Dog Arthritis - Help For Your Arthritic Dog!
If your dog has been prescribed other pet meds for arthritis that is not in the detailed listing below, please read my Dog Medicines and Their Side Effects page to find the alarming facts of your dog's medicine side effects.
The picture is of my oldest 4 legged baby, Zima, who is 11 years old. Zima is starting to show signs of dog arthritis.
Dog Arthritis Information
does your dog have arthritis?
Dog arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the U.S. and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that vets treat. Treating dog arthritis is similar to that of human osteoarthritis. Inflammation of the tendons connecting muscle to bone is quite common in dog arthritis, as the ligaments have lost their elasticity.Some of the signs of dog arthritis are:
Slowness and reluctance to get up.
Lameness that works out during the day, improves with rest, and has good and bad days.
A stiff gait, (which would show there is a reduced range of motion of joints.)
Arthritis in dogs will give them a hesitancy to jump, run, or climb stairs.
Favoring a limb.
Difficulty sitting or standing.
Sleeping more.
A decreased activity, or less interest in play.
Arthritis in dogs can also show up as weight gain.
Attitude or behavior changes.
It is extremely important to watch for symptoms of arthritis in your dog. If your dog seems to have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks take them to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation, which will involve a physical exam and possibly X-rays. The best thing to do for dog arthritis is to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible.
Nutrition and Dog Arthritis
Nutrition is a key element in the treatment and prevention of arthritis in dogs. Dogs have special nutritional needs, feed them a well balanced diet, and supply them with vitamins and supplements to ensure that you are doing everything possible for their health. If your dog is not eating a complete balanced diet, then a vitamin and mineral supplement is recommended to help prevent dog arthritis. If there is arthritis in your dog already, correct their nutritional needs with natural vitamins, minerals, and herbs 
Arthritis In Dogs and Dogs In Pain
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Feeling Arthritic Pain?Pain perception depends partially on species, breed, age, gender, time of day, and your dog's individual temperament.
Young dogs tend to have a lower threshold to pain. Older dogs with arthritis may not show as much response to pain - but they feel it just the same.
Hunting and working breeds of dogs are more resistant to expressing pain than toy or miniature breeds.
Some dogs tremble and move with their stomachs tensed up. Others tremble all over. Some will show lameness of an affected leg, while other dogs become aggressive, pant or grimace when they are in pain.
When you take your dog into an animal hospital, your dog is usually worrying about the visit and strange environment, and will often ignore the pain that you noticed at home.
Any sudden behavior change in your dog can be a symptom of pain. Excessive salivation, licking of the lips, dilation of the eyes, rapid breathing and increased heart rate may all be attributable to pain. Some dogs in pain also eat less. Some become restless and do not sleep well. Some dogs stop grooming and appear dejected. Pain can cause an increase in body temperature, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure.
Pain alone can actually change the results of blood chemistry analysis. Dogs in pain may have elevated blood sugar. Their blood cortisol and white cell levels often increase. Pain can also interfere with the immune system.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) That Are Used For Dog Arthritis
NSAIDs For Dog Arthritis, and Their Side Effects
NAPROXEN, Naprosyn, Aleve: This NSAID is not approved for use in pets. Dogs are extremely sensitive to its toxic effects. Aleve for dogs is NOT recommended.
IBUPROFEN, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren: are NSAIDs not approved for use in dogs or cats. Dogs are much more likely to develop the ibuprofen side effects of gastro-intestinal problems than are humans. At therapeutic doses, Ibuprofen side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal bleeding, and kidney infection. Ibuprofen consistently causes ulcers in dogs after 2-6 weeks of use. Ibuprofen side effects will eventually cause ulcers of the stomach as well as vomiting. At a dose low enough to not have these side effects, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Medipren probably does not relieve dog pain or dog arthritis.
Dog Arthritis and ASPIRIN: Before the newer NSAID dog medicines were available, Aspirin was commonly used. Aspirin should never be used as a dog medicine for dogs suffering from kidney disease or high blood pressure. Do not use Aspirin when your dog has a liver disease. Aspirin side effects may cause sudden liver failure in dogs that don't have a liver disease. Do not use Aspirin for dogs with kidney blood flow damage. Aspirin side effects will cause increased kidney damage. Aspirin side effects can cause kidney damage in dogs that don't have a kidney disease. Aspirin should also not be given as a dog medicine in combination with Prednisolone, Prednisone, or Dexamethasone. As with all NSAIDs, Aspirin side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures, so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely. Do not give Aspirin to dogs after major surgery because an Aspirin side effect is that it can lengthen the time that wounds bleed. Bleeding is the most common Asprin side effect. Dogs receiving diuretics such as Lasix furosemide are more susceptible to Aspirin side effects. Most dogs given Asprin eventually develop gastro-intestinal problems and must stop taking Asprin. No human pill-form of aspirin should be given whole, to small pets. In dogs aspirin is eliminated within 7.5 hrs. Aspirin overdose in dogs will result in salicylate poisoning. Salicylate poisoning is characterized by hemorrhage, severe blood acid-base abnormalities, coma, seizures, and death. Arthritis in dogs and aspirin are NOT recommended by this dog owner.
Dog Arthritis and PHENYLBUTAZONE, Butazolodine, or "bute": is a dog medicine approved by the FDA, but Phenylbutazone is not approved for cats. Phenylbutazone side effects are ulceration and bleeding of the stomach, liver damage, Phenylbutazone side effects may cause sudden liver failure, even in dogs that don't have a liver disease. More side effects of 'bute' are ulceration and bleeding of the intestines, As with all NSAIDs, Phenylbutazone side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely. Another side effect is kidney damage - if your dog already has some kidney blood flow damage, more might result. Phenylbutazone can cause kidney damage in dogs that don't have a kidney disease. Another serious side effect of 'bute' is the possibility of irreversible bone marrow suppression, leading to death. One more important and harmful side effect of Phenylbutazone is anemia. Anemia can only be reversed through a blood transfusion or the drug Oxyglobin. Oxyglobin is administered intravenously. Oxyglobin side effects are coughing, difficulty breathing, fluid retention in the lungs, fluid in the chest cavity, vomiting, and dark colored feces. Signs of anemia in dogs are: pale gums and skin, exaustion, panting, general discomfort, lack of appetite, and mental dullness. Phenylbutazone should not be used as a dog medicine after major surgery, because it can lengthen the time that wounds bleed. Phenylbutazone should also not be given as a dog medicine in combination with Prednisolone, Prednisone, and Dexamethasone.VEDAPROFEN, Quadrisol: Is marketed as a dog medicine for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with long-term dog arthritis. In studies in the Netherlands it was found to be a bit more effective than Meloxicam. Because all NSAIDs have similar effects, do not expect Vedaprofen to be free of the side effects present with all NSAIDs.
MELOXICAM: is used for the treatment of the acute and chronic pain associated with dog muscle disease and dog arthritis. Do not use Meloxicam if your dog already has a liver disease, as Meloxicam side effects may cause sudden liver failure in dogs that don't even have a liver disease. Meloxicam side effects can cause kidney damage in dogs without a prior kidney disease. This is because Meloxicam limits blood flow to the kidneys. If your dog already has some kidney blood flow damage, more might result. As with all NSAIDs, Meloxicam side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely. Dogs receiving diuretics (such as Lasix furosemide) are more susceptible to Meloxicam side effects. Meloxicam should also not be given as a dog medicine in combination with the corticosteroids prednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone.Dog Arthritis and RIMADYL, Carprofen: Rimadyl side effects cause liver damage in dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers. Rimadyl side effects may cause sudden liver failure in a dog that has no prior liver disease, so do not let your dog have Rimadyl if it already HAS a liver disease.
According to the FDA, Rimadyl had the most side effects of the NSAIDs. This tally may be because Rimadyl is the most widely prescribed dog medicine. Rimadyl is very similar to Meloxicam. Rimadyl side effects can cause kidney damage in dogs with no prior kidney problems or diseases, and even more kidney damage to dogs that have a kidney disease. Those using dog medicine diuretics such as Lasix furosemide are more susceptible to Rimadyl side effects. Rimadyl should not be given as a dog medicine in combination with the corticosteroids prednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone. As with all NSAIDs, Rimadyl side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely.
ZUBRIN, Tepoxalin: This dog medicine has properties similar to Rimadyl. Zubrin side effects are the same as Rimadyl.ETODOLAC, Etogesic: Etodolac is prescribed and used once a day to manage dog arthritis. Etodolac side effects are diarrhea, vomiting, or mopyness and inactivity. When given at the recommended dose, side effects are rare. But if the dose is trebled, Etodolac side effects are vomiting, intestinal bleeding, and weight loss. Like all of the NSAIDs, Etodolac side effects may cause sudden liver failure. Do not Etodolac if your dog already has a liver disease, as Etodolac side effects may cause sudden liver failure in dogs that don't even have a liver disease. Etodolac side effects can cause kidney damage in dogs without a prior kidney disease. This is because Etodolac limits blood flow to the kidneys. If your dog already has some kidney blood flow damage, more might result. Dogs receiving diuretics (such as Lasix furosemide) are more susceptible to Etodolac side effects. Etodolac should also not be given as a dog medicine in combination with the corticosteroids prednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone. As with all NSAIDs, Etodolac side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely.
DERACOXIB: Deracoxib was first approved for controlling post-operative pain in people. In 2003, it won approval as a dog medicine for chronic dog arthritis pain. Deracoxib is related to a class of antibiotic drugs called "sulfonamides" which means they contain sulfur in their structure. However Deracoxib is not an antibiotic. Deracoxib should not be used in dogs that have a history of problems taking sulfas. Deracoxib should not be given after long periods of anesthesia. Do not use Deracoxib for dogs that weigh less than 4 lbs. Do not use Deracoxib for pregnant dogs, nursing mothers or puppies under age 4 months of age. Deracoxib should never be given with Prednisone, Prednisolone, or Dexamethasone. Do not use Deracoxib as a dog medicine for dogs that are dehydrated, or taking diuretics, or dogs that have preexisting kidney, liver, heart or circulatory problems. Deracoxib side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools. As with the other NSAIDs, Deracoxib side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely.Like all of the NSAIDs, Deracoxib side effects may cause sudden liver failure. Deracoxib side effects may cause sudden liver failure in dogs that don't even have a liver disease. Deracoxib side effects can cause kidney damage in dogs without a prior kidney disease. If your dog already has some kidney blood flow damage, more might result. Dogs receiving diuretics (such as Lasix furosemide) are more susceptible to Deracoxib side effects.FIROCOXIB, Prevacox: Firocoxib is similar to Dericoxib. Firocoxib has been prescribed as a dog medicine for the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in dogs. Firocoxib side effects are the same side effects listed above for Dericoxib.
MECLOFENAMINC ACID, Arquel: Arquel side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, bloody stool, black tarry stool, or ulcers in the stomach or small intestines. Other Arquel side effects are depression, fever, behavior changes, fast breathing, edema, inability to control urine, or irreversible anemia. You may want to read the side effects of Phenylbutazone, as I have described what procedures are taken for dog anemia that is not irreversible on my page 'Dog Medicines and Their Side Effects'. Signs of anemia in dogs are: pale gums and skin, exaustion, panting, general discomfort, lack of appetite, and mental dullness. Arquel is a dog medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation - especially that associated with dog arthritis. It may take three or four days for pain relief to be seen in your dog. Do not give Arquel for a week prior to surgery or the week after surgery. Do not give Arquel to dehydrated dogs or those taking diuretics for heart or lung problems. Do not use Arquel for dogs with clotting deficiencies such as Von Willebrand's disease. Do not give Arquel to pregnant or nursing mothers. Do not give Arquel to puppies under eight months of age. Do not use Arquel with other NSAIDs, or Sulfa antibiotics, Glipizide, or Valproic acid, or oral Anticoagulants. Do not use Arquel for dogs that have a heart disease. In epileptic dogs, Arquel side effects may increase blood concentrations of phenytoin. Do not use Arquel at full dosage for more than 5-6 days. Arquel has a therapeutic index that is lower than that of other NSAIDs, possibly due to the way it circulates in the liver. This means that the necessary dose of Arquel for pain relief is quite close to the dose that can cause side effects. As with the other NSAIDs, Arquel side effects can cause life-threatening stomach punctures so dogs on this medication need to be monitored closely. Like all of the NSAIDs, Arquel side effects may cause sudden liver failure. Arquel side effects may cause sudden liver failure in dogs that don't even have a liver disease. Arquel side effects can cause kidney damage in dogs without a prior kidney disease. If your dog already has some kidney blood flow damage, more might result. Dogs receiving diuretics (such as Lasix furosemide) are more susceptible to Arquel side effects
A Much Better Dog Arthritis Natural Medicine
Alternative Pet Medicine With No Side Effects
I believe that dog arthritis pain can be relieved a much better way than by using NSAIDs.I suggest you try, for your dog's health and well being, an all natural herbal medicine for dog arthritis that has no side effects.
100% all natural Muscle and Joint Support with Glucosamine Sulphate is excellent for dogs suffering from arthritis. It can also be used as a tonic and preventative in dogs known to be susceptible to joint and bone ailments. It can also be used as a tonic and preventative in dogs known to be susceptible to joint and bone ailments.
Muscle and Joint Support is specially formulated and contains unique substances that are well known for their therapeutic and protective effect on your dog's skeletal system, including muscles, joints, cartilage and tendons.
Nutrition is a key element in the treatment and prevention of many muscle and joint problems for your dog's health. Muscle and Joint Support can treat the symptoms of existing arthritis, Rheumatism, and degenerative joint disease, plus cleanse and purify the system and improve liver functioning, and reduce the toxins and acid buildups associated with these diseases.
Muscle and Joint Support relieves pain and inflammation, and helps to build and strengthen your dog's immune system, plus strengthen and protect their skeletal system and generally improve the overall health of your dog to prevent muscle and joint diseases.
Our Natural Medicine For Dog Arthritis Testimonials
"I am happy to report that since taking your Muscle and Joint Support, our Great Dane is much more comfortable and is again starting to chase the cat! " - Nancy.
"We first noticed that our family dog was limping and favoring the right side last winter and since then she has also become very sensitive to being touched on the back. Our vet recommended your Joint Support Caps and we have seen a big change. She means so much to us and we are very grateful to PetAlive for this great product!" - Jeff R.
This Muscle and Joint Support For Dog Arthritis Has A Guarantee!
All of natural products I suggest for people and pets, including Muscle and Joint Support with Glucosamine Sulphate, are backed by a one year money-back guarantee so you can experience results risk-free.We are so certain that you will be completely satisfied with our wonderful, natural products, that we offer a One Year unconditional money back guarantee.
Simply try the products for at least 30 days. If you are not completely satisfied - for any reason - return the product within 1 year for a complete refund less shipping fees.
Dog Arthritis Treatment Video 1
Spencer's pool therapy
Spencer is 14 and has arthritis so his twice a week swims at the doggie rehab are just the thing for his achey joints
Runtime: 0:26
1591 views
1 Comments:
Dog Arthritis Treatment Video 2
Spencer's Pool Therapy 2
Spencer is 14 years old and goes to physical therapy once or twice a week to help the arthritis in his hips. Swimming allows him to improve his mobility as well as strengthen the muscles in his hips without putting weight on the joints. He goes for about 20-30 minutes, and seems to enjoy it.
Runtime: 3:00
1520 views
7 Comments:
Dog Arthritis Treatment Video 3
Water Therapy for Cody
How to Love Your Dog at http://loveyourdog.com has lots of free videos demonstrating how to teach your dog tricks. In this video, senior collie dog, Cody, is getting muscle-building exercise that is not irritating his arthritis. He 'walks' twice a week.
Runtime: 1:41
2861 views
10 Comments:
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below are links to more of my natural pet meds pages
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Dr. Coger provides information and resources for owners seeking wholistic care for their pets, as well as conventional medicine. She also provides in person traditional and alternative veterinary medical care; and believes the most important aspect of any medical care is for the doctor to listen and explain the problem, possible causes, and treatment options.
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Avoid Needless Vet Bills!
The below link will lead you to the very best in my opinion, resource available for all dog owners. Get your handy reference for everything that could possibly happen while enjoying your life with your dog; whether it's eye problems, ear problems, stomach and bowel disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, tooth and teething troubles, asthma and breathing woes, liver issues, older dog health concerns, or limping with a dozen possible causes!
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Dog Arthritis Guestbook
Not a member of Squidoo? That's ok. You can still leave me a comment! 
aj2008 wrote...
Good resource for anyone wanting to research side effects of pet meds.
Posted May 10, 2009
SalonOfArt wrote...
Great lens! I am a natural health Mom for my dog too and have found many of the same products you have. Thanks for a terrific place to go for dog health!
Posted March 09, 2009
ZBT wrote...
Came over to this lens to find out about giving dogs being in pain and giving them aspirin, and what the side effects are. Thank God for your lens! You hear so much about canine genetic make up being so much like man's - that you almost start to believe, if we can take it... they can too. Your lens is a life saver. Thank you!
Posted October 11, 2008
javadog wrote...
Great information, we have a 9 year old golden that's getting a little stiff and looking into adopting a 5 year old golden with elbow dysplasia. Just the info I was looking for.
Thanks
john
javadog.net
Posted September 10, 2008
LaraineRose wrote...
Our youngest dog has had arthritis since she was a puppy. It is really bad now. Thank you for this lens. I will be referring back to it after our Vet appointment next week. You've been a big help. 5 stars for this most valuable lens.
Posted August 23, 2008
amandaquerque wrote...
Very valuable lens! Thank you for adding it to the BIG LENSES group
Posted March 28, 2008
by flowergardener
My Bio & Herbal Medicines
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