Joint Stiffness and Problems in Dogs & cats

Winter is now definitely here and for many Dogs & Cats it is the time when those Joints give them the most problems. A joint is a connection between two or more pieces of bone. Joints such as the hip, elbow, wrist and knee have the same basic structure and are subject to a wide range of problems, including arthritis. The joint surface of each bone is covered by a layer of cartilage, which protects the bone from concussion and provides a smooth surface for movement. Lubrication is provided by a viscous substance known as synovial fluid, which also supplies nutrients to the cartilage layer. This fluid is produced by the synovial membrane lining the joint capsule and the ligaments. Both of these are important structures which basically hold the joint or bones together.

Stiffness of the muscles and joints is a common problem, especially in elderly pets. Pet owners often notice there pet is feeling stiff or struggling with joint aches when they walk with a stiff gait or limp, become less active or struggle to get up. Other symptoms are Stretching (especially after a rest), Swollen, painful Joints, Reluctance to exercise and stopping on walks, difficulty in climbing stairs and some animals will also lick painful joints, making the skin infected and sore. Cold mornings after long periods of rest are often the most difficult for pets with joint or muscle problems and it can take some time for your pet to get going during these mornings. While there are a number of causes of stiffness, the most common cause is arthritis, a condition that affects many pets especially the large breed dogs.
There is no cure for this so the best thing you can do is make your pet as comfortable and Pain Free as possible. Swimming for dogs helps them immensely, there are many doggy pools and sessions can be booked. Massaging their legs before they get up helps to improve the blood flow to the legs and may reduce stiffness on rising. Omega fatty acids are known to help with the inflammation of arthritis, a good Omega 3 supplement can benefit dogs and cats with arthritis and related conditions.

Weight control can help with mobility of arthritic dogs and cats, less weight will mean less pressure on the legs and back. Regular set exercises can help too, exercising the same amount of time daily can help arthritis management. The exercise will help encourage movement and flexibility of the limbs. too much exercise is not recommended and too little will cause greater stiffness. Arthritis in dogs and cats in many cases can be very painful and managing it as best possible is the only way to improve the quality of your pets life. Using some of these recommendations may help your pet with its pain. There are also many Joint Supplements that you can use and they should contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. Glucosamine, an amino sugar, is the starting point for the production of new cartilage and is fundamental to maintaining joint function. Chondroitin is a major component of cartilage, maintaining the spongy texture. This is essential to absorb shock and nourish and lubricate the joints. MSM is a naturally occurring sulphur compound which helps soothe knocks and bumps, returning normal joint mobility.

An internet veterinary pharmacy such as www.vetpharmacy.co.uk has a large supply of Joint Supplements for Dogs & Cats such as Synoquin ,Arthri Aid Liquid, Arthrotabs, Cortaflex Liquid, 4Joints Tabs, Easeflex Chews, Vetzyme Flexible Joint Tabs and Walthams Mobility Support Tabs. These are all available at very competitive prices and for immediate dispatch on the DHL next working day service, this means you can comfort your pet from those joint pains straight away. As an online Veterinary Pharmacy there is a team of dedicated and experienced staff who are available for further information on all of the above products.