Are you giving your cat or dog non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx? Is your pet showing signs of arthritis or joint pain such as slowing down, difficulty getting up or stiffness? Arthritis and joint pain in cats and dogs can be kept to a minimum using supplements, an anti-inflammatory diet and using holistic treatment such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. If your pet shows any of the symptoms of arthritis or joint pain, it is important to bring your pet to the veterinarian for a diagnoses. Your veterinarian will manipulate the limbs and assess your pet’s neurological response, joint mobility and areas of pain. XRAYS (and additional testing such as an ultrasound) may be necessary to determine the cause for your pet’s discomfort.

Nutritional supplements support the bones and joints, helping them withstand physical wear and tear due to aging. Regular use can help reduce pain as well as the need for pain medications. Waiting until your pet is already showing symptoms of discomfort can lead to disappointing results, as an early start helps ensure your pet develops healthy bones, joints and ligaments. Active big dogs especially, should be taking joint support from an early age.

If your pet is displaying symptoms of arthritis or joint pain, it is important to use supplements along with prescribed medications (as needed). Many times when a pet is uncomfortable, pet owners may resort only to medications. Medications treat the symptoms temporarily but using supplements on a consistent basis, can lead to healing and improvement in your pet’s overall mobility on a long-term basis.

The following signs can be symptoms of arthritis. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if your pet is displaying these symptoms:

• Difficulty or hesitation to sit down or get up
• Difficulty jumping up or reluctance to climb stairs
• Lameness in one or more limbs
• Stiffness in the morning that improves as the day progresses
• Subtle signs that the pet may not want to put weight on the limb
• Sensitivity when touched in certain areas

• 1) Change your pet’s diet to a hypoallergenic, grain-free food as this will reduce overall inflammation. Many times, pets with joint and muscle pain are overweight. The excess weight will hasten the development of arthritis by increasing the pressure on the joints. Work with your veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure the amount of food you are feeding is appropriate and that your pet is at a healthy weight. Comprehensive, pet health consultations are available to provide your pet with a custom nutrition plan.
• 2) Use natural, veterinary approved supplements to help repair your pet’s joints and reduce pain. The supplements work long-term to reduce inflammation, enable healing and strengthen tissue---medications are treating the symptoms. Medications such as NSAIDs may be needed initially but these drugs have long-term side effects and can cause liver and kidney damage in some pets. Using the supplements regularly can reduce the amount and frequency needed of joint pain prescription medications. Active large-breed dogs and dogs with a congenital joint issue should use basic joint support such as Amazing Arthrosoothe before symptoms appear.
• 3)Explore the availability of veterinary providers in your area who practice physical therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, chiropractic and other rehabilitation services for dogs and cats. These treatments can be very effective, especially when combined with supplement therapy. Daily exercise with your pet is essential. A short 15 minute walk with your dog each day can can reduce pain by stretching muscles and reducing stiffness. If you have a cat, try to take time each day to play with a feather or laser toy to keep your kitty moving.
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