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Dog Arthritis

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Dog Arthritis - Help For Your Arthritic Dog!

 

The most common of dog arthritis treatments are what is called Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like Aleve and Aspirin. The most prescribed dog medicine for dog arthritis is Rimadyl. You will see below the harmful and dangerous side effects of Rimadyl for your dog. Veterinarians may also recommend cortisone-like drugs for dog arthritis. This page will show you how harmful dog arthritis medicines are, and introduce you to alternative pet medicines.

If your dog has been prescribed another medicine 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.

 


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Dog 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.

Dog Arthritis and 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.

 

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.

Dog Arthritis and 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.

 

Dog Arthritis and 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.

 

Dog Arthritis and ZUBRIN, Tepoxalin: This dog medicine has properties similar to Rimadyl. Zubrin side effects are the same as Rimadyl.

Dog Arthritis and 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.

 

Dog Arthritis and 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.

Dog Arthritis and 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.

 

Dog Arthritis and 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 Natural Medicine Alternative For Dog Arthritis 

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, 2 all natural medicine alternatives for dog arthritis that have 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.



Muscle and Joint Support by PetAlive Has A Guarantee! 

All of PetAlive's products, 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 PetAlive 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.



Another Alternative Pet Medicine Suggestion For Dog Arthritis 




Cosequin Double Strength, 90 Capsules


Cosequin is glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate together. These 2 supplements are used to treat various joint conditions including arthritis, and osteoarthritis in dogs, cats and birds. Cosequin has been shown to improve joint health, and some refer to them as 'joint lubricants'. By feeding a daily supplement containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate you can relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, plus you can prevent future damage to the cartilage in the joints of dogs with arthritis.

 


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

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600 views
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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
797 views
7 Comments:

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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: 1:40
2355 views
7 Comments:

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More Dog Health Problems Can Be Solved With Natural Medicine Alternatives 


 

Natural medicines with no side effects can be very effective for many of your dog's health problems!
Dog Health
Important dog first-aid instructions, dog cpr instructions, information about vitamins and minerals, nutrition, and the signs to look for in a healthy dog, (temperature, eyes, nose, and skin, etc.)
Dog Medicines and Their Side Effects
The 5 classes of medicines used for dogs are listed with their harmful side effects. An in-depth research result for you from Deb.
Flea Control
Find out all about fleas, and how to get rid of them! Deb recommends a safe, non-toxic flea control that you can use everywhere!
Ear Mites
Get Deb's research results, and find out how dangerous it is to let ear mites go untreated.
Dog Worms
Want to know about heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms in dogs? Find out here, plus there's 1 product offered that will get rid of them all, safely, with no chemicals or toxins. Psst...There's an in-depth research on the side effects of the most widely used and prescribed Heartworm (Heartgard) Preventative too!
Dog Diarrhea and Dog Constipation
Read about the reasons dogs suffer from both of these, their causes, and their treatments. Plus a better, safe, and natural way to treat them is offered.
Dog Seizures
Find out about the types of dog seizures, what causes them, the harmful side effects of dog seizure drugs, what you can do for your dog while having a seizure, and a safe, natural, non toxic dog seizure treatment is offered.
Dog Ringworm
Dog ringworm? Yes, dogs can get ringworm too. Dogs can get AND give ringworm to other dogs, cats, AND people.
Dog Allergies
A Very detailed research on dog allergies, including all the medicines used for a dog allergy, and their harmful side effects. Deb shows you each type of dog allergy and what the common veterinary treatment is for it, then gives you a better alternative to control and relieve your dog's allergies.
Aggressive Dogs and Problem Dogs
There's so many reasons and causes for aggressive dogs, including their health. Find out why dogs bite and are aggressive, continously bark, dig everywhere, or hump your leg....and what you can do about it.

 

More Great Dog Resources For You 

 


Just For Dog Lovers!


I'd like to help you find the most unique and thoughtful collectibles and gifts for people who love dogs. I've created some pages that are solely dedicated to certain dog breeds, that will save you countless hours of searching the internet for that 'perfect' gift. Check out your favorite dog breed, and you'll see that they're stuffed full of items for dog lovers!

Basset Hound Dogs ~ Beagle Dogs ~ Border Collie Dogs ~ Boxer Dogs ~ Bulldogs ~ Cocker Spaniels ~ Dachshunds ~ Dalmatian Dogs ~ Dobermans ~ French Bulldogs ~ German Shepherds ~ Golden Retrievers ~ Labrador Retrievers ~ Lhasa Apso Dogs ~ Papillon Dogs ~ Pug Dogs ~ Pomeranians ~ Poodles ~ Rottweilers ~ Schnauzers

Great Dog Health Care Books 

Home Remedies To Cure Your Dogs Skin Problems

Hot spots, Dermatitis, Mites, Allergies, Fleas, Doggie Dandruff, and Ticks, plus information of foods that produce skin problems!

Happy Dog Owners:
"Wow! I can't believe it. I saved $640 in veterinarian bills by reading this book. My Cavalier King Charles had a skin problem, which I was able to diagnose using the book. I was able to treat her immediately. I called my vet to see how much it would have cost to have my dog treated and discovered I saved a whopping $640!!! Do you know what else I could do with $640? This book is fantastic. Thank you for writing it." Barbara Pliska, Kissimmee, Florida

"My vet first introduced me to this very revealing and wonderful book. She suggested I keep it on my book shelf because I would definitely find it helpful and useful over and over again." Lynn Luzusky, Suffield, CT



Dog Health Secrets

Veterinary Secrets Revealed

Frustrated Veterinary Doctor Reveals The Simple Secrets To Safeguard Your Dog's Health and Slash Your Vet Bills.

Not Available at BookStores or Pet Stores

This amazingly simple, step-by-step dog health manual is unlike anything you've ever seen, with over 1,000 Safe, Natural, Effective, and Proven Solutions for Healing Your Dog

 


Natural Medicine Alternatives For People 


Get healthy again without all the drugs and medicines on the market! With natural medicines there are no harmful side effects. Help for OCD, Immunity, Chronic Fatigue, Incontinence, Blood Sugar and Diabetes, Digestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Colic. Or, you could visit my Herbal Medicine group for a list of all the specific lenses.

 

 






Natural Medicine Articles 

I will be posting many natural medicine articles on my new website Quality Natural Medicine. The RSS feed below will keep you up to date on what is currently posted. Once I get it rolling, I plan on spending alot of time there posting my store house of revelant interesting articles, so if you see something you'd like to read and learn about, click the link on the RSS Feed below!

Quality Natural Medicine RSS Feed 

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Not a member of Squidoo? You can still leave me a comment!

amandaquerque

Very valuable lens! Thank you for adding it to the BIG LENSES group

Posted March 28, 2008

JaguarJulie

Excellent 5 star lens! Our cat has arthritis too. ;-)

Posted March 10, 2008

mulberry

Very comprehensive. Love the focus on nautural options.

Posted January 06, 2008

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