Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs - Overview of Dog Arthritis Medications and Supplements

Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs is about as common as it is in people. It may range from mild to moderate or severe. If your dog is overweight, the extra pressure on joints can exacerbate the problem. And, as with humans, there may be joint cartilage damage.

Fortunately there are some dog arthritis medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, as well as nutritional supplements, that can help make your dog feel better. There are also some physical aids that can assist your arthritic pet in getting around.

Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Your dog may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• difficulty in getting up
• limping, especially after exercise
• walking slower than normal or a change in gait
• difficulty in jumping or climbing stairs, or a hard time squatting to do his business.

Dog Arthritis Medications

It is always best to see your vet to get a proper diagnosis. He or she may prescribe one or more of the following anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers. You can get your dog's arthritis medication through discount pet medication web site, often at a much cheaper cost than through your vet's office. This may be especially helpful if your dog is on arthritis medication over an extended period of time.

• Rimadyl®
• Deramaxx®
• Metacam®
• EtoGesic®
• Zubrin®

Aspirin for Dog Arthritis

You can get special non-prescription canine aspirin for dogs with arthritis to help relieve their joint pain. Canine aspirin can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You can generally find aspirin for dogs at discount pet medication web sites and other online pet supply merchants.

Glucosamine and Other Arthritis Supplements for Dogs

Some people have found success in reducing their dog's discomfort and improving their mobility by giving them supplements of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. Fatty acid supplements can also be helpful in reducing inflammation. Popular products include Joint Max, Cosequin, Duralactin, and Pro-Motion. They have been shown to help lubricate the joints and improve joint health.

Lose Weight and Give Him Low Impact Exercise

Physical Aids for Your Arthritic Dog

• An elevated dog feeder can help your dog so he doesn't have to bend over to eat
   or drink.
• A pet ramp can help your dog get into the car or on the bed
• A dog harness versus a collar is gentler on the neck and back
• An orthopedic bed provides even support and reduces pressure on joints.

Recommended Sites

Drs. Foster & Smith is the largest catalog and online seller of pet supplies in the U.S. They feature high quality pet products for enhancing pet health and well-being. Products include healthy pet foods, vitamin supplements, pet meds, nutraceuticals, furniture, bedding, and more, often at lower prices than what you may find in retail pet stores. In addition to carrying thousands of name-brands, Drs. Foster & Smith have their own high quality brand name products, all American-made. They offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – If you're not satisfied with a product you purchase from Drs. Foster & Smith you can return it for a full refund of the product price – no questions asked. Save at the Drs. Foster and Smith Flea and Tick Sale! Offer ends 5.12.08! Get Free Ground Shipping on Flea and Tick Products through Dec '08 !

Only Natural Pet Store offer thousands of products from all the leading manufacturers of natural pet care products, including vitamins, supplements, medicine, food, treats, chews, bones, flea control products, grooming supplies, and much more. They offer many hard to find products like organic food and treats, herbal remedies, homeopathy, raw food, flower essences, and natural flea control products. Only Natural Pet Store has an extensive Natural Pet Care Library that offers articles and responses from their holistic vet, Dr. Larry Siegler. Among the numerous resources is info on cancer, allergies, skin & coat, food selection and more. Save 5% on your first order at Only Natural Pet Store! Coupon code CJ15. Use coupon code MAYCJ to save 10% through the end of May.

EntirelyPets carries a comprehensive selection of flea and tick control medication and other pet meds such as heartworm medication, as well as dog health and nutrition products. We love EntirelyPets.com because they sell their products at up to 70% off vet prices and will match any price from their competitors at time of order. We've seen big price differences vs other online suppliers. Entirely Pets Online ordering is secure using Stronghold secure server, which supports the industry-standard 128-bit SSL encryption. Shipping is a low flat rate (approx $4) for UPS ground. There is an 800-number for phone queries and a toll-free fax line for faxing prescriptions, if required. $5 off on orders over $150 with Coupon Code: MAR5 (EXP: 4/15/08). $3 off on orders over $95 with Coupon Code: MAR3 (EXP: 4/15/08)
Click for more Discounts

1-800-PetMeds is America's largest pet pharmacy. They carry a huge stock of prescription and non-prescription pet meds including flea and tick control, heartworm medication, and allergy and arthritis medications. They also carry a wide variety of dog vitamin/nutritional supplements, skin and coat care products, dental care products, and more. 1-800-PetMeds guarantees the best price at time of shipping. Get $5 off every order! 1-800-PetMeds is taking $5 off each purchase no matter what the order size.  Customers also get Free Shipping on orders over $39.Ordering is fast and secure. 1800PetMeds.com uses an industry security standard called SSL to encrypt your order.

PetCareRx is one of the most affordable pet pharmacy and supply stores on the web. They carry prescription and non-prescription pet healthcare items and ship them conveniently to your door. When ordering with PetCareRx you can save up to 50% when compared to your vet's prices. Save up to 50% on all your pet care needs with PetCareRx.

NOTE: Please check with your Vet before giving your dog any medications.