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How to Treat Joint Disease and Pain in Your Dog

Just like human, dogs deal with stiffness and joint pain. These annoying issues will directly affect your dog’s mobility and the ability to get around, thus have a serious effect on your dog’s quality of life. It is depressing to notice your dog can no longer jump on the bed or walk up the stairs. However, join pain is common in dogs, large and giant-breed dogs are more likely to develop orthopedic disease.

Irreversible and incurable, joint diseases commonly can be managed by several options, including anti-inflammatory medications, surgery, physical therapy, and supplements. Specific treatment depends on the factors of your dog’s joint pain.

4 Common Joint Diseases in Dogs

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as a degenerative joint disease. Repetitive stress, infection, genetics or just normal aging processes will lead to deteriorating cartilage. Then lead to osteoarthritis. The loss of protective cushion for joints will worsen joint pain and inflammation.

Hip Dysplasia & Elbow Dysplasia

Relatively speaking, hip or elbow hip dysplasia is more common in large and giant-breed dogs. Dysplasia refers to conformation abnormality of the affected joint and it commonly leads to lameness, joint degeneration, and decreased ranged of motion. Hip and elbow dysplasia are typically hereditary, however overweight and bad structure of diet can speed up the deterioration of the disease.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Dogs that are affected with OCD typically limp or are lame in the affected leg or legs. During an orthopedic examination, when pressure is applied to the affected joint or when the joint is manipulated, the dog will often cry out in pain. The affected joint may be swollen and warm to the touch.

Patellar Luxation

As a medical term of kneecap dislocation, patellar luxation is more common in small-breed dogs. In mild cases, the dog may walk on 3 legs for a few steps till the kneecap returns to the normal position. In severe cases, dog leg may be permanently flexed which may lead to other orthopedic problems.

Dog Joint Pain Treatments

The best way to ensure successful treatment and quality of life is using a multimodal approach. For different types of joint diseases, your veterinarian may suggest options as followed:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Surgery
  • Changes in diet and exercise regimen
  • Physical therapy
  • Joint supplements, such as Dasuquin
  • A combination of all of above

What’s Dasuquin?

Dasuquin is a supplement that promotes joint health in dogs and cats. According to the manufacturer, Dasuquin’s formula is designed to stimulate cartilage matrix production, protect cartilage, and support joint function. As the number one join supplement brand highly recommended by veterinarians, Dasuquin is the most complete supplement for joint health on the market.

Three Main Ingredients of Dasuquin:

  • Glucosamine hydrochloride.
  • Sodium chondroitin sulfate.
  • Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs)

Some Dasuquin varieties also contain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Remember to seek your veterinarians’ advice!

Why Should My Dog Take Dasuquin?

The study indicates that Dasuquin may be the same effective as NSAIDs in the management of chronic osteoarthritis. It can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote joint health. Safe and effective, it works well with other medications such as NSAIDs. By protecting cartilage and stimulating healthy joint function, Dasuquin is also useful for joint disease prevention. Both senior dogs and highly active dogs can benefit from this!

Side Effects of Dasuquin

According to the manufacturer, Dasuquin is safe for most dogs. No adverse effects associated with the medication, no known contraindications or interactions between Dasuquin and other medications or supplements. Be sure to follow your veterinarians’ recommendations to start any new medications or supplements for your dog. Stop giving the supplement and contact your veterinarian instantly once noticing any abnormal behavior in your dog after taking Dasuquin such as diarrhea, vomiting or allergic reaction.

Dasuquin or Other Joint Supplements?

A wide range of canine joint supplements is available on the market. According your dog’s own condition and requirements, your veterinarian will provide professional advice on choosing an appropriate supplement.

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Heat Therapy For Dogs

The application of heat is used to reduce stiffness and muscle spasms, increase blood flow and relieve pain, which can be used for ongoing conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and injuries. By reducing stiffness, heat therapy helps to improve joint range of motion during and after exercise. In addition to these healing benefits, heat therapy provides comfort, relaxation and anxiety reduction.

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Prevention of Joint Disease

Especially for those large and giant breeds dogs who are prone to suffering from joint disease, preventive health care is of vital importance. Regular visits to your veterinarian and annual physical examinations will make it easier to detect subtle signs of stiffness, pain and decreased mobility. Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight is the best way to prevent and manage joint disease in the early stage!