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Better Care for Your Dog with Arthritis

also see Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

also see Dog Arthritis Food 

also see Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis 

also see Canine Arthritis Treatment 

also see Joint Health for Dogs 

also see Dogs Arthritis Relief 

also see Canine Arthritis Pain  

Dog arthritis care doesn't have to be complicated; there are some simple things you can do to help ease your dog's arthritis symptoms.

Encourage Weight Loss

If your dog is overweight, then the extra pounds could be putting a lot of strain on his joints. This can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. Encourage your dog to lose weight by changing his diet and making sure he gets plenty of exercise. You can significantly reduce dog obesity by eliminating table scraps from his diet. If your arthritic dog needs more exercise, take him swimming; this low-impact activity will burn a lot of calories without causing your dog a lot of pain.

Try Nutritional Supplements

A nutritional supplement, such as glucosamine, can do wonders to improve your dog's arthritis symptoms. Arthritis happens when cartilage deteriorates in your dog's joints, allowing his bones to rub together painfully. Glucosamine can help maintain and regrow this cartilage, which can be of great benefit to your dog's arthritis care plan.

Pain Relief for Dog Arthritis Care

Over the counter NSAIDs (non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, can help relieve your dog's arthritis pain. While aspirin in doses of 5 to 10 milligrams per pound is perfectly safe for dogs, never, ever give your dog any other over the counter pain relievers without first consulting your vet; medications such as Tylenol can lead to liver failure and death in dogs.

If over the counter drugs aren't enough, your vet may prescribe Rymadil, or even a steroidal pain reliever like Prednisone, for your dog's arthritis care needs.

also see Arthritis and Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs: How to Distinguish Them

also see Arthritis in Dogs - Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

also see Health Care Information

also see FYI - For Your Information