(NAPSI)-While people who suffer from arthritis can do a lot to relieve the stiff joints and pain that often accompany colder days, pets may suffer silently.
Fortunately, there are ways that pet owners can spot signs of arthritis in pets and provide some relief.
Signs include lagging behind on walks, limping or appearing stiff after activity, a reluctance to climb steps or jump, rising slowly after resting.
If your pet begins to show these signs, there are several ways you can ease his or her pain:
• Joint supplements may help ease arthritis pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are widely known for their roles in the support of joint health. These products generally take at least six weeks to begin to heal the cartilage, and most animals need to be maintained on these products for the rest of their lives.
Cosequin is recommended for cats, dogs and horses.
• Weight management is a major factor in joint-disease prevention. Helping pets lose excess weight will ease the pain and stress on their joints. Supplements that help with weight management include Trim Treats, Vetri-Lean and Lean Dog.
• Exercise is the next important step. Exercise that provides a good range of motion while building muscle and that limits wear and tear on joints is best. Walking on a leash, swimming, walking on treadmills, slow jogging and going up and down stairs are excellent low-impact exercises. Swimming is OK for extended periods of time and highly recommended in some cases.
• Dress for the outdoors. Keeping your arthritic pet warm may help him or her be more comfortable.
• Use products that help make your pet more comfortable. Some products such as the Bottom's Up Leash offer a hind leg support harness for dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis or any other problem that affects the legs or spine.
• Use supplements to improve an older pet's overall health. For example, Proviable-DC is a probiotic that helps normalize intestinal function and strengthens the immune system in pets with gastrointestinal problems. Welactin provides omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain normal health, protect kidney function and help skin and coat. Dermaquin provides some of the same benefits.
For more information, visit www.entirelypets.com.
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Showing posts with label supplement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label supplement. Show all posts
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Making Life Easier For Your Senior Pet
(NAPSI)-Arthritis can make it difficult for cats and dogs to get around, but there are many steps you can take to help ease your pet's suffering.
Here are a few tips to help you make life more comfortable for your pet:
• Keep your pet moving. Regular exercise is an important part in preventing arthritis flare-ups-whether it means taking your dog for regular short walks or giving your cat a toy to encourage play. Light exercise lubricates the joints.
• Watch their weight. Don't overfeed your pets or allow them to eat too many scraps as extra weight raises their chances of developing arthritis. Extra weight can strain a pet's joints and eventually cause cartilage to degenerate.
• Keep them comfortable. Arthritis can get worse if the pet sleeps in an awkward position, so make sure your senior pet has a comfortable bed to sleep in; an orthopedic bed, if possible. Some orthopedic beds even deliver heat to soothe affected joints.
• Make adjustments to their environment. For example, think about where you place a pet's food bowl. Raising the food bowl can reduce neck strain. A pet with advanced arthritis might find steps difficult. A ramp or special pet steps may help.
• Supplement their diet. You can also make your pet more comfortable by giving him a supplement such as Cosequin DS. The scientifically researched nutritional supplement is dispensed by thousands of veterinarians to help cats and dogs maintain healthy joints. It's the only over-the-counter supplement to help prevent and treat joint conditions that can be used on both cats and dogs.
Early action is best as the supplement works gradually and it may take a while to see results. If you notice limping, stiffness or a change in gait, ask your veterinarian to examine your pet and advise you on supplement use.
Your veterinarian may also suggest using the supplement as a protective measure to prevent arthritis from developing or flaring up.
For more information, visit Entirelypets.com.
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Here are a few tips to help you make life more comfortable for your pet:
• Keep your pet moving. Regular exercise is an important part in preventing arthritis flare-ups-whether it means taking your dog for regular short walks or giving your cat a toy to encourage play. Light exercise lubricates the joints.
• Watch their weight. Don't overfeed your pets or allow them to eat too many scraps as extra weight raises their chances of developing arthritis. Extra weight can strain a pet's joints and eventually cause cartilage to degenerate.
• Keep them comfortable. Arthritis can get worse if the pet sleeps in an awkward position, so make sure your senior pet has a comfortable bed to sleep in; an orthopedic bed, if possible. Some orthopedic beds even deliver heat to soothe affected joints.
• Make adjustments to their environment. For example, think about where you place a pet's food bowl. Raising the food bowl can reduce neck strain. A pet with advanced arthritis might find steps difficult. A ramp or special pet steps may help.
• Supplement their diet. You can also make your pet more comfortable by giving him a supplement such as Cosequin DS. The scientifically researched nutritional supplement is dispensed by thousands of veterinarians to help cats and dogs maintain healthy joints. It's the only over-the-counter supplement to help prevent and treat joint conditions that can be used on both cats and dogs.
Early action is best as the supplement works gradually and it may take a while to see results. If you notice limping, stiffness or a change in gait, ask your veterinarian to examine your pet and advise you on supplement use.
Your veterinarian may also suggest using the supplement as a protective measure to prevent arthritis from developing or flaring up.
For more information, visit Entirelypets.com.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
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