The sources of pain relief for dogs

Seeing one's best friend in pain can be absolutely-heart breaking, and it often leaves people asking 'Can I give my dog aspirin?', or 'Can dogs take ibuprofen?'. The answer, quite honestly, is an absolute no. There are, however, many other methods of dog pain relief, as can be seen below.

Why aspirin and ibuprofen are not suitable for dogs

Many people believe that especially for dog, arthritis aspirin may be a solution by giving just a small aspirin dose. The trouble is that giving dogs aspirin, even if it as a very small aspirin dosage, can ultimately do serious damage to the dog. Can you give a dog ibuprofen? The answer, again, is no. As with all other over the counter painkillers, ibuprofen for dogs, and cats or other pets, for that matter, is a toxin. Their metabolisms are very different to those of humans, and giving them any medication meant for humans is, therefore, unsuitable for pet treatments. Any dog treatments, especially if they involve dog medicine, should only be administered if advised to do so by a vet. A caring owner can, however, help their pet, especially if suffering from pet arthritis, by making sure that they get the correct diet.

Helping to ease pain with food

To help to ease the pain of arthritis, a good diet should consist of the best quality dog food, without added food colouring, preservatives, corn, wheat or soy products. Owners should be aware that most grains, a main component of dried foods, are likely to aggravate arthritis by increasing inflammations. The best alternatives are home cooked meals using either raw or cooked meat and vegetables, or cutting down on dried food and adding a cupful of fresh vegetables, such as celery, which is particularly good for joints, carrot, cucumber and others, chopped very fine for easier digestion, to their food. Mushrooms and onions should be avoided, as they can be toxic to dogs.

Food supplements

One of the best supplements for a dog with arthritis are glucosamine tablets. The dosage is a quarter of a milligram taken from a 500 mg tablet for every 10 pounds of the dog's weight once per day. Ideally, the tablet should also contain chondroitine sulfate, as this helps to add nutrition and lubrication to the cartilage, as well as inhibiting enzymes destructive to the cartilages. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil capsules, and MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, are also good supplements to give to a dog.

Plenty of exercise

It may not be enthusiastic about it, but lots of short walks, rather than one long one, will ultimately help him. Swimming, if it likes water, is the best possible exercise for a dog with arthritis, as it exercises them without putting any strain onto the joints.