Arthritis Medicine for Dogs
What is Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints. It is an all-too-common problem among dogs of many breeds and ages, affecting most dogs (80% of dogs over the age of 8) as they begin to age. As cartilage becomes damaged over time, bone surfaces will gradually start to rub together, causing an increasing amount of pain for your dog. Pain and discomfort can lead to a diminished quality of life for your beloved pet. However, there are many effective options for dog arthritis treatment.
What are the different types of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis
Primary osteoarthritis is caused by inherited issues that put stress on the joints. Secondary osteoarthritis is the most common, which is caused by damage resulting from torn ligaments, jumping, injuries, intense exercise, or accidents. Osteoarthritis develops slowly over the course of months or years, and symptoms may fluctuate. A common complaint, especially for larger breeds, is arthritis in dogs’ hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis in dogs is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks the joints and other parts of the body, which leads to inflammation and serious damage. RA is less common in dogs, but certain breeds are more susceptible than others.
Septic or Infective Arthritis
These types of arthritis are caused by infections that use the bloodstream as a pathway to the joints. Insect bites or other injuries could allow infectious organisms to cause discomfort and inflammation.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in dogs?
Your dog may experience some or all of the following dog arthritis symptoms:- Deep aches and pains
- Trouble climbing stairs or performing other daily activities
- Morning stiffness
- Pain during walking
- Stiffness after rest
- Joints that are swollen or warm to the touch
- Restricted range of motion
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
What medications are available for treating my dog’s arthritis?
If you’re wondering how to treat arthritis in dogs, Allivet has a wide variety of options. Some of the best arthritis medicine for dogs are:
Vetprofen
Available in caplets or flavored tablets, this arthritis medication for dogs uses carprofen to relieve the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Meloxicam
An NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), this arthritis medicine for dogs is an effective treatment for many bothersome arthritis symptoms.
Carprofen
Carprofen is available in a number of forms – caplets, flavored tablets, or arthritis injections for dogs. This medication offers arthritis relief for dogs by treating arthritis-related inflammation and pain.
Novox
In caplet or tablet form, this Carprofen medication is another popular and effective choice for arthritis pills for dogs. It works to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Rimadyl
In caplets or arthritis chews for dogs, this carprofen drug is a pain and inflammation treatment.
Previcox
This arthritis medicine for dogs uses firocoxib, an NSAID, to manage inflammation and pain caused by arthritis and osteoarthritis. The chewable tablets are fast-acting, improving many of the symptoms that affect your dog.
Adequan Canine
Adequan Canine is prescribed to help promote healthy cartilage and increase synovial joint fluid in dogs suffering with symptoms of arthritis helping thicken the synovial joint fluid increasing the production of cartilage.
Deramaxx
This chewable arthritis medication for dogs contains deracoxib treats pain and inflammation.
What else can I do to improve my dog’s qualify of life?
While arthritis medicine for dogs is the most effective treatment, there are other things you can do to ensure that your arthritic pet has a pain-free, active, and happy life. When used in conjunction with prescription arthritis medicine for dogs, these additional steps can make a difference in your dog’s everyday life.
Dog arthritis supplements can be an excellent component in your dog’s arthritis care plan. From Dasuquin or Cosequin to Glyde or PhyCox and beyond, Allivet offers dog arthritis natural remedy options with ingredients like glucosamine and MSM to provide anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits. A dog bed for arthritis can be an easy and surprisingly helpful way to provide joint pain relief and increase mobility. Options like memory foam can offer comfort to your dog, allowing them to rest easy. Regular, low-impact exercise is also a great way to maintain your dog’s mobility – and it’s good for you, too! Take that family walk and enjoy health benefits beyond arthritis care. When used alongside arthritis medication, these options can help your dog manage their arthritis long-term.
Allivet offers all the best options for prescription and supplement arthritis treatments!