Arthritis in Pets

When your dog, cat, or any pet has arthritis it is painful and their movement becomes limited. Using drugs for pain long term can have other devasting side effects. Some of those drugs have been taken off the market like Vioxx and Bextra due to the harmful side effects.

Two drugs that are clinically proven to relieve pain and increase mobility in the joints are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. It is said to be safer and better than pain killers. Here is a quote from the GAIT study: *The "GAIT" Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial - Glucosamine Effectiveness (13 Universities - United States Study)Highlights: After five years of recruiting, testing and analyzing, this trial excitingly reports, “Combination glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is effective in treating moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis.”

These studies were done on 1,500 osteoarthritis sufferers. The participants were given daily doses of Glucosamine Hydrocholoride and Chondroitin Sulfate daily. Some also had painkillers and some had a placebo. The effects of Glucosamine Hydrocholoride and Chondroitin Sulfate were amazingly more effective than acetaminophen for joint discomfort. Other studies had the same results.

Types of Arthritis in Pets

Acute Traumatic Arthritis in pets: usually caused by trauma to the joints, has swelling and they become lame. It requires surgery to prevent osteoarthritis.

Auto Immune Arthritis in pets: is rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system attacks the joints, the synovial membrane swells and the pet is looses mobility.

Degenerative Joint Disease in pets: known as osteoarthritis. a destruction of cartilage in the joints in cartilage and have bouts of inflamation. One of the most common types of arthritis in pets.

Hip Dysplasia in pets: a type of osteoarthritis that affects the hip joints. Caused by injury or normal wear, or intection. Hip dysplasia can spread to other joints as it progresses.
Hypertrophic Arthritis in pets: is the development of bone spurs. While moving, the joint is being irritated by these bone spurs and is very painful.

Infectious Arthritis in pets: is seen as lameness and sore joints due to an underlying infectious element. Occurs as a result of trauma and secondary infection to the joint. Antibiotics should be used for this type of arthritis. See you vet.

Inflammatory Arthritis in pets: is not as common as other forms of arthritis in pets. Except when infectious agents are present, the causes of most inflamatory arthritis types is unknown.

Osteochondrosis in pets: the cartilage deteriorates and causes an osteoarthritic like condition and may be genetic or caused by bad nutrition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in pets: is the body attacking itself or an infection is present. The body is confused and attacks the joints of the body. This is both extremely painful and debilitating. No known cause has been discovered.

Food for the Arthritic pet.

Treats should be real food treats. Eliminate all pet or human food with artificial coloring, preservatives, hormone containing meats and onions, garlic, grapes, grape seed, raisins and chocolate. Fruits (except grapes) and vegetables are great treats and have many health benefits for pets.

Dog and cat food should be the hightest quality but mostly natural, human grade, organic, or holistic brands of pet food. Read the labels and make sure there are no hormones, artificial preservatives or ingredieants that your pet may be allergic to. Vegetarian food has also been recommended for people and pets suffering from arthritis. If the pet is overweight, reduce the daily intake of food until the weight comes off. Extra weight is very painful and stresses the joints.

Natural, human grade, organic, holistic, and vegetarian pet foods & treats can be found at http://www.everythingnaturalpetfood.com/. Many of these foods contain Sulfate and are far better natural choices than many commercial grade pet foods.

Exercise is important just like a good diet is critical for healthy joints and joints suffering from arthritis. If you can't get your pet outside due to poor weather, play games in the house to exercise your pets. My dogs love to chase me around the kitchen and living room or have me chase them and pretend I'm going to get their bones. Be iminative and have fun with your pet. You'll both get some qualtiy time together.

Supplements to the diet & pet arthritis friendly products:

A wide assortment of pet products including supplements wtih Glucosamine/Chondroitin are available at http://www.everythingnaturalpetfood.com/ on the Wellness Care section. Choose Arthritis and you will see many items for your pets.

This includes a ramp to your van or car for dogs with arthritic joints. Jumping up into the car usually is no longer an options for painful arthritic joints. However, walking up a portable ramp is doable and a great solution. Find the ramp by clicking Arthritis.

What about your pets bed? Is it warm and cushioning? Pets with arthritis do better indoors during cold weather. A thermal bed that is soft to lay on is kinder to painful joints. You may find bedding like this at: Wellness Care section. Choose Arthritis; also http://www.everythingnaturalpetfood.com/PetEducationBooks.html and choose pet beds for a heating pad for the pets bed.

If you suspect your pet has arthritis, take them to the vet. Quality Vet care along with good nutrition and exercise will help your pet last years longer.

Remember, "Feed them Life!"