By Beverly Maniago
Arthritis is a condition that affects not only the physical condition of your dog. It is a disease with several sub-classifications, depending on the causes. Apart from trauma or accident, arthritis can also be brought on by infection, aging, or as result of wear or tear. Scientists have identified two of risk factors for arthritis in dogs: genetics and environment. Several large breed dogs are more prone to develop several forms of arthritis compared to smaller breeds. When your pet is also obese, due to sedentary lifestyle and improper nutrition, the extra weight carried also adversely affects the joints.
Symptoms of arthritis in your dog include limping, inability to do activities that they normally love to do, like running and jumping, whimpering, preference to stay in one place for a long time. When dogs are in pain, they may also experience fever, shortness of breath, and dilation of the pupils.
Take your dog to your trusted veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis. You veterinarian can also advice you on the proper way to manage arthritis in your pet, as well as determine whether your dog needs surgery or not. Surgical procedures are sometimes performed on newly developed arthritis in dogs, to halt its progression. Surgery is also done as the last resort, to prevent your dog from going completely lame.
You dog might need to take several drugs to relieve the pain. Most veterinarians recommend the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These types of medications help bring down inflammation of the joint, reduce the swelling, and alleviate pain. NSAIDs work against secretion of prostaglandins, the primary culprit for inflammation. Though not without some side effects, efficacy can still be achieved in dealing with arthritis in your dog, especially if dosage instructions are properly followed. Be sure to give your dog the medication specifically prescribed by your veterinarian, as there are other types of NSAIDs that may cause more harm than good to your beloved pet. Other products that promise pain relief and some degree of relief on the affected joints are the dietary supplements containing chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, or glucosamine HCL. These substances have the capability to repair the damages done on the cartilage, the substance cushioning the friction made by bones in joints. These supplements are available in capsule and liquid forms. One of the better known and trusted formulas is Syn-flex for Pets. Synflex is a liquid glucosamine supplement that provides ten other synergistic arthritis fighting ingredients like chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, yucca, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to name a few. Synflex has 2 formulas, both of which provide amazing results. Syn-flex for Pets in Beef Flavor is their newest product for animals and provides even greater amounts of glucosamine per dose.
Along with medications, you as the owner need to implement some lifestyle modifications on your pet in order to reduce the flare up of arthritis as often as possible. Reduce your pet's extra pounds by doing some low-intensity exercise regimens, like walking on leash and swimming. These activities not only help in weight reduction, it also maintains the flexibility and mobility of affected joints. Provide ramps when your pet needs to get on high places, and keep them in warm environments at all time. Know that just like humans, cold weather also brings a lot of discomfort and pain among dogs with arthritis. Refrain from giving your pet sugary treats all throughout the day, and offer him just the right amount of food during feeding time. Studies have shown that leaner dogs have better chances of avoiding arthritis.
Arthritis in your dog can also be dealt by providing warm sleeping mattress. Do not allow your dog to sleep on newspapers, as they are slippery and provide no traction when they try to get up after sleeping. There are several orthopedic mattresses available specifically for pets, though a basket with an old sweater or towels would also be sufficient.
Though there is no question that arthritis in your dog can be quite debilitating, it can also be easily dealt with, especially with a lot of management options available and a little dedication on your part. If you would like more information on the safe and effective Syn-flex (Synflex) products mentioned you can find it at...
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