Dog Arthritis: Natural Remedies for Dogs With Arthritis

"The one absolute unselfish friend that humans can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts them, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is their dog " - George Graham Vest, Senator of Missouri, 1855.

Since time immemorial, the dog has been the man's best friend. There are countless stories of how the friendship between man and dog - as his pet and best friend - thrives. There are also stories of how dogs become so savage and become an enemy to man instead of a friend.

My first dog I was given as a gift when I was a young girl was named Yegi. Since then, I've had several dogs I call my own apart from the ones my family keep on the farm. Yegi was my best friend, who would follow me everywhere I go. We would go walking, playing on the beach, picking flowers in the field and my favourite was Yegi and I helping my dad to bring the cows to the cow paddock and moving them from one grazing location to the next.

There are different reasons why people keep dogs. We keep dogs as pet, for security, to assist in farm work and for hunting. Our dogs are trained to assist in the cattle farm and hunting. If it wasn't for the dogs, work wouldn't be easier for my dad and mum. Because of the important work they do, we also look after them well.

Having a dog from an early age, I can say that you do not need a vet or a dog specialist to tell your if your dog is sick. I have learned to tell from the body language of my dog to tell if it's happy, sick, angry, thirsty, hungry, in pain or it doesn't want to play.

Dogs suffer from arthritis, which is pain and swelling of joints, just as we human beings do. While we humans can speak, our best friend can't. Paying close attention to dogs can help you detect early signs of illness in your pet and seek treatment.

Common symptoms of dog arthritis:

• Reluctant to rise and move - not moving around and playing like before.
• Licking affected joints - where it is hurting.
• Stiffness on rising or lying down.
• Tell from eyes - if its sad and unhappy.
• Reluctant to jump or climb stairs.
• Limping.
• In pain.
• Mild swelling or heat in the affected joints.

If you notice the above symptoms in your dog, it is an indication that your dog is suffering from dog arthritis. Seek treatment for your dog.

Remember, your best friend can't talk. It needs the best help you can give.