Train the Dog Blog

Arthritis is a reality for many of us, whether we choose to accept it or not. Unfortunately, this distressing ailment is shared not just amongst us people – our beloved pets succumb to arthritis as well. In fact, it is a prevalent condition that veterinarians have had to deal with all the time. It’s not a great thing to have for sure but we can be comforted to know that there are ways to deal with it when it does happen to our pets.

If you don’t even want to bother yourself with finding the right dog arthritis treatment, then make it a point to do what it takes to keep it at bay. How do you do this? Perhaps the best preventative measures you can take are to keep your pet on a healthy, nutrient rich diet; and a regular exercise regimen. You can also give him specific vaccines that target this particular ailment.

Most animals get arthritis simply because they are old. Their joints and muscles have been worn by years of sometimes rough dog life and it will show up when they age. This doesn’t mean that younger pups are exempt from arthritis. Inborn physical deformities, sickness or injury in the legs that have not been properly treated can result in a form of arthritis. Look for arthritis treatments for dogs to alleviate their pain.

Where do I find these arthritic treatments for dogs? You can access these almost anywhere. Pet shops and specialty canine sites offer some of the best treatments that will treat your poor pet. Before you zero in on the treatment though, you must have your pet examined thoroughly. Get an accurate diagnosis and consult the vet on what is the best course of action to take regarding this.

Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, as they are more commonly called, are given to arthritic dogs to reduce inflammation; thus providing the much desired pain relief. There are many NSAIDs available but you must ask your vet which one to take and the dosage appropriate for your dog.

As with all medications, there are still cases wherein the particular subject being treated doesn’t respond well to some of the chemicals and will exhibit adverse side effects. Watch out for nausea, red patches, bruising, blood in the stool, breathing heavily and changes in elimination pattern. If your dog continues to manifest these signs you must immediately bring him to the vet. Ask that the dosage be lowered or change the medication altogether.

There are natural therapies you can use to take down the enemy that is arthritis. Herbs like yucca, alfalfa and stinging nettles help bring relief from joint pains. Mussels and shellfish help restore the condition of weakened connective tissues. Bring immediate relief to the aching limbs of the dog by massaging olive oil to the affected areas.

I know you hate to see your pet even having to undergo any sort of pain. However, when you get him a good dog arthritis treatment you will afford him a better quality of life, despite his ailment. Look out for the symptoms and effects of arthritis and have him checked by the vet when they do manifest.

Are you in search of practical arthritis treatments for dogs? Visit HealthyHappyDogs.com and find exclusive finds on the most efficient dog arthritis treatment all pet owners must be aware of.

People have a lot of phobias we need to face; little did we know our own pets have their own troubles to deal with as well. Dog anxiety like noise phobia should not be treated lightly. When left on its own, a dog suffering this fear will injure himself and the surrounding areas he finds himself in.

The reasons why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms have not been accurately determined yet. Some say that it is because of the electric charge in the atmosphere, the drop in barometric pressure, or simply because like humans the dark and loud sounds are scary. Whatever it is, this particular fear is rather common among dogs and have worried many of their owners.

Dogs and thunderstorms are not good bedfellows. Symptoms of mild noise phobia in dogs are shivering, or cowering in corners around the house. Ease their anxiety by bringing your pet to a spot in the house they are most comfortable at. Many times it is an open crate or the bath tub. Gently lead him there every time he seems afraid and reward him when he follows.

Animals that are severely distressed by thunderstorms and other loud noises like engines, fireworks and random loud blasts must be monitored very carefully. These pets not only damage furniture, they injure themselves badly in doing so. There are owners who report their pets were so distraught by the storms that they claw through carpets and even hard wall until they were bleeding.

There are two modification practices dog behaviorists employ in dealing with noise phobia. The first of these is desensitizing the canine. You can do this by introducing the dreaded noise very softly, then raising the intensity of it slowly until he is not afraid of it anymore. When you try this, begin faintly and always keep the increasing intensity under the fear producing volume your dog is aware of.

The other technique to treat dog anxiety is by counter conditioning. You do this by giving your dog something which would normally solicit favorable responses while you increase the source of the fear gradually. For example, if you are able to simulate a thunderstorm, amplify the noise very slightly. As you do this, give your pet his favorite treats. If he still gets agitated, stop. You dont want the dog to associate the treats you give to the phobia he is experiencing.

If the above mentioned behavior modification practices do not work, you have to ask your veterinarian on the best medication you can administer. Preferably, natural or homeopathic treatments should be used like Melatonin and Phosphorous 30C, which have been known to significantly improve noise phobia in canines. Inquire about the dosage in relation to the breed and size of your pet, and follow it carefully.

A common cause of frustration for many pet owners has often been dogs and thunderstorms. Studies are being developed continually to find a safe and thorough cure for this condition. In the meantime, it is prudent to do whatever we know to do to help comfort our pets. Visit the veterinarian regularly for check-ups and any changes in behavior.

How do you fix your problem with dogs and thunderstorms? Download some of Geraldine Dimarco’s most useful articles on dog anxiety and make sure your pet never has to go through this again.