and sore joints.

While the investment you make in an orthopedic bed may be costly during the initial purchase, it can ultimately help you extend the comfort and life of your pet.

By Dr. Jack Stevens

As is the case with humans, restricted mobility and increased lethargy are tell-tale signs of arthritis in dogs. In the United States, roughly 20% percent of our “furry family” members suffer from arthritis. Fortunately, once pet parents have identified these signs, treatment can begin immediately. This is critical, because arthritis left untreated can progress to permanent immobility in your beloved pet. Your first step should be a visit to your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian can help diagnose and prescribe treatment for your pet’s arthritis. With their knowledge of pets and arthritis, data from your pet’s medical history, and results of a combination of physical exam, x-rays, blood tests, and MRI imaging, they can properly and specifically diagnose the type of arthritis from which your pet is suffering. (Be sure to check with your pet insurance provider, as many of these expenses are covered under comprehensive policies.) Whether it is osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, your veterinarian is best-equipped to provide your pet with the safest, most efficacious arthritis treatment.

Upon diagnosis of your pet’s condition, your vet will prescribe medication and/or therapy to treat your pet’s arthritis. Do not administer any over-the-counter medications (especially human painkillers) to your pet without prior approval from a licensed veterinarians, as this could produce severe – and sometimes fatal – outcomes. Steroids and anti-inflammatories can work for pets, alleviating pain, swelling and inflammation in their joints.

In some cases, surgical procedures such as arthroscopy, arthrodesis, or complete joint replacement are performed to remove and/or correct abnormal joint alignment and remove broken fragments of damaged bones. However, surgery does not work for all pets suffering from arthritis; below are some homeopathic, less invasive arthritis therapies to consider:

1.    Dog massage - a good massage can relax your dog’s joints, alleviating the “seizing up” or stiffening they experience with painful arthritis; it can also be an excellent remedy for your pet’s sluggishness. Ask your vet to demonstrate proper massage technique on your pet for you; although you are well-intended, your pet is already in pain from the arthritis and you do not want to aggravate their discomfort by massaging them too aggressively, etc.;

2.    Heat treatments – just like their pet parents, when dogs suffering from arthritis are exposed to cold, it can exacerbate the condition, causing more pain. Applying heat can soothe the irritation and discomfort; hot water bottles work well;

3.    Joint lubricants – ask your veterinarian about medications and/or supplements that combat arthritis and encourage an increased production of joint lubricant, as well as cartilage regeneration;

By combining the therapies listed above, you can significantly alleviate your pet’s arthritic symptoms. Remember, however, that your first step in diagnosing and treating your pet’s arthritis should be a visit to your veterinarian for a comprehensive evaluation.

Pets Best Insurance is located in Boise, Idaho and provides [http://www.petsbest.com]pet insurance for the healthcare of dogs and cats. Jack Stephens, DVM is the president and co-founder of Pets Best and was the original founder of pet health insurance in the United States.

Learn more about the history of pet insurance at http://www.petsbest.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Arthritis in dogs is a quiet common condition. While older canines are more susceptible to joint conditions, more and more pets as young as six years old are suffering from arthritis.

Just as arthritis in humans, the pain caused in your pet’s joints is caused from several different factors. Once you have identified the problem, you can begin carrying out measures to treat and alleviate the discomfort felt by your canine.

In addition to pet medicine and surgery, there are several simple tasks that pet owners can take to make life simpler and easier for their arthritic dog.

Special Sleeping Arrangements for Comforting Dog Joint Pain

When your dog sleeps well at night, its body has time to complete some repair and well needed rest for better functioning in the morning. Cool drafts and hard floors are bad sleeping conditions for sore joints. Choose soft and thick orthopedic dogs beds for your pet’s comfort. If the pet is keep outdoors, ensure that you have an insulated doghouse that will prevent your pet from getting too cold. Consider letting your dog sleep indoors during winter months.

Controlling Arthritis in Dogs through Diet

Excessive weight only adds more pressure on already aching muscles and inflamed joints. If your pet is overweight, cut back on the amount of treats that you feed it. Look for foods specially designed for dogs that need fewer calories. In addition, be cautious about feeding your pet table foods. A good healthy weight can help reduce sore joints and increase your dog’s activity level.

Reduce Dog Joint Pain with Exercise

While your canine may be reluctant to get up and play, low impact exercise is good for establishing blood flow in inflamed joints. Increasing muscle tone will also help support the weaker arthritis joints. Place your dog on a regular exercise schedule through walking it or some other form of pet and owner interaction.

Special Treatment for Pets with Arthritis

There are a few special actions that you can carry out to help make life easier for pets. Whether it is arthritis in cats or dogs, simply being aware and attentive to the special needs of the animal can go a long way. Try measures such as raising food and water bowls so that the animal does not have to bend over as far. Place ramps connecting the ground and high areas in which your pet likes to reach. Carpeted stairs next to couches and chairs are also a great way to give your pet independence. Allow your animal to use a ramp to get into and out of the vehicle.

In addition to pet medicine, pet owners can carry out a variety of treatments to soothe the aching joints of their arthritic animals. The goal of successfully managing the arthritis of your pet is to lessen as much of the joint pain as possible and give your animal a happy quality of life.

Try to create conditions that allow your dog to carry out all of its favorite activities despite of its condition.