Arthritis Medicine For Dogs: Addressing Pain And Mobility Problems

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease and it's especially uncomfortable for dogs, who are ill equipped to complain or inform us of their pain.  Once diagnosed, arthritis may be treated with therapy and medications.  Find out what types of arthritis medicine for dogs are used for our canine friends and what you can do to provide extra help.

Dog arthritis usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs and is often referred to as osteoarthritis or DJD - degenerative joint disease.  This is a progressive, non-infectious disorder that can become a debilitating condition, characterized by the deterioration of cartilage and the significant reduction in cells that produce cartilage. 

Arthritis can affect any joint in a dog's body although it often manifests itself in the hip area.  If left unchecked or untreated, it can permanently cause that joint to lose function.  Larger breeds and mixed breeds are often susceptible to arthritis but it can also occur in younger dogs who suffer from nutritional disorders, infections, trauma and canine hip dysplasia.

Medications Used to Treat Dog Arthritis

When a dog is diagnosed with arthritis, the course of treatment usually involves medication and therapy to address pain, inflammation and mobility problems.  Arthritis medicines are also used to prevent or minimize cartilage degeneration and encourage tissue repair.  Some of the most common medicines used for dogs with arthritis include:

Carprofen

The most common brand name for this medicine is Rimadyl and is a popular treatment for dog arthritis.  It relieves pain and usually leaves little side effects.  It's not always effective for all dogs suffering from arthritis and prolonged use requires that the dog undergo regular blood tests to check his or her liver function.

Palaprin

Also referred to as Palaprin 6, this is buffered aspirin that is specifically formulated for use with dogs suffering from arthritis.  It helps relieve pain and inflammation but does not cause the gastrointestinal irritation that is often associated with aspirin use.

Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan

The common brand name for this arthritis medicine is Adequan and is often administered in the form of an injectable drug.  It directly targets the affected area and helps facilitate tissue repair by binding to the damaged cartilage.  It also blocks enzymes that cause joint swelling and promotes the production of fluid to maintain healthy joints.  Adequan is given twice a week for about four weeks.

Sidebar: This group of articles about dog and cat arthritis include the topics of canine rheumatoid arthritis, cat arthritis and feline arthritis.

All these common arthritis medicines for dogs are only available through a prescription, so it's important that you seek the advice and recommendation of a veterinarian.  There are other medicines used for dogs with arthritis but if you want to maintain a safe and effective approach to treatment, have your dog undergo veterinary care because no two dogs react the same way to the same medication and certain drugs need to be monitored for any adverse reactions.

What to Expect During your Visit to the Vet

Not all dogs develop arthritis but if yours does, you will be able to notice the symptoms, some of which include limping, difficulty in moving or rising, reluctance to engage in activities such as exercise or play, avoidance of movements such as walking, jumping or climbing stairs and resistance to touch.  Some dogs may even express pain when touched. 

If you suspect your dog has arthritis based on his symptoms, seek the help of your vet immediately.  A check-up and probably an x-ray will determine if the condition is really arthritis and how far it has progressed.  Joint malformations may also be recommended for surgery. 

Managing Dog Arthritis on your Own

While medicines to treat arthritis in dogs are quite effective in relieving pain and inflammation, it is also important that certain changes be made to help your dog manage his condition.  Changing your dog's diet, for example, is an important approach to supplementing arthritis medicines because it helps reduce weight and avoid obesity.  Excess weight puts too much pressure on your dog's joints, which may exacerbate pain and discomfort.  Maintaining a healthy or somewhat underweight dog might help.

Another effective supplement to arthritis medicine for dogs is moderate exercise such as swimming and walking.  Low impact exercises help keep your dog active and also help maintain his mobility.  It also prevents obesity.  If necessary, regular gentle massages may also be used to help your dog relax and remain calm.

You might also want to ensure that your dog is comfortable and rested when at home.  Try to pursue long-term management of arthritis pain for your dog by ensuring he has a comfortable and cool place to rest and sleep in and that he has easy access to food, water and other areas he usually romps in.  Arthritis medicines can treat pain but they are often temporary measures so it's important that you help your dog live with his condition as comfortably as he or she can.