Your Dog And Pain

YOUR PET AND PAIN: THE DOG LOVER’S CREED

Dog pain is part of loving and caring for a dog. While of course we never wish pain or suffering on ourselves or our loved ones, it is an inevitable part of living. As a human being lucky enough to have one or more dogs in your life, you must be willing to be responsible and accountable for your dog’s health, happiness and well-being at all times.

This means that you are the steward of your animal, and must always pay close attention to your dog’s habits and behavior. Close contact and regular observation will allow you to perceive health problems which may cause your dog painbefore they escalate into potentially life-threatening conditions.

In the process of paying attention, you will also learn who your dog is. This knowledge, of course, is the basis of any friendship, and no creature on earth reciprocates friendship as generously and unconditionally as your dog!

So the investment of time, attention, energy, and, yes, money, to keep your canine companion feeling great is well worth it. Effectively dealing with dog pain in an informed, mature, loving way is a major part of your responsibility as a dog’s friend and dog-owner. Luckily, breakthrough treatments like Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint Formula now make it possible to treat many aspects of dog pain, from the source to the symptoms, without injections, potentially toxic drugs or side effects.

COMMON CAUSES OF DOG PAIN

Dogs are mammals with highly evolved skeletal and neuro-muscular systems, much like ourselves. They are vulnerable to injury, infection and parasites. And, many breeds have inherited, genetic predispositions to serious conditions which can dramatically affect their quality of life.

SKELETAL AND MUSCULAR PAIN: HIP DYSPLASIA AND ARTHRITIS

Hip dysplasia and dog arthritis affect many dogs, and are especially common in large breeds including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Spaniels and Retrievers. Purebred dogs in these groups are particularly prone, but even mixed-breeds may encounter these common sources of dog pain.

 Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the ball-and-socket joint of the hip becomes deformed, preventing full rotation of the ball in the socket. This condition is usually inherited, and become worse with age. The symptoms include chronic dog pain, cartilage-loss, loss of mobility, and atrophying of the hips and back legs.

Hip dysplasia is often accompanied by dog arthritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage and its membranes, resulting in damage to surrounding tendons, nerves, muscle and bone. As with hip dysplasia, dog arthritis is a common cause of dog pain. While there is no cure, Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint Formula offer safe, gentle effective treatment.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT COMPASSION:

The experience of pain is universal. And we now know that animals experience pain in much the same way that we do, as humans.  In his brilliant book, “The Exultant Ark”, author and naturalist Jonathan Peter Balcome studies and explores the capacity of animals to experience joy, as well as pain. A generation or two ago, many people actually believed that the “lower animals” as they were called literally did not have this ability. Science now tells us something quite different, that even invertebrates — even shrimp! — avoid pain and seek pleasure.

So, it goes without saying that your dog experiences the gamut of sensations from misery and agony to pure joy. One of the reasons that human beings love dogs is because their joy-threshold is so low.  It doesn’t take much to make them ecstatically happy, and they love us so easily. They are always happy to see us, always happy to catch the ball, always happy to see the leash, always happy to run themselves silly in the dog-park…. unless they are in pain.

Whenever you encounter your dog, another animal, another person, or any other living being, consider these words:

  • Compassion
  • Sympathy
  • Empathy
  • Pathology
  • Pathetic

These words arise from the same source. “Passion” is a Latin word which comes from the Greek word, “pathos”. The original root-words refer to the experience of suffering. When we realize that all beings may experience pain, our view of the world changes.

HOW TO TELL WHEN YOUR DOG IS IN PAIN

Because you are in tune with your dog, the first signal that something may be wrong may simply be a change in how your canine friend looks, moves, and relates to you and the rest of your family.

WARNING: Even a subtle change in behavior, appearance, or both may be your first clue that your dog’s health needs to be checked out by a veterinarian.

As the dog’s best friend, dog pain will be more immediately obvious to you than it will be in many cases. Of course, a visible injury (broken bone, bleeding cut or laceration) is unmistakable, but often dog pain comes from a source which cannot be seen by the naked eye, such as dog arthritis and hip dysplasia. Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint Formula offer safe, gentle effective treatment for these common sources of dog pain. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, and this condition often is accompanied by hip dysplasia. Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment with these natural formulas, which were developed by a naturopathic doctor for his own dog, are key steps to effectively intercepting and managing dog pain so that your pet’s suffering is kept to a minimum.

Some breeds are literally genetically engineered not to show pain. For instance, Pit Bulls are more likely to suppress their feelings of pain. It is part of their inherited makeup as a breed! Other large breeds also often display this Stoic tendency. This can make the identification and diagnosis process more difficult.

HINT:  LOOK FOR SIGNS OF SUBMISSION.

Many large, aggressive breeds will not easily show pain because they have been bred to assume a dominant pack-attitude. If your dog, regardless of the breed, shows signs of submission—passive behavior– at inappropriate times, these may be signals of dog pain:

  • Lowered head – this is where we get our expression, “Hang-dog”
  • Slumped posture
  • Flattened ears
  • Lying down instead of standing or sitting in the alert position
  • Avoids interaction with you, other humans, other dogs
  • Soft whining
  • Refusal to compete, even in a “safe”, play environment
  • Avoids eye-contact
  • Allowing other dogs to consume its food
  • Allowing other dogs to “move to the front of the line” at meal-times

And don’t be fooled by tail-wagging. We want to believe that only happy dogs wag their tails. In fact, tail-wagging may be a sign of submission. The dog may be trying to comfort YOU and assure you that everything is fine, and does so by generously wagging its tail.

If your dog just seems different – “off”—keep checking. Loss of appetite and loss of energy are obvious first clues.

A dog who’s suffering may be sluggish and lethargic, with no interest in the usual joys of dog-dom like daily walks, rides in the car, trips to the dog park, catching the Frisbee and fetching the ball.

And, a dog in pain may also turn aggressive. Undiagnosed pain is often the underlying cause of a sudden “snap” in dog personality, including biting.

DO A NOSE-TO-TAIL QUICK-CHECK

If you sense that your dog is experiencing pain, give your pet a nose-to-tail check yourself. In fact, doing this on a daily basis, even when your dog seems to be a perfect shape, keeps you and your dog closely connected. A daily analysis of the “whole” dog may help you keep your dog’s quality of life at its peak.

Begin by bathing your dog if this is part of your usual routine. Or, start with a gentle brushing, or even just a light fur-ruffling and head-to tail stroking with your hands. If the dog jumps, snaps, winces or flinches when you touch it, take note of where your hands are when this happens. Arthritis and hip dysplasia, very common sources of dog pain, may make your dog hypersensitive to even the gentlest touch on its joints, legs and hips.

  • COAT AND FUR  – Pay attention to the dog’s coat. If the hair seems unusually dull, clumped, or matted, this may indicate that your dog is not grooming—a common sign of dog pain, and possible illness.

TIP: Also, look for areas around the joints where the fur seems to have changed color. Dog pain in a leg or hip often causes the dog to lick that area obsessively, and the constant saturation with the enzymes in the dog’s saliva actually bleaches the hair to a lighter tone.

  • START AT THE NOSE –  The nose-“leather” should be clean, shiny, cool and moist. A dry, cracked or swollen nose may indicate inflammation, dehydration or even fever and infection in your dog’s system. Be aware of unusual discharge (dark, green, yellow, and traces of blood).
  • EYES – Should be bright. Gently pull the lower lid down with your fingertip to get a look at the mucus membrane. All mammalian eyes and noses produce some discharge. Normal discharge is thin and clear, and will wipe off easily with a warm washcloth. Look for signs of inflammation or infection. Dilated pupils may indicate fever.
  • MOUTH – Dogs are infamous for their “doggy-breath”, so don’t expect a bouquet of roses. But do make your dog’s dental health a concern. Canine toothpastes are available for home use, and every veterinarian offers professional teeth cleaning for pets. This helps prevent painful abscesses which can make your dog ill and lead to tooth loss. Dogs also drool—many breeds in particular. However, if your dog is drooling or panting in an unusual way, you may be facing dog pain.
  • HEAD AND THROAT – Press through the fur gently to feel for any lesions, such as a wound from a fight, lumps, bumps, or any cysts or other thickening under the hair and skin. A bite-wound from another dog, or any kind of wound, may go undetected in long-haired dogs especially. Untreated wounds may lead to infection.
  • CHEST AND SHOULDERS– When you feel your dog’s chest, shoulders, feel for its heartbeat. A rapid pulse often indicates that the animal is suffering and trying to cope with pain. Overdeveloped chest and shoulders may indicate weakness in the rear legs, often accompanied by dog pain.

TIP: Pay careful attention to how your dog stands and walks. Dogs who are experiencing hip dysplasia or arthritis in their hips and back legs will often slump or lower their hindquarters. They do this in order to take weight from the painful areas, and tend to place more weight on their front legs. This will often result in the dog standing with its rear legs unusually close together, and its front legs wide apart.

Also watch for changes in your dog’s walk-pattern or run-pattern. When a dog has pain in its back legs, it often will “bunny hop”, using both of its rear legs like a pogo-stick since normal weight-distribution may be painful. If your dog limps or displays a gait-pattern like a bunny-hop, it is a clear sign of dog pain, so seek medical attention immediately.

  • BELLY– Your dog’s mid-section are where many major organs are located. A bloated or tender tummy indicates an internal issue and requires immediate attention. Constipation is a common cause, so monitor your dog’s bowel and bladder elimination patterns closely. Pay attention to weight-loss and gain. A dog experiencing pain often will stop eating.
  • JOINTS AND LIMBS– In healthy mammals, light, evenly applied tactile pressure feels good. This is the appeal of a massage. If your dog reacts—pulls its paw away, snaps, whines—when you touch one of its joints, it is likely that dog arthritis, hip dysplasia or both are present. Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint Formula (www.dogshealth) offer safe, gentle effective treatment for these common sources of dog pain.
  • TAIL—Your dog will probably wag its tail just to make you feel better, even if it is in pain. Do take note of changes in mood and personality. Look under the tail for unusual discharge from the anus or female uro-genital structure. These tissues should be smooth, clean and moist, like healthy gum-tissue. Seek immediate veterinary assistance at any sign of swelling, bleeding or inflammation in these areas, since these are indicators of health issues and accompanying dog pain.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

 

 

Arthritis in German Shepherds

You can tell if your German Shepherd has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

Arthritis in Bull Mastiffs

You can tell if your Bull Mastiff has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

Arthritis in Irish Setters

You can tell if your Irish Setter has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

Arthritis in Lhasa Apso Dogs

You can tell if your Lhasa Apso has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

Arthritis in Basset Hounds

You can tell if your Basset Hound has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

Arthritis in Beagles

You can tell if your Beagle has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

Arthritis in Pit Bulls

You can tell if your Pit Bull has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

Arthritis in Saint Bernards

You can tell if your Saint Bernard has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

Arthritis in Dalmatians

You can tell if your Dalmatian has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. Since 1992, these products have been trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which also contribute to arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP