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Arthritis in dogs and cats
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| • Limping - generally after rest |
| • Difficulty rising from lying position |
| • Stiffness in the mornings |
| • Inability to jump onto a bed or car etc |
| • General "slowness" |
| • Licking a particular joint |
What to do if you’re concerned.
If you think your pet has arthritis, it is important to seek veterinary advice. Acute pain or inflammation of a joint should be examined by a veterinarian.
At home there are several things you can do:
| • Warmth, a warm joint has better blood flow |
| • Keep pets off hard surfaces: provide lots of bedding to rest on |
| • Slow controlled exercise could be helpful, but talk to your Vet first |
| • Joint Supplementscontaining active ingredients such as glucosamine, shark cartilage, or chondroitin may be helpful |
What joint supplements may be beneficial?
Information on supplements which may be help pets with joint problems.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin:
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are used to slow the progression of osteoarthritis, the deterioration of cartilage between joint bones, and to reduce pain. It is thought that glucosamine promotes the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin promotes water retention and elasticity in cartilage. In pets and horses, glucosamine and chondroitin, often in combination, are used in the treatment of degenerative joint disease.
Joint supplements for arthritis in dogs, and cats can be found very easily by looking around on the internet. Always buy dog arthritis and cat arthritis medicine from a reputable company, because nutritional supplements aren’t regulated by the government, some companies may not use the highest quality ingredients.
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