Dog Medicine for Arthritic Pooches

There’s no sadder sight than an ailing animal. Unlike humans, animals are often unable to communicate when they’re in pain and, hence, have to suffer in silence. If you’ve ever inducted an animal into your family, you know that they’re as dear to your heart as one of your children, and therefore, the idea of your family pooch suffering is positively heart-breaking. If you’ve ever taken care of a sick animal, you know what it’s like to feel terrible but be unable to communicate to your pet that they’ll be okay, that you’re going to take care of them and ensure that they get well soon.

A painful condition that was initially thought to strike humans only, many dogs suffer from arthritis. Often, it’s older dogs that are impacted by the disease. Mostly, it’s inactive and overweight dogs that suffer from arthritis, which is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness in the joints and muscles. Arthritis makes it difficult for your dog to get up and down, and to walk – in short, it can be very painful for your poor dog.
These sorts of situations are what make pet owners happy to hear that there is plenty of medicine on the market to remedy the aches and pains suffered by sickly animals. Such is certainly the case with dogs that suffer from arthritis. Many vets recommend Adequan Canine, a medicine that is recommended for intramuscular injection for the control of arthritis in the canine synovial joints. Note that this medicine should be administered as an intramuscular injection as directed by your vet. In most cases, one injection is required every three to five days over a specific period of time, or for any given number of doses. You should see your vet to set up your dosing schedule; don’t attempt to take such matters into your own hands.

Once you’ve received your Adequan Canine, take care to store the medication in a cool place, and discard any unused medicine once the course of meds have been completed. Beware the possible side effects include pain at the injection site, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal bleeding and depression. If you notice these side effects or anything else unusual, talk to your vet.

If the thought of giving your dog an injection gives you the shivers, consider Deramaxx Chewable Tablets, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills that are used to relieve pain and inflammation after orthopedic surgery in pets. The tablets have also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic pain and lameness that can be associated with arthritis in dogs. Talk to your vet about how and when to administer the medication, and ensure that you follow your vet’s directions. Do not give your pet any more medicine than you’ve been directed to, and never give it more often than directed. It’s best not to miss any doses, but if you do miss one, give the dose as soon as possible. If you’re already at the time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with the regular schedule. Never give your dog two doses at once! Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. The medicine can break down if exposed to heat or moisture, so keep it out of the bathroom, where shower steam can ruin in.

Another chewable option is Rimadyl Carprofen. Carprofen is a non-steroirdal anti-inflammatory agent used to relieve pain and inflammation in dogs. It’s best when given with food, as doing so minimizes stomach upset and reduces the chance of your dog developing ulcers. Talk to your vet about dosage and timing, and do not give your pet more medicine than is recommended by your vet. Try to give the medicine at the same time each day, and do not miss giving any doses. If you do happen to miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never give your dog two doses at once.

Store your Rimadyl in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Don’t store it in the bathroom, as the medicine can be broken down by heat and moisture. Your pet might experience some stomach upset, which can bring on vomiting and diarrhea, as well as constipation. If your dog develops a lack of energy, becomes suddenly uncoordinated or has changes in behavior, see your vet as soon as possible. In most cases, however, dogs react well to the medicine, and owners find that it helps relieve pain and inflammation of the joints in dogs with arthritis.

As you can see, there are more than a few great medicines on the market for arthritic pooches. As always, it’s recommend to see your vet in regards to medicating your pet.