If your older dog is reluctant to stand or slow to respond to a sit command you may think it's a normal symptom of an aging pet. Although it's true your dog may slow down a bit with age he may be suffering pain from arthritic joints.
Veterinary care for pets has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years. It is not necessary for any pet to suffer from pain as there are medications that can help lubricate his joints and make him feel almost like a puppy again.
Aspirin is often recommended for arthritis pain in dogs. Given in small doses (baby aspirin) this common, inexpensive drug provide pain relief by relieving inflammation. Ibuprofen can be used but can have the side effect of stomach irritation with frequent use.
Aspirin may seem the cheapest and easiest option for your dog's arthritis treatment but even aspirin can cause side effects, especially with long term use. Your vet may recommend using aspirin as a temporary relief of joint pain but should not be given to dogs suffering from kidney disease or problems with blood pressure. Prolonged used of aspirin can cause stomach irritation.
Arthritis in dogs is not constant. The pain and stiffness wax and wane depending on activity and even on the temperature and weather. If you have a mild form of arthritis yourself any climate change that causes you pain will likely have the same effect on your arthritic canine.
For mild pain, aspirin is effective partly because it can be given only as needed. For stronger pain your veterinarian may recommend Rimadyl, Deramaxx or Metacam.
These are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are amazingly effective pain management for many dogs.
Rimadyl treats the pain and inflammation of arthris and other joint diseases that include hip dysplasia. It is also often prescribed for pain relief after surgery and for dogs with fever. Rimadyl is well tolerated by most dogs and administered as a single dose each day of a chewable tablet that dogs seem to like or a non-chewable caplet. Rimadyl reduces the hormones that cause pain in canines. It should not be used for dogs used for breeding or for pregnant or lactating animals.
Rimydal has caused liver problems in a small number of dogs but the benefits gained with the medicine seems to outweigh the risk especially as the risk seems to be reversed when the medicine is halted.
Deramaxx is a breakthrough product that has proven safe for daily use. It's in chewable form with a beef flavor dogs love. As with any NSAID drugs some dogs may experience side effects involving the digestive system, liver or kidneys.
Metacam is an oral NSAID with a sweet taste that is well accepted by canines. The oral form allows dosages to be carefully controlled in relation to the size of the dog. It can be added to the pet food or be given directly into the mouth. A single daily dose provides a full 24 hours of pain relief.
No matter which pain treatment method you chose for dog arthritis treatment, your veterinarian will prescribe the lowest dosage possible to manage the symptoms of pain and stiffness.
Arthritis in dogs is a lifetime affliction and by starting with the lowest possible dosage the owner is able to increase the dosage of a dog's arthritis treatment as needed with advancing age.
Before starting arthritis treatment for your dog, your veterinarian will consider other meds your pet may be taking and will conduct a full exam to be certain there are no factors other than arthritis making your pooch uncomfortable. The results of the exam will be useful as comparison if your dog does develop a reaction to arthritis treatment medications.
No comments:
Post a Comment