As your dog ages you may be likely to run across arthritis. Arthritis is usually hard to catch early in dogs, and when it is caught the dog is in much pain. The best way to treat arthritis is to use a combination of healthy eating, exercise and medicine. There are many medicine treatments available and you should discuss each with your vet to see which is best for your dog.

Traditional medicines that fight pain and inflammation are most often used as they act immediately to relieve a dogs discomfort. Cortisone can be injected into the area for instant pain relief. These medicines are highly effective, but also require follow up. A visit back to the vet will be needed for blood work after being treated with a traditional medicine. Long term use of steroid based medication can lead to even more joint problems that make it even worse for the dog. This is why more and more dog owners are looking to natural supplements as a better treatment.

Surgery is another option. It has many problems associated with the risks. It is also costly. In general surgery is best avoided unless your vet sees it as a necessity. As a treatment surgery is the least likely choice to make because it has the possibility for problems and is not guaranteed to work.

Liquid glucosamine has been found to work well for dogs suffering from arthritis. Liquid glucosamine has been tested and shown to be an anti-inflammatory. The thing to look for with a supplement like glucosamine is that it is of high quality. Supplements are not regulated the same as other medication, so it is important to buy from a known retailer or get it from your vet. Supplements are also not difficult to give to your dog. They are fed along with regular food. They are safe because they are natural substances already found in your dog's body. Glucosamine, for example, is found in cartilage cells. The main reason more dog owners are looking to supplements is because they are safer, natural and do not cause horrible side effects or long term problems.

Helping your pet to reduce weight has always been a staple of treating arthritis. Less weight on the joints equals relief. Also an exercise program will reduce stiffness in joints which in return reduces pain. Keeping your dog on a healthy diet and exercise program will make him overall more healthy and help reduce the discomfort of arthritis.

There is no cure for arthritis, and once you find out your dog has it there are only limited things you can do to make him feel better. The best way to improve your dogs condition is through a good treatments program that includes exercise and healthy eating. Adding supplements as part of a treatment program can bring pain relief without worries.

More Dog Arthritis Information

Dog Arthritis

Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dealing with Arthritis in Dogs

Here was Storm helping us train Bowdie in May, 2005