Is your canine friend experiencing a great deal of pain from arthritis? In that case let’s look at the various types of dog arthritis medication.

Due to modern day science and technology, there are now numerous dog arthritis medication alternatives for your precious furry friend.

Dogs are like humans - as we grow old, our bodies become weaker and we become much more susceptible to health problems such as arthritis. Likewise, it is not uncommon for your canine friend to develop some form of joint disease. Older and larger dog breeds are generally more at risk from canine arthritis as opposed to younger, smaller breeds.

Dog arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joint cartilage. The cartilage is what allows the bones to move effortlessly against each other. The joint is also enclosed in a membrane that contains a joint fluid. This joint fluid is a thick, clear liquid that functions as a shock absorber, as well as a lubricant. When a dog is afflicted with canine osteoarthritis, the cartilage is damaged and there is less cushioning and lubrication. This causes 2 bones to rub against each other, leading to a great amount of pain and discomfort for your dog.

The most common symptoms of dog arthritis include:

Tenderness to touch
Decreased activity level
Limping when walking
Unwillingness to play
Increased sleeping time
Reluctant to climb stairways

The most common form of medications used to remedy canine arthritis are called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are considered to be strong and effective pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents that is capable to ease dog joint pain. NSAIDs are prescriptive medication and really should only be prescribed by a vet, who will determine which form of medication will be administered to your dog. Pet owners are advised to comply with medication dosage quantities and frequency. Manufacturers in addition have advised that regular periodic blood checks to be done on pets who have taken NSAIDs to look out for any developing liver or kidney problems.

Since NSAIDs are generally strong drugs, they do run the risk of side effects. The most typical side effects include:

Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Increase in thirst
Depression
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Seizure, aggression or confusion

Serious side effects include:

Intestinal bleeding
Kidney damage
Liver problems
Red, itchy skin
Jaundice

In light of these side effects, many veterinarians are slowly encouraging the use of chondroprotective dietary supplements containing high-quality glucosamine such as Synflex to help pets relieve joint pain and rehabilitate damaged cartilages instead of the conventional NSAIDs.

Then again, NSAIDs still remain an effective temporary analgesic to manage pain associated with bone and joint disease or injuries. Bear in mind to only administer to your dog NSAIDs that are prescribed by your vet, who will conduct medical tests on your dog’s health.

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