Canine arthritis affects many dogs over the age of 7 years old. It’s a tough thing to watch as your dog struggles to engage in the activities that they used to do. Though symptoms are often the same, the severity can range from dog to dog. Here is how you can recognize the severity and what you can do about it.
The symptoms of arthritis are basically the same in both mild and severe cases, but with the discerning eye you may be able to gauge the severity.
Mild
- Limps in the morning, but “loosens” up with activity.
- Seems a little more tired than usual.
- They seem a little irritable when handled.
If they are limping (and there is no obvious other cause, like injury) they probably have a mild case of canine arthritis (more so if they are showing any of the other symptoms).
Severe
- Limping occurs most all the time.
- They have real trouble moving around.
- They seem like they are really tired, and want to mostly rest.
- You see signs of muscle atrophy or poor posture.
- They seem to lick/bite/chew at their paws, legs etc. Often animals will do this in areas that are painful.
Either one of the first two symptoms probably means a more advancing form of arthritis; a combination of symptoms and you can be fairly sure.
The “Mild” case protocol
1. Provide nutritional support for the joint health tissue. Nusentia’s RJX for Dogs provides the nutrients Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which the body uses as food to build and support joint tissue. It also contains MSM which helps to control modest inflammation.
2. Provide comfortable bedding.
3. Regular, moderate exercise.
The “Severe” Case protocol
1. Provide nutritional support for the joint health tissue. Nusentia’s RJX for Dogs™ provides the nutrients Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which the body uses as food to build and support joint tissue. It also contains MSM which helps to control modest inflammation
2. Aggressively control inflammation. Severe arthritis can lead to severe inflammation, which causes more pain, and less movement. Probably the best natural way you can quell inflammation, is with with Omega-3 fish oil. Nusentia’s Celavin™ Omega-3 fish oil, is a high-quality, ultra-pure formula produced in Norway at one of the worlds most sophisticated plants
3. Provide Comfortable bedding
4. Exercise, but shorter, less taxing sessions until some mobility returns
5. Look at food intake. Control volume of food to keep the weight down, but also consider the possibility of food allergies that may be amplifying the inflamed state (grains can sometimes be a culprit).
A Final Note
Typically dogs experience arthritis at around 7 years old and it progressively gets worse. There is nothing wrong with taking the above steps as a preemptive strike before this even happens to support joint health at earlier ages.
