Choosing an Arthritis Medicine For Your Dog

" Arthritis medicine for your dog are usually a class of medications called NSAIDs.  These drugs can help to relieve arthritis related discomfort and joint problems associated with canine osteoarthritis.  The problem is that all NSAIDs can have gastrointestinal upset as a side effect.  Because of this a veterinarian will only recommend the use of these medications when needed  and in limited doses and for limited periods of time. Instead safe dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and the Fatty Acid supplements Omega 3 and 6 can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medications, naturally.  Veterinarian's also recommend weight loss to take stress off of joints and moderate amounts of exercise."

There are many arthritis medicine for your dog options available that have been shown over time to be effective. Like any medication, reactions are often specific to your dog’s breed or illness.

Anti-Steroidal Canine Arthritis Drugs (NSAIDS Rx)

Most Vets will prescribe a NSAID arthritis medicine for your dog to reduce inflammation and bring immediate relief. They may also suggest natural remedy such as glucosamine or chondroiton supplement which helps to restore cartilage and may reduce the time a NSAID is needed, if at all.

Commonly prescribed arthritis medicine for your dog prescription NSAIDS include:

• Rimadyl (carprofen): Relieves pain with few side effects. Dogs must be monitored for liver function (using blood tests). Be certain to be under the care of a Vet when using this drug. Rimadyn is a NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Liver problems are said to occur in 1-2% of dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers.
• Zubrin(tm): Similar to Rimadyl by a different manufacturer
• Etogesic: Also a NSAID, but with little medical history to make a judgment. Said to help reduce stomach side effects.
• Presidone: This drug is a steroid. Corticosteroids and steroids can provide dramatic improvement, however they can cause other problems such as weight gain or muscle loss. For this reason these drugs are usually used as a last resort.

Note that human NSAIDs such as Advil can be lethal (deadly) for dogs. It can also trigger liver and kidney disease in addition to gastrointestinal problems.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Arthritis Medicine For Your Dog

Certain medications can be toxic to dogs. Ibuprofen can be dangerous due the potential formation of ulcers. Acetaminophen could be problematic as well. Aspirin could be a good alternative as long as you don’t see any change in your dog such as loss of appetite within 24 hours.

Vetrin: This drug is aspirin for dogs. It does not cause the stomach issues found in humans.  It generally considered to be safe and effective for chronic conditions such as canine arthritis and dog hip dysplasia.

Also, depending on the size and breed of your dog, dosing will be different. If the arthritis medicine for your dog works, your dog should respond quickly.

Again, only use NSAIDS, aspirin or any other medication under the advice of a veterinarian as they can be toxic, particularly in small dogs.

Natural Canine Arthritis Remedies

Nutrition is a key element in the treatment and prevention of many muscle and joint problems. Some dogs have had success in taking natural supplements designed to strengthen the immune system. You can check your pet store for these types of supplements.

Avoid supplements if your dog is pregnant or nursing (unless advised by a Vet). Improvement should be seen within 6 to 8 weeks.

Many contain herbal and homeopathic ingredients such as:

• Harpagophytum procumbens, also known as Devil's Claw: a natural antiinflamatory.
• Arthrospira patenis (Spiruline): a natural source of chlorophyll known for nutritive properties.
• Calcium Fluoride (6cH): A salt which helps to strengthen, tone and help with the elasticity of all cells and body tissues.
• Natrium Phosphoricum (6cH): An antacid and PH balancer. Controls acidity and helps with inflammation. Some dog owners see a reduction in pain, and improvement in mobility.
• Natrium Sulphate (6cH): A salt that helps to balance body fluids. Health promote a healthy liver, pancreas, urinary tract, respiratory system and digestive system. Helps to ease pain and stiffness, particularly from old injuries.
• Lecithin: Found in liver, eggs and wheat germ. Helps strengthen cell membranes and liver function. 
• Glucosamine Condroitin for dogs as found in  Nutrivet Liquid for Dogs  is considered to by many to be a "miracle" drug. It is a common neutracuetical which is considered safe. Glucosamine works by providing building blocks that help to form joint fluid and new cartilage.  This improves joint lubrication and overall health.  Chondroitin sulfate works by reducing degenerative enzymes that break down cartilage in a joint. Chondroitin also improves joint lubrication.  Both glucosamine and chondroitin are used together.  The goal is to improve the osteoarthritis condition enough so that the use of NSAIDS and their related side effects (eg; stomach problems) can be reduced or even avoided.
  
• Perna is found in New Zealand Mussles and contains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This substance lubricates the joints. It is a natural anti-inflamatory. As a joint treatment it may have limited effect since it is not easily absorbed when administered orally.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also an anti-inflamatory and slows the worsening of arthritis. It is better than many mainstream pain medications that contain aspirin due to it having fewer side effects.
• Anti-oxidants - There is a significant amount of research being conducted on the value of anti-oxidants in both humans and dogs. These are found in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, DHA, and Vitamin E. There appears to be a benefit to treating arthritis, and secondary benefits such as improved memory in older dogs.

Be sure to only purchase supplements from a reputable manufacturer. Well known natural supplements for dog OA that include combinations of many of the aforementioned ingredients include Pet Alive Muscle and Joint Support,  Nutramax Cosequin and Synovi.

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