Canine Arthritis- Signs, Types & Treatments

Canine Arthritis is more common as your dog ages. Similar to humans is is a calcification and inflammation that causes joint pain and limited activities. There are some types of arthritis like Hip Dysplasia that form early in life because of genetics and even diet.

The good news is that its treatable!

Treatments for canine arthritis vary from natural supplements to veterinary prescribed drugs.  Studies and real results have shown that natural supplements can be exceptionally effective in fighting the symptoms of arthritis in dogs without the potentially hazardous side effects of prescribed drugs. Before deciding which treatment plan is best for your dog, you should examine the signs of dog arthritis.

Signs of Dog Arthritis

1.  Limping and limited activity.

2.  Favoring one or both of the front or back limbs.

3.  Morning activity or cold weather makes the dog less active.

4.  Trouble rising from a laying position, particularly in the morning.

5.  Pain to the touch.

6.  Unwillingness to jump.

If you think your dog has arthritis, you should know the different types of arthritis.

Here are some of the most common:

Types of Dog Arthritis

1.  Osteoarthritis – Also known as canine arthritis or dog arthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis and most easily treated.  This type develops slowly as the dog ages.

2. Canine Hip Dysplasia - This is caused by looseness in the socket linking the thighbone and hipbone. The development usually occurs when the dog is young but can develop at any age.  A familiar sign is to hear a clicking sound when your dog walks.

3.  Rheumatoid Arthritis – Considered a more severe condition then #1. This is an immune mediated disease and can affect the whole body. Numerous joints can be affected and the lameness can come and go without notice.

4.  Degenerative Disc Disease – When the discs in the vertebrae form calcification and grow to be rigid. They become less able to endure compression. It lead to a severe injury and paralysis if the discs rupture or becomes herniated.

5.  Stifle Joint Disorder - This is when the knee and joint becomes unstable; usually from a stretched or torn ligament. This can also cause the joint cartilage to become damaged and inflamed.

Treatment Options

1.  Natural

2.  Prescription Drugs

3.  Surgery

The bottom line is that Dog Arthritis can be a very debilitating disease if left untreated. As dog owners we need to pay close attention to our animals and take action when symptoms are noticed. Frequently a natural supplement is all that is needed to help your dog.  Sometimes more aggressive treatments are needed such as surgery.  The most important thing is to notice and diagnose the issue and then choose what treatment is best for your dog.

For more information or if you feel your pet may be showing signs of arthritis, call today for an appointment! Ask about our Water Therapy Treatments! 

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is distinguished by destructive behavior when the dog is left alone. Behavior such as barking, howling, demolishing household items, digging, chewing and peeing are signs.  Some dogs will go into a panic and dig at a door to try and break out and find you. Normally this is set off when you leave the dog at home and can even start when the dog senses that you are leaving.

It is typical for a dog with separation anxiety will also respond to your return with hyperactivity after being home alone for even a short time. Some dogs will even follow you from room to room to ensure they will not be left alone.

Use a distraction for your pet while you are out. This is a good way to relieve some anxiety.                   

For example:

·        Leave the radio or tv on so the dog can hear humans talking

·        Leave them with a toy or a treat ball to give them something else to focus on.

For a dog with more severe separation anxiety problems you should start trying to desensitize your dog. Here are a few examples of how you can start putting your dogs anxiety at ease

·        It can be helpful to change your leaving routine so that the dog is unaware of your plan to leave. Normally a dog will notice small signs like when you are putting on your shoes or grabbing the keys, your dog’s separation anxiety starts kicking in and the panic begins. Try to make leaving the house unexpected to your dog by putting your shoes outside or leaving without doing your normal leaving routine. Then after waiting 10 minutes outside return to the house. This begins to desensitize the dog to the fear of separation. It is good to make sure that leaving the house and arriving is always a calm event, if the owner responds to the dog in an excited way it increases the excitement of the dog.

 

·        Another way is to show the dog repeatedly that the leaving routine doesn't need to result in a panic attack. You go through the familiar leaving routine, grabbing keys, putting on shoes and picking up a bag to leave then sitting down again. After repeating this exercise a number of times, try going one step further and finish the leaving routine by opening the door and standing outside it for a minute with the door open.

These exercises need to be repeated over and over to desensitize the dog.

It is important to get a dog with separation anxiety comfortable with even short absences, daily routines like getting the mail, result in a short absence. Use this time to make your dog feel that even though you are leaving, you will return.

Once your dog can handle short absences (30 to 90 minutes), he'll usually be able to handle longer time alone and you won't have to repeat this process every time you are planning a longer absence.

The hard part is at the beginning, but the job gets easier as you go along. Nevertheless, you must go slowly at first. How long it takes to condition your dog to being alone depends on the severity of his problem.