| |
| |
|
Pets Information |
|
|
|
Arthritis Pain Relief For Dogs - Simple Home Remedies That Work
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs over the age of seven? It is a painful condition that affects the joints and can occur in your pet's neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back. However, there are many simple solutions that you can provide at home that will relieve the aches and pains in your dog's joints. Change Your Dog's Diet Easy enough and it worked for my dog. Be sure you are providing a high-quality dog food with no added preservatives, food colorings, wheat, corn or soy products. It would be preferable to get a dog food that is low fat AND has low carbohydrates, but unfortunately there is no such thing as a low-carb dog food. Just be aware that grains (which make up a large component of dry dog food) tend to increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. A better alternative would be to switch to home-prepared meals with either cooked or raw meats and vegetables. However, if you don't want to prepare meals for your pet, then cut back on the dry food and start adding a cup of fresh veggie "salad" every day. Celery is excellent for the joints. I often chop up lettuce, celery, cucumber, some carrot, and any other fresh vegetables I have on hand. Just make sure to cut all vegetables into very small pieces for easy digestion (a food processor is perfect for this) and don't use onions or mushrooms as they may be toxic to your dog. Provide Supplements That Reduce Arthritic Swelling and Pain Give your dog a glucosamine tablet. Glucosamine helps the body manufacture glycosaminoglycans, which is designed to maintain cartilage structure. The recommended dosage is ¼ mg of a 500mg tablet per 10 pounds of body weight once a day. Preferably use a glucosamine tablet that also contains Chondroitin Sulfate. This supplement helps to attract water into the cartilage for added nutrition and lubrication. It also seems to inhibit excessive cartilage destroying enzymes. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic dietary sulphur that has been shown in studies to relieve arthritic pain, slow joint deterioration and reduce inflammation with no negative side effects. Dogs don't usually get enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diets. Omega 3 helps to regulate pressure in the joints, among many other things. A good source for this is fish oil capsules. Additional vitamin E will also be needed since adding more oil to the body increases the need for this vitamin. Reduce Excess Weight Extra weight on a dog puts extra pressure on the joints and causes more pain and swelling. Begin by reducing the amount of treats given, cut back a bit on food, and provide a lower fat diet for your dog. Exercising is also important. If possible, take your dog out for several shorter 10 to 15 minute walks each day rather than going for one long walk. Another great strategy is to take your dog swimming. They'll get the exercise without stressing the joints. A bathtub works well for very small dogs. However, if your dog is a landlubber and hates water don't push the issue. Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy on Cold, Damp Days Set up a soft bed or some layers of fleece in the area where your dog normally sleeps. If your dog usually stays outside, then provide an insulated dog house with soft bedding on the floor. Be sure the doorway is somewhat sheltered and facing away from the wind. Better yet, bring them inside when it's cold and/or wet. Apply Moist Heat Apply a hot water bottle with warm water or use a towel soaked in warm water that's been wrung out to your dog's aching joints. Moist heat penetrates deeply and provides welcomed relief. Do not use a heating pad as it may get too hot for the dog and burn them especially if your dog has limited mobility - they may not be able to get up and move away from a pad that is too hot. Raise Your Dog's Food and Water Dish If your pet has arthritis in their neck or shoulders, consider raising their food and water bowls so they don't have to bend their head down to eat. Give Your Pet a Massage Don't we all love to have sore muscles rubbed? Gently rub around the affected joint and massage the surrounding muscles. This gentle kneading and the heat from your hands should ease some of the pain. Use a Ramp For The Stairs If your dog has a hard time going up and down stairs, think about buying or making a ramp that can be laid over the stairs so your dog can more easily maneuver them. This is especially useful for when they need to go outside to "do their thing" or are required to jump into a truck for a trip to the vet. Additional alternatives include herbal and homeopathic products, acupressure, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Safer and often just as effective, these are just some of the things that you can do at home for your dog to give them relief from arthritic pain. Is your dog sick and getting sicker by the day? Are you searching for answers and alternative solutions to your dog's health care problems? Visit Caring for Canines, a web site that focuses on holistic approaches to dog health issues => http://www.caringforcanines.com (c)2005, Rose Smith. All rights reserved.
MORE RESOURCES:
Meet Your Match boosts puppy love (and kitty love) by matching people and pets ... - Washington Post
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Does Your Dog Have Fleas? Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Dog Behavior Training: Methods of Working with a Shy Dog Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but unfortunately many dogs who suffer from this affliction are never seen by the general public because of their impairment. Shy dogs range from those who scurry away when someone walks by, to those who bite when approached. Which Breed Is Right For You? Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle?Every breed has their pros and cons. As a prospective puppy buyer/dog owner, you must be aware of the traits, both good and bad, of the breed you are considering. Pros and Cons of Buying Pet Medicine Online Pets are many things in many ways but they are not responsible. Not outside of very limited doggy parameters. A Reference Guide for Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus) This is general information on Discus, a member of the family Cichlidae. Although certainly not a complete reference guide, it will give those interested some background information on this exotic fish. The Neurotic Dogs When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents' characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs' personas. West Highland White Terrier - Westies - Training Success Tips The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is considered easier to handle and train than other terriers, such as the Scottish Terrier. Still, it possesses the bold, dynamic terrier temperament, and has to be trained in a manner appropriate for the breed. Cushings Disease As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live well into old age so the number of horses with Cushing increases as its more common in older horses especially ponies. It can however affect all breeds and ages. Why Cats Flip For Catnip If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh catnip perhaps you've been struck with the question; "what causes Catnip to affect cats that way?" Catnip is indeed an unusual phenomenon among cats, it has the ability to alter your cat's behavior like nothing else can. So what exactly is the reason for what scientists have coined as "the Catnip effect"?Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats in such a manner remains mostly a mystery. Lemon Tetra - A Perfect Addition for Your Community Aquarium Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to be just a sunbeam flashing through your community tank if not for background elements like plants and driftwood. Another member of the large characin clan, the lemon tetra has a fairly elongated body like its smaller relative the neon tetra and like neons and other characins, the lemon tetra does best if kept in small schools of six to eight fish. West Highland White Terrier - Picking the Right Breeder Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are your expectations? What do you know about the breed? You take time out to know these answers. Knowing your motives and being sufficiently educated about the breed, is key to getting the dog that's right for you. Characteristics Of The Boxer Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany First Registered: 1904 Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth Height: 21 - 25 inches Weight: 66 - 70 lbs. Life Span: 10 - 12 Years Average Litter Size: 5 - 10 Health Concerns:. How to Litter Train a Cat For most cat owners, training their cat to use the litter is a relatively painless process. It is among a cat's natural instincts to eliminate in an area that they can cover their feces in. Successful Dog Training Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs some dog training. No different than when we were kids. Is your Dog Malnourished? Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets .. 5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a major force in dog adoptions. These rescue groups limit their effort to a particular breed of dog including purebreds. 5 Common Grooming Mistakes Made by Dog Owners 1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails. Care for Your Dogs Ears I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in caring for your dog's ears, serious conditions may still arise. Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at and mouthing just about anything - but all dogs have an instinctive fear of anything unfamiliar to them. Fear causes stress on the body, which affects long-term health. 7 Simple Ways To Safe Guard Your Dog This Summer! If you have a hard time in summer imagine how it must feel under a fur coat! here are some simple tips to help your dog beat the heat.1) Bob The HairIf you have a shaggy dog like a pomeranian, Pekinese or any such variation then listen up.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2007 |
