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May Is National Arthritis Awareness Month

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May is National Arthritis Awareness Month and while this campaign is initially geared more toward humans, I think that it can just as well be geared for dogs.

Canine arthritis is a general term that is used to describe inflammation and pain in dog’s joint. It affects millions of dogs of any age,breed or sex and I think it’s important to bring awareness of canine arthritis to the pet parent population because many people don’t know that pets can suffer from arthritis and awareness is key.

Canine arthritis can also be referred to as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease and it takes place when the cartilage that protects the bone, which forms a joint, begins to break down causing pain and discomfort in the affected areas.

It causes pain and discomfort which is why it should be recognized and treated.

Let me say that again.

It causes pain and discomfort which is why it should be recognized and treated.

Common signs of canine arthritis may be:

  • Slow or stiff to get up from a sitting or laying position
  • Limping on one or more legs
  • Hesitant to jump or run
  • Difficulty getting comfortable when laying down
  • Swollen joints
  • Painful joints when touched

Common causes of canine arthritis may be:

  • Natural aging and breakdown of joint cartilage
  • Obesity
  • Joint disease
  • Trauma
  • Tendon, ligament injury or muscle injury
  • Inherited conditions
  • Immune system disorders
  • Broken or fractured bone

How canine arthritis is commonly diagnosed

In most cases a veterinarian can detect arthritis through a physical exam, x-rays and history of the dog.

In some cases canine arthritis can be prevented or it’s progression slowed down by making sure your dog is not overweight, feeding a healthy and balanced diet and keeping them active.

Management of canine arthritis

Canine arthritis can’t be cured but once it’s been diagnosed but it can be managed to an extent by working with your veterinarian and setting up a treatment plan.

Treatment is ultimately going to be based on the severity of the arthritis and the dog but common options are:

  • Joint supplements that  may help replenish cartilage
  •  Healthy diet
  • Low impact exercised
  • Weight management
  • Holistic treatment
  • NSAIDS as needed or for severe arthritis

Sherman has arthritis and chances are at some point in time Leroy will have arthritis so we try to make ourselves as educated as possible. Since every dog is different and there are so many options available these days for dogs with arthritis, it took some time, but we’ve found some great treatments that work well for Sherman. I’ve blogged about many of them here such as laser therapy, hydrotherapy, building Sherman a ramp and our go to joint supplement, Natural Stride.

We’ve tried many joint supplements and Natural Stride is the one that I have found that Sherman responds well too and I’m super excited to announce that I have partnered up with Natural Solutions, the makers of Natural Stride, to bring you some great deals, discounts and fun news every month!

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I’m so excited about this partnership because I know that many of you are using the Natural Stride products and now I will have the opportunity give some away once each month and I also have a coupon code for you to use right now!

All new Natural Stride customers can use BROWN15 to get 15% off their TOTAL Natural Stride purchase right now!

OH YEAH!

We’ll have our first giveaway next week to celebrate National Arthritis Awareness Month so be sure to keep an eye out in your news feed and I’ll be posting more about what we use to help Sherman’s arthritis soon!

Want to learn more about Natural Stride? Sign up for their monthly newsletter that is packed full of information about company and industry news!

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Joan Crasten

Monday 4th of August 2014

If turmeric tablets works okay for dogs, can it be okay for cats as well? My cat Tigger is 13 yrs old, and the vet wants to give him a medication costing $35.00 for his joints. Tigger has colitis and his vets bills are already a big expense. I'm looking for less expensive remedies for him that are safe and cheaper. do you think it would be advisable to give him the turmeric tablets for his joints?

Joan

2browndawgs

Friday 23rd of May 2014

We really need to think about a supplement for Thunder. Thanks for the reminder. :)

Lauranne

Thursday 22nd of May 2014

My mum has suffered from RA since she was 16 years old. She has found changing her diet has done wonders and she can't tolerate things like pork, green peppers (yet can eat red and yellow) tomatoes etc. I wonder if dogs could also be managed with a careful diet - however with so many feeding commercial food (which I'm not being negative about - I do!) it would be impossible to know.

Susan and the gang from LifeWithDogsAndCats.com

Monday 19th of May 2014

So glad you found something that works and that you can trust. It's hard to see the ones you love feel pain--whether dog or human.

--Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

Laika

Monday 19th of May 2014

Moms old dog (he is dead now) had a lot of arthritis bud they got some med by the Vets, and the last two years of his life, he was painless because of that. Sniff and wags from Laika and Vaks.

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