| Arthritis is one of the most common ailments seen in | | | | occurring compound, glucosamine can be used before |
| aging dogs and cats. This article offers some | | | | symptoms begin to protect the joints from aging. It |
| treatment options for easing the discomfort of your | | | | is sometimes used in conjunction with chondriton, |
| dogs or cats suffering from arthritis. | | | | another natural substance that protects the joints, |
| Arthritis is an inclusive term for a number of | | | | and or MSM, a form of sulfur that helps reduce |
| degenerative joint diseases. Pain, swelling and/or | | | | inflammation. |
| stiffness occur in all of them. | | | | Homeopathic remedies, such as Rhus Tox or Pulsatilla |
| In dogs, arthritis usually takes the form of hip | | | | may work. There are many herbal anti-inflammatories; |
| dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, joint | | | | licorice and black cohosh are but two possibilities. |
| degeneration or dislocation of the knee. Osteoarthritis | | | | Yucca and Devil's Claw are commonly used for |
| is caused by wear and tear and is seen mostly in | | | | arthritis for inflammation and pain. |
| older dogs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder of the | | | | A good adjunct to remedies or supplements is |
| membrane surrounding the joints and can occur at | | | | acupuncture. It can be very helpful in easing pain and |
| any age. | | | | stiffness in many arthritic conditions. |
| Osteoarthritis is the form most often seen in cats. | | | | Other forms of physical therapy are becoming |
| Although they don't often show it, arthritis occurs | | | | available for dogs in many areas. Regular mild |
| more often in cats than previously believed. Cats will | | | | exercise also help to keep the dog mobile, but don't |
| not show the same symptoms as dogs, and are | | | | push - let your dog tell you how much he can handle. |
| much less likely to exhibit signs of pain. The most | | | | Keeping the dog's weight down will take some of the |
| apparent symptom would be the unwillingness or | | | | stress off the joints, making movement easier and |
| inability to jump as high as they used to. You might | | | | less painful. |
| see an overall reduction in activity (but with cats, | | | | Digestive enzymes and probiotics may also ease the |
| how can you tell?). | | | | symptoms of arthritis, though there is little research |
| The good news is that the disease can be managed | | | | to bear this out. Poor digestion can result in partially |
| and discomfort kept to a minimum. Nutrition is the | | | | digested proteins and other particles being |
| core of any treatment plan. A natural diet is essential. | | | | reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This can then result |
| Supplements such as vitamin C, alfalfa or kelp are | | | | in immune dysfunction and inflammation. |
| helpful. Glucosamine is commonly recommended. | | | | When all else fails, there are pharmaceutical |
| Glucosamine is a substance which works to stimulate | | | | anti-inflammatories and pain medications. Two of the |
| joint function and repair. It has been proven effective | | | | most common ones are Rimadyl and Etogesic. These |
| for relief of osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitation of | | | | medicines can have serious side effects and require |
| cartilage, and repairing joints. | | | | careful monitoring of the dog's health. |
| A key component of cartilage and a naturally | | | | |