| Arthritis and bone disease are very common in dogs | | | | decreases or prevents some of these conditions |
| and usually take one of several types. These include | | | | from developing. Supply your dog with 250 to 2,000 |
| hip dysplasia, dislocation of the kneecap, arthritis of | | | | milligrams of vitamin C per day, depending on the age |
| the elbow, swelling and pain in the leg bones, and | | | | and size of your dog. For example, a small Chihuahua |
| degeneration of the shoulder joint. | | | | puppy should get a dose of 250 milligrams per day |
| Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip sockets | | | | and a large Doberman would get a dose of 500 |
| that allow excessive movement in the joint. This | | | | milligrams per day. |
| condition causes chronic inflammation and calcium | | | | Prevention is vital in order to prevent the |
| deposits. Dislocation of the kneecap is a malformation | | | | development of these conditions. However, if any of |
| of the leg bones which causes the kneecap to | | | | the condition already exists, there are several things |
| continually pull out of its place and slip back and forth, | | | | that you can do to decrease your dog's pain and |
| creating a low-grade inflammation. Arthritis of the | | | | discomfort. The first step to proper treatment is to |
| elbow is a hereditary condition caused by improper | | | | feed your dog with natural diet as much as possible. |
| bone formation. Swelling and pain in the leg bones is | | | | Include vitamin C per day, using between 500 to |
| caused by insufficient production of vitamin C, which | | | | 2,000 milligrams depending on the size of the dog. |
| results in poor nutrition and heredity. Degeneration of | | | | Divide the daily amount and give it to your dog twice |
| the shoulder joint is the breakdown of cartilage in the | | | | per day. Other vitamins and supplements that are |
| shoulder causing inflammation and pain when moving. | | | | important are combinations of vitamin A, vitamin D, |
| These conditions are mostly hereditary and could be | | | | and vitamin E. Also include raw grated vegetables in |
| prevented if the female dog were fed properly | | | | your dog's diet, particularly celery, carrots, and beets. |
| throughout her pregnancy. The period of growth | | | | In addition to providing your dog with good nutrition, |
| inside the uterus is most vital in terms of the | | | | you can also use natural treatments such as |
| formation of structure and essential tissues. Proper | | | | homeopathic and herbal remedies. These include |
| nutrition is a must during this stage. Try not to give | | | | glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin and MSM. Consult |
| your dog commercial foods and only feed natural and | | | | with a vet specializing in natural health care to |
| wholesome meals and snacks. | | | | determine which one best fits your dog's situation. |
| Giving your dog vitamin C on a regular basis also | | | | |