Please Note: That only the items highlighted have been tried by my self on my own dogs. Also the prices supplied may be different, as these were the prices at the time of constructing this webpage.
Degeneration of the joints (Arthritis) can be a result of ageing, incorrect feeding, trauma caused by an injury or hereditary. The most commonly affected joints are the hip, knee (carpus) which is the carpal joint of the foreleg and shouldn’t be confused with the human knee, as on a dog it is equivalent to the human wrist. The elbow (front leg) and the Stifle (back leg). The stifle is the joint at the end of the thigh bone, which is similar to a human knee. It has several joint surfaces and numerous ligaments and following an injury can become a weak point. Arthritic symptoms include, stiffness, painful joints and lameness. Rheumatic symptoms include, those mentioned for arthritis, as well as, painful joints, ligaments and tendons. Make sure you keep your pet warm, dry and away from drafts.
Exercise & Diet – Ensure that your dog has regular exercise. This should be moderate in activity and several shorter walks are much better than two long strenuous walks. A good quality diet is essential and if you have a mature dog, then feed a senior brand of food, as these will have the correct nutrients to provide a well balanced diet for the ageing pet.
Massage – This can be a great benefit to your pet and will also enhance your bond with your dog. Massage the affected areas twice a day, working from the toes upwards.
Ergonomic Feeder – These are recommended for large breed dogs and for dogs that suffer with stiff arthritic joints, or spinal disorders. These stands raise your dog’s food bowl to a more convenient height, which reduces the strain on your dog’s joints and can aid digestion, especially with dogs that tend to gulp down their food. Available in various sizes and priced from £5.99 - £14.99 from http://www.championpetsonline.com
Syn-Flex Liquid Glucosamine – Containing Chondroitin – when converted from US dollars it works out to £16.00 per bottle, £31.95 for two and £47.93 for three including postage. http://www.activexamerica.com/at.cgi/291234/pets/
Liquid Devils Claw – This is a natural anti-inflammatory, which I must say I am quite impressed with, as I have been able to reduce/stop the amount of Rimadyl my dogs take daily since using this product. I use Chudleys Liquid herbal tincture, which is 100% natural ingredients. Dogs only require a few ml per day. This brand is available in 100ml bottles priced £7.00 and will last an average sized dog 40 days. This product is available from http://www.championpetsonline.com
** I will be giving this product a try** - Liquid Devils Claw by the Animal Health Co. Available from http://www.championpetsonline.com but comes in 250ml bottles at £5.50 and 1 litre for £15.60
Hydrotherapy – These warm water pools are an excellent way to help keep arthritic pets mobile, as well as them having fun. There are many local centres for pets and also some mobile therapy pools. However, please ensure to dry your wet dogs well.
Infra Red Heat Lamps – These can be a benefit to many dogs, as the heat from the lamp brings relief to the painful symptoms. The lamp should be fixed above the affected areas, at a distance of about 3 feet away. The dog should be kept still for 30 minutes, so an indoor kennel/crate may be helpful. This can be implemented twice a day. Mine find this a benefit after being exercised.
Heat Pads - These are made by Snugglesafe and are circular gel filled pads, which you heat up in the microwave. These offer a safe alternative to hot water bottles or heat lamps and help to ease stiff and painful joints with there gentle heat. My eldest collie loves his. Prices around £20.95 and are available from pet stores and http://www/championpetsonline.com
Copper Collars – The Ancient Egyptians used copper in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and today many people have found that wearing a copper bracelet helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis. Dogs can also benefit from wearing copper collars, which help to bring relief from the pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism or similar inflammatory conditions created by injury or old age. Canine Copper Chain Collars slip over the head, but should not be used with a lead, as copper is a weak metal. Available in various sizes and priced from £10.30 - £20.85 from http://www.championpetsonline.com
Accupuncture - This is worth trying, but generally the relief is short term, so treatment will be ongoing. Most dogs are quite happy with this treatment, its usually the owners that get squeamish over the needles... If your pet has pet insurance, then check your policy as accupuncture and other alternative therapies are often included, so you will be able to claim for the treatments if veterinary referred.
Denes Greenleaf Tablets – These are suitable for arthritis and skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis, as they help to cleanse the blood. 100 tablets £5.35 or 400 tablets £14.90 from http://www.championpetsonline.com
Denes Seatone Tablets – These contain green-lipped mussel extract with glucosamine and are suitable for arthritic dogs. 100 tablets £15.20 and available from http://www.championpetsonline.com
Mobility Mix – Containing a mixture of dried herbs that you add to your dogs food. If feeding a dry/complete food, simply add a little sunflower oil to the food and the herbs will stick to it. Containing Comfrey Leaf, Dandelion, Celery Seed, Nettle, Devils Claw Root and Burdock Root. This herbal remedy can be used in conjunction with copper or magnetic collars. Available in 200g tubs £7.33 & 600g tubs £17.11 from http://www.championpetsonline.com
Runaround by Stock Nutrition – This contains shark cartilage and green lipped mussel extract. I personally found that this had no effect on my own dogs. However, Beverly Cuddy from the Dogs Today magazine recommends after an improvement in her own dog, so basically its back to the fact that dogs are individual and what works on one, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work on your own pet… Available from http://www.doghealth.co.uk In 100g tubs for £14.95
Cod Liver Oil – This is a traditional nutritional supplement that I give to my eldest dog in a small dosage. It can aid mobility in older pets, as well as maintaining coat condition. Available from pet shops, chemists and supermarkets. Prices vary on brand and quantity.
Arthrotabs – These are a nutritional supplement containing green lipped mussel and are used for maintaining normal muscle and joint function. Priced £22.19 for 60 tablets. Available without prescription from http://www.vet-medic.com the pet pharmacy.
Cortavet Canine/Feline – Concentrated liquid food in a spray, containing glucosamine, msm and chondroitin. Helps to promote the maintainence of healthy cartilage. Priced £23.00 for 120ml and available from http://www.vet-medic.com
Other treatments available from Vet Medics Pet Pharmacy Include:
Cortaflex Canine/Feline Veterinary – Liquid Glucosamine, msm and chondroitin. Priced £23.65 for 236ml & £55.83 for 946ml.
Cosequin DS or RS Capsules – Also available as chewable tablets or powder. Contains glucosamine, msm and chondroitin. Available from Vet Medics and priced from £38.60 - £51.50
Invigorate Canine 250mg or 500mg Capsules – Containing New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract. Helps to soothe stiff joints and maintain mobility. Please Note: this product should not be used on pregnant bitches. Available from Vet Medics. Priced £16.05 – £27.74.
Synoquin Capsules – Available for cats and dogs.
Vitapet R-A Formula – Helps to maintain mobility and supple joints. 170ml £4.99 & 450ml £8.79. This product is also available in most pet stores and supermarkets.
