Volume 1 - Issue 9

Greetings,
Welcome to this month's issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Please pass this along to your friends!

Table of Contents:

  1. Featured Articles from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center
  2. Feeding Your Pet Properly
  3. Pet Arthritis Message Boards

Featured Pet Arthritis Content

  1. A Guide to Glucosamine Products for Pets
  2. Canine Hip Dysplasia
  3. Stories of Users of Rimadyl
  4. Natural Arthritis Relief for Pets
  5. Recommended Books on easing arthritis pain in Pets
  6. Using Glucosamine to Ease Arthritis Pain in Pets

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Liquid glucosamine formula Syn-flex® effectively eases arthritis and hip dysplasia pain in dogs and cats, assists in the rehabilitation of damaged cartilage, and slows the progression of the disease. Plus FREE shipping. Learn more about Syn-flex now!

Feeding Your Pet Properly

By J.R. Rogers

Food, Food and More Food
Just as in the case with humans, as pets age they require less food intake. In addition, while we have discussed diet as a factor when dealing with arthritis in pets, there are two points worth mentioning.

Like most pet owners, we have a tendency to leave food out for our pets during the day, as well as overnight. This is a mistake for both young and old pets. When we do this, they tend to feed excessively and for those that are less active, obesity either develops or becomes an even greater problem.

Life Changing Factors in Decreasing Feeding Schedules
In every respect, humans and pets are the same when it comes to decreasing the amount of food consumed. As we have said repeatedly, obesity is a factor in both the development and added complications in osteoarthritis. Less food and more exercise equal a better chance of achieving healthy joints. It is as simple as that but how does your pet feel about receiving less food?

Where’s the beef?
Fortunately, when a pet is overweight it is easy to get that weight off. It may involve a little “complaining” from your beloved pet at first, but nature is working on your side. When less food is made available, fortunately the metabolism slows down. As weight is dropping off, your pet is less inclined to even want more food.

Do not try to “starve” the weight off your pet. Drop the snacks and, at least for dogs, concentrate on meals made up of green beans, carrots and other types of vegetables. Not only will most eat them, they will take off weight steadily. In addition, start out slowly in terms of reducing the amount of food you are giving your pet. Just as with humans, it is easier for the body to adapt to fewer calories slowly.

A Healthy Feeding Schedule
Most of us are guilty of leaving food out for our pets all day long, evenings too. It is the wrong approach. Try to balance out feeding schedules to three times daily. You may hear a little “complaining” from your pet at first but believe me, what you will gain in terms of healthy joints (and overall health) is worth it.

When a Pet does not Lose Weight
If you find that your pet does not lose weight after about a month of restricted food, there is something else going on, assuming you are still making certain they are getting exercise. When weight is not dropping off it usually means there is another medical condition affecting your animal, and it is time for a visit to the vet, hyperthyroidism is one case in point.

Maximizing the Benefits of Healthy Exercise
Time permitting, it is far better for your pet to exercise for 15 minutes several times daily than it is to take a more extended and one-time approach. In addition, let us not forget that “exercise” can be as simple as chasing a toy around the house or “trots” up and down a hallway.

Joint Symptoms after Exercise
If you notice any inflammation or heat around a joint after exercising your pet, it is likely that the ligaments or the capsule surrounding the joint has stretched. The results are that the ligaments and tissue surrounding the area can no longer support the joint.

If you see these symptoms, the vet can fix Fido or Fluffy up with a temporary “splint.” This will assist in supporting the joint as well as protecting the ligaments from even more stretching and strain.

Remember, our goal is to keep our pets’ joints healthier and pain free. Although there is a little effort involved to achieve that goal, they will appreciate it both short term and long term.

See you next time.

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Pet Arthritis Message Boards

A feature to our Pet Arthritis Resource Center is the Pet Arthritis Message Board. You can post messages, ask questions, learn more, and meet friends. You can post messages in any of the following sections.

Dogs

  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Arthritis in Dogs
  • Glucosamine for Dogs

Cats

  • Feline Hip Dysplasia
  • Glucosamine for Cats
  • Arthritis in Cats

Other Animals

  • Arthritis in Other Animals

Here's a few sample posts from the Forum...

Sandy
Posted on 22 Aug 2002 at 23:46

I have two, 4yr old labs, who love to run, swim, jump, and play. Last year my male dog had to have an ACL repair to his left leg. He was my vets first dog not to bounce right back following surgery. We also discovered he had mild hip dysplasia. In May, one year after his surgery, he still had a noteable limp and was not fully weight bearing on that leg. I found the Syn-flex website and thought I'd give it a try. We had tried the pill glucosamine without much improvement. Although he does not like the taste, I mix it into his food and he is doing wonderful! He's had it for 2 1/2 months and I plan to continue with it not only to help the knee joint but also to keep the mild hip dysplasia at bay. Thanks to Syn-Flex both labs continue to run and play together!

Maureen
Posted on 08 Aug 2002 at 07:36

My 5 month old bulldog has just been diagnosed with ununited anconeal processes in both elbows. I have been deterred from the surgical option on the basis of cost ($3,000) and the extended rehab period. The vet has recommended that I put her on glucosamine injections - weekly for the first month, monthly for 3 months and then 6monthly thereafter. Does anyone know whether the injections are better/worse/same as liquid capsules.

Post your own message on The Pet Arthritis Message Board now!

This concludes the September Issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Look for the next issue in your inbox on October 15th, 2002!

Please forward to any friends that have pets with arthritis and who would be interested.

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Have a great September from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center and The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. See you next month!

 

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