According to a Forbes report, Americans are willing to go to any extent to accommodate the medical expenses of their dogs. They treat their pets as family members. Today, over 69 million households in the United States own one dog. It is not surprising that pet care expenditures annually are at $124 billion.
This trend is supported by the eagerness of several pet owners to buy products that improve their dogs’ lives, which include healthcare products. Spending on an aging pet and their treatments are much like treating humans with joint pain, arthritis, chronic pain, and immobility.
Considering the fact that dogs, too, suffer from osteoarthritis and pain after surgery, the new pain management tactics will impact the dog’s life positively.
No wonder chronic pain management is the biggest category in veterinary medicine when it comes to dollar expenditures. It is expected to grow.
What Is Canine Inflammation?
Simply put, canine arthritis is a joint inflammation that gets characterized by stiffness and pain that develops in the joints and bones that rub together because of cartilage loss or damage.
Simply put, arthritis is a very common dog health issue. Older dogs are vulnerable to arthritis or osteoarthritis. Big dogs like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Goldendoodle, and obese dogs can get diagnosed with this disease more compared to young dogs. It is because of joint pressure and increased weight.
When the cartilage between the joints starts to deteriorate with age, arthritis leads to osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease. Hence, pet owners must pay close attention to their dog’s health when early signs of arthritis arise.
Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
The common symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs are associated with stiffness and reduced mobility, such as:
- Lameness or stiffness
- Trouble getting up
- Trouble squatting while using the bathroom
- Facing accidents in the house
- Reduced stamina
- Minimal bursts of activity followed by fatigue
- Experiencing pain when touched or petted, mostly around the hind legs
- Behavioral changes and irritability
NSAIDs For Relieving Pain in Dogs
NSAIDs are highly useful in managing pain. Carprofen for dogs is a common one. Such medicines function by bringing the percentage of inflammatory prostaglandins down. The real issue with such useful drugs is that they can downregulate the favorable prostaglandins that the body requires, especially the ones that affect the kidneys and stomach.
As a result, two common side effects that dogs face after using an NSAID are impaired kidneys and stomach upset.
If a dog needs to use this medication in the long run, a vet will examine their liver and kidney values. They will also check the blood cell count after 6 months. All these drugs are safe. Still, it is necessary to monitor the changes and remain proactive about addressing the issues.
PetRx, a brand specializing in pet health supplies, suggests that pet owners should consult a veterinarian before using NSAIDs on their dogs. Pets who are sensitive to this drug should not be medicated with it. The tablets need to be kept at a controlled room temperature and out of children’s reach.
Turmeric Brings Relief From Pain
Most people think that the best use of turmeric is in the kitchen. However, there is ample evidence that shows turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities. More research is needed on the use of turmeric on dogs. But according to anecdotal accounts, it acts as a helpful adjunctive therapy. It means turmeric helps in primary pain treatment.
Like all supplements, excellent internal quality control is essential for sourcing turmeric. Selecting a veterinary product is crucial. Pet owners should consult their vet about turmeric supplements and choose the one they recommend. No dog should be given OTC (Over the Counter) supplements or medications without any veterinary guidance.
Weight Loss and Diet Can Reduce Arthritis Pain in Dogs
Pet owners should consider the relevance of weight loss and diet. A dog with a healthy weight will not have problems with joint pain. The excess weight on the joints can aggravate arthritis.
Determining whether a dog needs to lose weight can be challenging. The vet can check the dog’s current weight and evaluate whether it is impacting the arthritis pain.
To ensure that your dog gets some relief from the pain, you can gently run your fingers along their ribs. Make sure that you can feel them. You can do the same with the spine for palpating the vertebral bodies with easy downward pressure. You need to press very gently when your dog suffers from back pain.
Conclusion
Dogs have shorter lives compared to humans. All pet owners will keep on searching for products that will enhance the quality of life of their pets. Hence, NSAIDs like Carprofen have favorable prospects for adding value to a dog’s life.
