Posts Tagged ‘osteoarthritis’

The Differences Between Liquid and Tablet Forms Of Glucosamine Sulfate For Treating Canine Arthritis

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

One of the most common diseases older dogs usually contract in their later years of life is canine arthritis. Different types of dogs suffer to various degrees of this dreaded joint disease. Usually, larger breed dogs suffer more from the condition then do smaller breed dogs because their extra weight adds more stress and strain on their diseased joints.

Pet owners who first noticed possible symptoms of dog osteoarthritis should immediately take their pet to a veterinarian for a complete and full diagnosis to find out whether or not the disease is present in their animal.

If the doctor does in fact diagnose that the disease called dog arthritis is present in the animal, he or she will indicate various options to the pet owner for treatments. In the past, there were many prescription medications that were often suggested for treating the disease. However, it has come to be known that many of these prescribed medicines also cause significant and severe side effects. Many of them, in fact, even caused the death of some animals.

If your veterinarian suggests using prescription medications to treat canine joint disease, always ask him what the possible side effects are and what to watch out for. If any of these signs show up during the treatment using the prescribed drugs, immediately stop supplying the animal the medications and consult a veterinarian right away.

One of the most common natural alternatives for treating joint arthritis in dogs is glucosamine supplementation products. Glucosamine supplements are completely natural and actually acts to treat the root cause of the disease and not merely mask the pain and symptoms it causes. There are two forms of glucosamine which pet owners usually give to their animals. The first form comes in standard capsules and tablets and are administered orally to the dog. The other, and more preferred option, is that of liquid glucosamine in the liquid form.

There are several advantages to liquid glucosamine hydrochloride versus its counterparts in the form of tablets and capsules. The first and most obvious advantage to using the liquid version is that it’s far easier to give the animal their daily doses of glucosamine. One simply has to measure the required dosage and poured over the dog’s food at meal time. For canines, there are virtually no issues of getting the dogs to eat the food which has had the liquid glucosamine poured over it.

Another advantage to using the liquid version of the supplement product is that some studies suggest that the liquid is more easily absorbed and more rapidly used by the body than are the pills and capsules which can contain unnecessary filler material. Therefore, we suggest using the liquid version of glucosamine to treat canine arthritis in your older pets suffering from the joint disease.

There are many online stores available where you can purchase liquid glucosamine in small or in bulk quantities. For treating dog arthritis, liquid glucosamine is preferred versus the prescription medications simply because there are no side effects associated with using this natural supplement product.

Know Your Options When Your Canine Is Diagnosed With Joint Disease

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease are common in pets as well as us. It usually occurs in older, larger dogs but quite often in small dogs too. There are different kinds of arthritis and it is important for you to obtain a correct diagnosis from your veterinarian. In some cases surgery may be appropriate. However, most often our aging dogs will show signs that can alert us to appropriate action, i.e. slow to rise, lethargy, licking of joints, trouble walking, jumping and generally not his normal self. This is a progressive disease and although there is no cure yet, there are things we can do to maintain quality of life and reduce swelling and pain.

Wear and tear break down cartilage which then create stiff joints, restricted movement and pain. Never give human NSAIDs but rather get a prescription for dog-specific pain medication from your veterinarian. These will greatly reduce inflammation and pain but have side effects. Some well-known ones are Rimadyl, EtoGesic, Deramaxx, Zubrin and Previcox and if used, regular monitoring is essential. Other pain medications will slow down this disease but remember they can be harmful and should only be administered by your veterinarian.

If your dog is not in too much pain ask about liquid glucosamine. This is one of many natural glucosamine sulfate dietary supplements which are very popular now. This is not a quick-fix solution but rather a long-term supplement that can be sprinkled on your dog’s food. The liquid form is readily absorbed and the body is able to naturally rebuild tissue surrounding the damaged joint. This may well be the most beneficial treatment you can give your dog, depending on the severity of the arthritis.

Diet will play an important role too. Find out the ideal weight for the breed of dog you have and it may be necessary to reduce the calorie intake at meal times. Any additional weight puts strain on the joints. Acupuncture and swimming are helpful too. Homeopathic medicines containing mussel extract or alfalfa can be found in quality pet stores.

Massage using herbal oils, glucosamine HCL, olive oil or sunflower oil can reduce pain in your dog’s limbs. Adding fresh vegetables to his food, especially those containing vitamin B will add to his recovery. Any, or all of these helpful tips, when used regularly, will show positive healing results.

It would be far better to avoid arthritis than control it. Give your loved one good quality food, regular veterinarian check-ups, plenty of regular exercise and attention.

What Exactly Causes The Pain And Sore Joints Many Senior Pets Suffer With?

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Arthritis is a very old disease. Dinosaurs even suffered from it. Although there is no cure yet there are many things we can do to maintain quality of life for our furry friends. There are different kinds of arthritis in dogs and your veterinarian will need to take X-rays and run tests to properly diagnose which type it is. One in five dogs will succumb to this disease.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form which affects older and/or overweight canines, although many smaller breeds are also affected. Other causes could be hip dysplasia, ligament rupture and joint infection which may result from injuries, bites or trauma. Inflammation can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis which is immune mediated (the immune system is inappropriately causing the disease; clotting cells in the body are being destroyed).

Both bone and cartilage erode within the affected joints. This condition may lead to joint fixation. This is called ankylosis. It can affect either a single joint. If more than one joint is involved it is called poly arthritis. Another type of arthritis which is immune mediated is systematic lupus erythematosis. Septic arthritis is usually brought on by microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are the main causes. Usually this affects only one joint with swelling, heat, fever and pain. Your dog is likely to become depressed and stop eating.

Change in your dog’s behavior will be his way of communicating pain. Slowing down, reluctance to jump, limping, licking of joints are some of the tell-tale signs. If your veterinarian diagnoses the beginnings of osteoarthritis he or she may well suggest liquid glucosamine. This is a perfectly natural supplement which aids the body to naturally produce new tissue surrounding the joint. The liquid form of glucosamine sulfate is more readily absorbed by the body than pills or chewables. When this is given consistently in your dog’s food, healing will occur within a couple of months and often just weeks.

Although this is not a quick fix, the benefits are long-lasting with no side-effects. However, your veterinarian may well prescribe pain medication and antibiotics depending on the severity of the arthritis for a short period, together with liquid glucosamine.

All pain medication has side-effects and your veterinarian will want to take blood tests beforehand to find out if your dog is able to tolerate it. Steroids are given for immune mediated as well as rheumatoid arthritis. As for septic arthritis, tests will need to be taken to determine the microorganism involved as well as the antibiotic sensitivity.

Usually antibiotics are given for at least a month, together with analgesics to stop inflammation and pain as will . Swimming puts no strain on joints and is an excellent help for your dog with arthritis. Acupuncture is also popular now, as are nutraceuticals. These are natural foodstuffs which provide health benefits in addition to their basic meals.

Dog arthritis disease can safely be treated with all natural glucosamine supplements which cause almost no side effects in canines.

Know The Possible Signs That May Indicate Your Canine Has Arthritis

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Does your dog seem lazy, reluctant to show enthusiasm for his morning walk, limping a little? Are you noticing changes in his behavior? Is he hesitating before jumping onto the couch? These are tell-tale signs of pain and possibly the start of arthritis.

These are common symptoms of joint inflammation. Arthritis is a very old disease, even dinosaurs are known to have suffered from it. It affects humans and pets alike and as yet there is no absolute cure. Large breed dogs often get osteoarthritis. This is because of the weight their limbs carry. They can often be quite young when this occurs. If you are considering buying a pet from a breeder, be cautious and inquiring as to the possibility of joint malformation before purchasing.

Small breed dogs can also be susceptible to arthritis and it is best to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice any of the fore-mentioned symptoms. He or she will want to run tests and take x-rays to determine not only the kind of arthritis you dog has, but also the severity of it and what kind of treatment to administer. Arthritis in dogs is a progressive disease and immediate care needs to be given. There are various types of arthritis and it is essential that your veterinarian gives a correct diagnosis. If your dog is in obvious pain there are many different medications available. These all have side effects and should only be administered for a short period. Pain will be reduced immediately, however, and you will need to discuss this and other options with your veterinarian.

Together with pain medication, liquid glucosamine chondroitin sulfate is in the family of nutraceuticals, which are very popular and can be purchased easily enough online. This aids in the body rebuilding tissue surrounding the joint, and can be poured on your dog’s food every day. This is not a quick fix, rather a perfectly natural supplement that is absorbed quickly with healing occurring within a few weeks. Your veterinarian will often recommend this either alone or with pain medication.

If your dog is overweight, find out the correct weight for the breed and lessen the calorie intake in his food at meal times. Do not give fatty treats or excess carbohydrates. He will not love you less! There are many additional nutritional non-fattening treats available these days. Encourage your dog to eat vegetables, especially those containing vitamin B. Just a little at first can be blended and introduced to his regular food. Swimming would be very helpful as there is no strain put on the joints.

Be aware of how much exercise your pet can enjoy. Keep the walks frequent and short, no running on rocks, uphill or jumping. Make his bed super soft and warm. Raise his food bowls so he doesn’t have to stretch so far down. Consider either making or investing in a ramp or steps in order to facilitate his movements.

Is Arthritis Affecting Your Pet And Causing Him Or Her Pain?

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Have you noticed any changes in your dog’s behavior lately? Is he or she taking longer than usual getting up in the morning, or reluctant to go for a brisk walk? This very old disease creeps up slowly as the dog’s joints gradually become inflamed. This is accompanied by swelling and pain and the joints become stiff and immobile.

This is always painful for us too, but our animals cannot communicate what they are feeling and so when the first signs are evident it is important to take them immediately to the veterinarian. He or she will take X-rays and take tests to determine which kind of arthritis your pet has succumbed to. There are many different types of canine arthritis and so the correct diagnosis should be ascertained before treatment. Although there is no cure yet there are things we can do to maintain quality of life for our pets.

Once you have the appropriate diagnosis from your veterinarian, there are various treatments available these days which he or she will prescribe. Sometimes it may be necessary to give anti-inflammatory pills to relieve pain and reduce swelling of the joints. Although this offers immediate relief, know that all chemical pain medication has side-effects and can also be lethal.

Be sure to get as much information as you can before deciding on this. Ask your veterinarian about liquid glucosamine. This is a perfectly natural supplement which, in time, fortifies the cartilage surrounding damaged joints. Sprinkled daily on your dog’s food at meal times gives his body the best way to heal itself. Although liquid glucosamine HCL is not a ‘quick fix’ it may well be the most beneficial aid you can give to your dog suffering from arthritis. In a few short months or even weeks, you will notice an improvement as healing takes effect.

If your dog with arthritis is having trouble jumping on or off the bed/furniture, you could invest in steps or a ramp in order to make life easier for him. These can be purchased or else made at home inexpensively. Some plywood, a few nails, a hammer and some soft carpeting is all that is needed. Also, place feeding bowls a little higher off the floor so that he doesn’t have to bend all the way down.

Make sure the floor is non-skid, or else place a non-skid runner where necessary. Give your dog a soft, warm bed and maybe heat it initially with a hot-water bottle or a pad heated in the microwave. Consider using a wide, thick sling if he has trouble getting up.

Place it under the chest and using both hands lift him up until he is balanced and on his feet. This can also be used to help him in an out of the car. Your pet will love to be brushed gently, especially if he cannot do it himself like he used to. He will love you for it and know that you love him.

Take a look at our online shop for more facts about using Syn-flex liquid glucosamine for dogs for dealing with the destructive effects of dog arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Can Cause Pain And Sore Joints In Older Dogs

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Just as we are living longer these days, so are our furry friends. Arthritis is a disease affecting us both in our old age. There is no cure yet and it can be heartbreaking to see our dogs succumb to this painful condition. As soon as you see him slowing down, limping or reluctant to jump or run, take him to your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Osteoarthritis causes progressive inflammation as well as cartilage deterioration which affects bone, joints and the soft tissue surrounding them. Inflammation also stimulates spurs (bony growths). These form alongside the joints and cause stiffness and pain.

There are differing types of canine arthritis and your veterinarian will need to take x-rays and various tests before offering treatment. The most common type of arthritis is due to aging. Other causes can be trauma from an old injury, repetitive hard exercise, or congenital disorder of the joints such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis (orthopedic disease). Obesity is also a common cause.

Together with prescribed treatment, your veterinarian may recommend reducing the calorie intake at meal-times. Check for the appropriate weight of the breed of dog you have and start to give less in his food bowl, as well as omit fatty treats and too many carbohydrates. Any additional weight adds to the strain on the joints.

Frequent, gentle walks on a smooth terrain will be less painful than uphill runs or walking on stones. Hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial if this is possible. It allows freedom of movement without strain. Anti-inflammatory pills have side effects, as do all chemical medications.

Monitor your dog closely while he is taking these. If your dog is just at the beginning phase of osteoarthritis, a very beneficial nutritional supplement that is very popular is liquid glucosamine. Ask your veterinarian about nutraceuticals. These are perfectly natural supplements. Liquid glucosamine can be sprinkled onto your dog’s food daily. The liquid form of glucosamine HCL is readily absorbed by his body and aids in building the tissue surrounding joints. Within 2 – 3 months and sometimes even weeks, you will notice an improvement as healing occurs. Provide a soft, warm bed and install ramps or steps to make life easier for him.

If you are about to be a pet owner, pick a breeder who is reliable and ask about possible joint problems of hips and elbows in his dogs. If you take one home from a shelter, the best thing you can do to prevent osteoarthritis later on is to give him the right amount of nutritious food with added supplements, fresh water daily, take him for walks as well as regular check-ups with your veterinarian (ask questions) and lots of love.

Learn more about treating your dog with arthritis by visiting our site. We offer info about using glucosamine for easing the pain and discomfort of this joint disease.

Osteo-Arthritis For Pet Owners

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Osteoarthritis is a disease of degenerative joints. In time, most of us and our elderly dogs will suffer from wear and tear of cartilage, protecting the bone. There is no known cure, yet, but there are ways to help your pet and relieve pain. This progressive disease affects joints of the spine, hip, elbow and knee.

If your dog undergoes strenuous exercise or constant jumping, it is likely to suffer tearing of ligaments, especially after a fall or accident. Deterioration happens to the cartilage protecting the bone ends and they will then become rough and later crack instead of being smooth. As the disease progresses, exposed bone remodels itself and develops spurs.

The cartilage will then fray exposing bone. This is what causes the pain. Cartilage cannot repair itself. Liquid glucosamine is a natural supplement which, when taken daily helps rebuild the tissue. It is not a quick fix but may be preferable to prescribed medication which has many side effects, and in some cases is lethal. Ask your veterinarian about this. It has no side effects and depending on the kind of arthritis your dog has, you may well find that in a matter of months or sometimes weeks your pet dog will show signs of improvement and healing.

There is primary as well as secondary joint disease. Wear and tear is the normal cause for the primary disease. The secondary disease has causes which are trauma, patella, hip dysplasia and the rupture of knee ligaments. Sometimes these can be surgically repaired. It is important to have your veterinarian give the correct diagnosis before any treatment is given. X-rays will also be helpful to determine which kind of joint disease your dog suffers from and whether or not glucosamine MSM may help.

With hip dysplasia, there is a malformation of the joints. The ball does not fit into the socket properly and this causes serious complications. Large breed dogs, like Labradors, St. Bernards, Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskys are predominantly at risk for this type of joint disease.

This causes chronic inflammation, muscle pain, tissue breakdown and calcium build-up. Smaller dogs are at risk too, but far less. The Himalayan cat is also known to suffer with hip dysplasia. There is also the possibility of dislocated kneecaps, which occurs with poorly formed leg bones. Some small dogs suffer with this as the kneecap moves out and then back into normal position. You will notice your dog stretching so as to have the kneecap ‘pop’ back into place.

Poor breeding and an improper diet are also causes for cartilage deterioration, pain and tissue inflammation. It is important to give you dog key nutrients in their daily food. Without this, they will be unable to fight further deterioration. Liquid glucosamine is beneficial and can be given for the life of your pet. It is perfectly natural and enables the body to rebuild tissue surrounding the joint.

Find out the correct weight of the breed of your dog and talk to your veterinarian about decreasing the calorie intake at food times. As with us, they tend to put on weight as they age. This causes increased strain on the joints. Give your dog with arthritis a soft, warm bed and short, regular walks, together with the treatment prescribed.

Check out our Cactus Canyon web page to learn more about treating osteo-arthritis with Synflex. Glucosamine HCL is safe and effective for helping ease the symptoms of joint arthritis.

Dog Osteoarthritis Is A Common Disease in Many Senior Pets

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

There are various types of arthritis your pet may develop. The most common kind is osteoarthritis and this affects one in five dogs at some point in their lifetime. This disease is not confined to older dogs. Young dogs may suffer with hip dysplasia, joint trauma, patella luxation or ruptured ligaments. In some cases it is possible for your dog to have surgery, especially if he is young. It is vital that you take your pet to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis as soon as you notice any change of behavior, i.e. limping, lameness or reluctance to rise from a laying position.

Although our pets cannot communicate verbally, you will be able to tell easily enough when there is a problem. Check his paws to make sure there is no foreign object stuck in there. Your veterinarian will want to take X-rays and run tests, followed by a course of treatment. Although this disease is old there is no cure for it yet. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, but there are many ways in which we can reduce the symptoms and maintain quality of life for our dogs with arthritis.

He or she may suffer more in wet or cold days and it would be helpful to provide a soft, warm bed as well as a heating pad placed under the blanket. Raising the food and water bowls will enable your dog to reach better. Taking short, frequent walks over a smooth terrain will be less stressful than climbing a hill or negotiating a rocky path.

Massage, acupuncture and swimming are becoming more and more popular. If your dog is overweight your veterinarian will give you new instructions for meal times. Find out the correct weight for the breed of dog you have and reduce the calorie intake every mealtime. If your dog has trouble jumping on or off the bed or furniture, invest in a ramp or steps to make life a little easier for him. These can be bought or else easily put together with a little imagination and a few tools; plywood, nails, old carpeting.

Depending on the severity of arthritis, either pain medication and/or natural dietary glucosamine chondroitin supplements will be prescribed. You need to know that all medication carries side effects. This may be necessary to relieve pain immediately for a short period. Ask your veterinarian about liquid glucosamine. This is a perfectly natural supplement which, in time, helps the body to rebuild vital tissue surrounding the joint. This can be sprinkled daily onto your dog’s food and within a couple of months or even a few weeks you will notice the healing occur.

Visit our Cactus Canyon web site to find out more about the treatment of osteoarthritis using all-natural glucosamine sulfate nutritional supplements such as glucosamine for dogs. Our products are remarkably powerful for safely managing arthritis joint disease.

More Information About Pet Arthritis And How To Deal With It

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Just like us, our canines can develop arthritis as they age. When we suffer from the pain it causes we usually seek medical advice. However, our pets cannot tell us except in their symptoms, which include stiffness, lameness, reluctance to move quickly or arise from laying down. When we notice such things it’s important to get immediate veterinarian advice, followed by treatment.

Stiffness and lameness may be slight to start with, often just after a long walk or exercise. Your dog may just stretch for longer than usual. In time this condition will progress and the lameness and stiffness will begin to be more evident and severe. Even though this painful disease is very old there is no known cure. Once we realize that our dog has arthritis we can make his life more comfortable and ease the pain. We can take steps to minimize pain and this may include diet, medication, change in exercise, and/or natural supplements.

There are various types of arthritis and your veterinarian will want to take X-rays and tests to properly diagnose which kind your dog suffers from and to what degree. He or she will then prescribe the appropriate treatment which may include a number of changes to your dog’s lifestyle.

Pain medication may be prescribed. Although this will immediately alleviate your dog’s suffering, it has detrimental side-effects, as do all chemical medications, and should not be given for long. In some cases, this has proved lethal. Ask your veterinarian about liquid glucosamine. This is a natural supplement which will help the body rebuild tissue surrounding the joint. It needs to be sprinkled on the food daily and the healing process will be evident within two or three months, and often sooner within weeks. If your dog is not in too much pain this would be the most beneficial course of treatment in the long run and may be given together with pain medication or glucosamine for dogs.

You may need to lessen his food too. Dogs tend to put on weight as they age, as we do. Find out the correct weight for the breed of dog you have and reduce the calorie intake at meal time. Do not give fatty treats and avoid too many carbohydrates.

Give your dog a soft, warm bed and short-frequent walks instead of long ones you may be used to. Avoid large rocks and hills as this may increase joint pain. Acupuncture and swimming are helpful if this is possible.

Pay a visit to our Cactus Canyon website to discover more about managing osteoarthritis with Flexicose for pets. Glucosamine 1500 safe and effective for helping ease the indications of joint arthritis.

How Exercise Affects Canines With Joint Disease

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Unfortunately, almost all dogs will suffer from pet arthritis to some extent in their later years of life. On the other hand, there is no cure for this joint disease, there are things pet owners can do to ease the pain and suffering experienced by the animals.

There are prescription medications that some veterinarians prescribe to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. Many of these have extremely severe side effects in some animals. In fact, there have been many reported cases of dogs who died from taking these prescription drugs to treat arthritis disease.

A safer alternative for treating the arthritis is a supplement product called glucosamine. There are virtually no side effects associated with this form of supplementation, plus the product provides the body with the building blocks to repair the damage in a natural way.

Pet owners should also be aware that exercise can play a very important part improving the quality of life in their arthritic canines. Many times, it is during exercise that dog owners first witness the symptoms and the onset of dog arthritis. Occasional limping is one of the first symptoms associated with the onset of the joint disease.

Unfortunately, many pet owners believe their animals should be exercised less because they have the disease. Nothing could be further from the truth. Exercise is a very important part in treating arthritis disease in dogs because it helps maintain proper muscle tone. If muscle tone is not maintained, the joints in the animal become less stable and thus this causes more pain when arthritis is present.

Of course canine owners need to be aware that too much exercise of course is harmful to dogs suffering from dog arthritis disease. There is no set amount of exercise that is prescribed for any given animal. Owners must get to know their own specific pet’s needs and limitations. For example, if taking three-mile walks usually results in the dog limping afterwards, that is too much exercise. As pet owners, we do not want to aggravate the condition and cause the animal more pain.

Instead, it’s important to find just the right amount of exercise that the dog can benefit from without going too far and thus stressing his or her joints to the point of pain. In most cases, once that amount of exercise is determined, it can be gradually increased without causing undue stress on the animal. Basically, as much and for as long as the dog can exercise without appearing in pain or injured, is good for the animal.

Also, be aware that osteoarthritis in canines will continue to progress for the rest of their lives once the condition manifests itself. Therefore, the quality and quantity of exercise usually decreases as the dog ages, depending on the severity of their condition.

We have more information on our website about how pet owners can use liquid glucosamine to treat dog arthritis safely and without side effects. Our product, Flexicose, offers pet lovers an easy way to treat their dog’s joint disease safely.