Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate — Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are the building blocks of healthy cartilage, making them one of the most popular joint supplement ingredients. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) — This compound helps form new cartilage and can reduce pain and inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a major role in controlling dog joint pain and inflammation. Prescription medications such Galliprant, Carprofen, and Meloxicam are the safest options for controlling pain and inflammation compared to over-the-counter, non-veterinary products.
Prescription foods sold by veterinarians might be particularly useful in helping your dog's arthritis. These foods often contain natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, or Omega fatty acids. Furthermore, you might want to consider a food containing glucosamine or giving glucosamine or chondroitin as supplements.
A good choice for over-the-counter arthritis medicine for dogs is glucosamine (and glucosamine in combination with chondroitin sulfate). Glucosamine, which supports joint health and reduces inflammation, is a long-term treatment option for joint pain associated with arthritis.
Some veterinarians also offer stem cell therapy as an option. Regular exercise, appropriate to your dog's health, remains important for arthritic dogs. Daily walks maintain strength, and swimming can help stretch muscles and joints ("Physical Therapy for Senior Dogs").
Especially not when your dog seems to hobble. We're not suggesting marathon hikes of course, but moderate and gentle exercise can reduce pain and stiffness. Moving the joints actually produces synovial fluid which lubricates your pet's joints. The ASPCA recommends daily walks for arthritic dogs.
Arthritis slowly worsens over time, but if well managed, most dogs can live happily for many years after diagnosis. Let your vet know if you think your dog's pain isn't well controlled or you see symptoms returning. There are lots of different pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are common and effective medications used to treat inflammation and pain in humans, but they should not be given to pets. These drugs can be toxic (poisonous) to dogs and cats.
Clinical evidence suggests that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, typically given together, are effective dietary supplements for an older dog who suffers from arthritic pain, still more effective when given with fish oil.
If your dog has arthritis, grain-free food may be the way to go. Many processed commercial dog foods contain grains such as wheat, rice, soy, and spelt, which can cause your dog's blood sugar levels to fluctuate and increase painful swelling. Limiting the grains in your dog's diet can decrease their inflammation.
Eggshell is perfectly safe to feed to your dog. The eggshell contains calcium while the shell membrane contains collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, making it great for healthy joints. A recent study found that eggshell membrane can significantly reduce pain in dogs with joint issues.
Some of the signs of arthritis in dogs include: Stiffness and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Limping, trembling, or tenderness when walking. Trouble climbing stairs or jumping up on couches and chairs.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans but it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20 kilogram dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects.
Most OTC (over-the-counter) pain medications that are made for people, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, should never be given to dogs. Even at very small doses, they can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, liver failure, and/or kidney failure.
Vet-prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help relieve pain by decreasing inflammation. Note that even though ibuprofen and naproxen are also NSAIDs, they should never be given to your dog—always consult with your vet before giving your dog a new pain medication.
Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®)
Ibuprofen, commonly known by the brand names of Motrin® or Advil® and may more can be used in dogs to reduce swelling and inflammation, most commonly from arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.
Paracetamol, while safe for humans, can be extremely toxic for your dog (particularly if the wrong dosage is given), and can result in serious liver damage or problems with their red blood cells.
However, as tempting as it may be to reach for an over-the-counter pain meds such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen and give it to the family dog, you must avoid them at all costs. Over-the-counter pain meds and anti-inflammatories can be very dangerous, even fatal, when used improperly in dogs.
Your pet will get tired from all the worrying about his arthritis or osteoarthritis pain. That's why dogs with this condition will often end up sleeping all the time.
Stage 0 is clinically normal with no risk factors for osteoarthritis, stage 1 is clinically normal with risk factors for osteoarthritis, stage 2 is mild osteoarthritis, stage 3 is moderate osteoarthritis, and stage 4 is severe osteoarthritis.
Severe Osteoarthritis (STAGE 4)
Other signs include consistent severe lameness, weight shift and abnormal limb loading.
End-stage arthritis in dogs
Loss of cartilage can make the condition very painful as bone rubs against bone in the joints. With end-stage arthritis, dogs may show symptoms including: Much more limited range of movement. Being restless when standing due to pain and discomfort.
Sit to stand exercises to strengthen the dog's back legs
For dogs with arthritis in the back legs (hip, stifle or tarsus), asking the dog to sit squarely on their hocks and then move into a stand position is beneficial for strengthening the muscles supporting the hind leg.
Regular physical activity is paramount to the treatment of osteoarthritis both in humans and animals. A lifestyle of regular activity that is moderated away from intermittent extremes of exercise (such as long hikes on the weekends) and activities to which the pet is not conditioned is essential.