Arthritis commonly occurs in older dogs, but this degenerative condition can also affect younger dogs as well, especially those that have suffered from a serious injury, so it is important that you understand the symptoms so you know what signs to look out for.

Symptoms of Canine Arthritis
Canine arthritis causes painful swelling around the joints, which can result in limping, difficulty managing stairs or jumping up into vehicles, difficulty rising from resting position, whimpering, lack of appetite and irritability. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms then it is important that you make an appointment for them to see the vet for a proper diagnosis, and also to find out more about suitable treatments.

Treating Canine Arthritis
There are several key treatments for canine arthritis that can help to alleviate the painful effects and also slow down the progression of the condition:
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – these drugs include brand names such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Metacam, and give relief from pain and also have an anti-inflammatory effect to reduce the swelling in arthritic joints.
* Analgesics – pain-relieving analgesics such as Tramadol and Gabapentin can help to alleviate symptoms of arthritis, but do not have the same anti-inflammatory effects as NSAIDS.
* Neutroceuticals – these are nutritional supplements such as Glucosamine, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Chondroitin Sulfate, which have been shown to have a beneficial effect on reducing the symptoms of joint pain and improving the overall health of joints and supportive tissues.
* Physical therapy – physical therapy has been found to be very beneficial in many cases of canine arthritis and involves gentle exercises such as swimming which can help to boost overall health and keep joints from seizing up.

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