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Whether you’re a brand new dog parent, wake up to your pup on the pillow next to you on the daily, or simply petting their belly before heading to bed every night, we know you love each and every day with your four-legged fur baby. You pup is more than just a pet, they’re your friend, family member, companion, and go-to buddy!
When your best paw friend begins to show signs or symptoms of age or a decrease in health, worrisome and heart-break are just the tips of the iceberg alongside the pain you must feel as a paw parent. We want to ensure that we can do everything to help our doggos live long and healthy lives, for as long as we possibly can!
As much as we wish it wasn’t true, many dogs end up with a decrease in their health as they age. But, many dog breeds are more prone to more severe issues, one of many being osteoarthritis. In today’s article, we’ll discuss osteoarthritis 101, common signs and symptoms of the progressive disease, and the best alleviating options for your dog.
1, 2, 3, let’s run!
As your pup ages, their joints can suffer from inflammation. Relieving joint pain and inflammation in crucial in preserving your pup’s quality of life and care. A popular option for helping prevent inflammation associated with osteoarthritis is NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If inflammation can be reduced, pain can be eliminated.
So what is it? Galliprant is used to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs (it’s FDA approved too). Galliprant targets osteoarthritis and reduced the inflammation associated. By being able to reduce inflammation, this can allow for your puppers to get back to living their best life!
Galliprant provides very similar benefits of NSAIDs - targeting the inflammation process. Galliprant uses the body’s neurotransmitters, neuron receptors that transmit information, to reduce, alleviate, and or eliminate inflammation in affected areas.
NSAID for dogs are common, especially NSAID anti-inflammatories. More so, there are several anti-inflammatory NSAIDs on the market that were available, prior to Galliprant being created. Galliprant requires a licensed veterinarian’s prescription, just like many NSAIDs. If your pup is suffering from canine osteoarthritis, Galliprant can help alleviate the inflammation and help your doggo relive their mobility again.
As I’m sure you know, dogs are generally happy beings! With quick tongues for face licks and tail wags so fast you’ve got a portable fan, they constantly show you just how grateful they are for you as their paw parent. A dog’s energy and affection is a constant reminder for us humans to enjoy life today and be present in the moment. If your four-legged BFF begins to start acting lethargic and weak, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Over time the inflammation can and will become more severe - possibly debilitating your pup. Eventually, your dog’s pain level will be hard to ignore (or even bare to witness). Doggos who develop osteoarthritis over time often visit the vet with complaints of chronic joint inflammation.
There are several NSAIDs on the market that have been approved by the FDA for treating dog osteoarthritis as well as other health concerns. However, many NSAIDs come with potentially harmful side effects like liver and kidney damage and nausea. While it still may be too early to tell, Galliprant shows some promise to provide the same high level of alleviation without the same awful NSAID side effects.
Just like us humans, dogs have cartilage surrounding their joints too. The cartilage allows the bones to move body parts around without pain. As we humans age, we experience loss of cartilage over time. The same goes for doggos. As cartilage deteriorates over time, the bones begin to grind against one another, causing inflammation and pain.
Is there a difference between human and canine osteoarthritis? Well, a big difference to note is that canine osteoarthritis is often associated with cranial cruciate ligament disease and elbow and hip dysplasia. The most common causes of osteoarthritis range from genetic makeup to physical health. If your pup has a regular and healthy diet, gets proper exercise, then you’re right on track to lowering their risk of osteoarthritis.
Vets diagnose osteoarthritis through a physical dog exam and potential x-rays. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis isn’t yet curable, but, a treatment plan can help your dog live an inflammation- and pain-free life! In the worst of cases, osteoarthritis can be treated and alleviated with a soft tissue surgery. On a positive, most dogs that do undergo that surgery as a treatment option, often see very favorable outcomes. WIN.
Dogs are infamous for hiding pain. Noticing small behavior changes can help you catch any problems they may be having early and prevent further pain from developing. If you pup doesn’t quite seem like themselves, think about these questions:
Is your dog limping or favoring one leg while walking?
Is she/he moving normally?
Has your dog’s demeanor changed at all?
These are just some examples of questions that you can ask yourself when assessing if your pup is experiencing inflammation or pain. Here are some common symptoms of osteoarthritic pain to look for:
Many dogs are only aggressive if they feel threatened or are experiencing discomfort. Discomfort can create insecurities, which can lead to aggression. Aggressive dogs are typically hyper-aware of what’s surrounding them and potential threats near.
Most puppers are playful and can growl or bark during ball or play time. Tug of war or fetch may elicit these responses. But, if you’re just simply petting your dog and she or he growls at you, this could be a sign that they are in pain.
If you dog doesn’t growl or bark during petting, but you notice that their tail seems stiff, this is a minor, yet critical, sign of aggression.
Paw parents may realize that their dog is in pain or suffering once it’s too late. Sometimes, certain signs and symptoms are due to aging over time. However, lethargy is different. Dogs who tend to be lethargic typically avoid being energetic or don’t have much energy. They can be seen sleeping more and eating less. A decreased appetite and lethargic behaviors are not normal - these may be signs of chronic pain and inflammation or other serious health issues.
For instance, if your pup isn’t as excited to see you when you walk in the door after work, something may be wrong. They may not be feeling well. But, do note, if this behavior goes on for more than a couple days, it’s worth giving your vet a call (and maybe a visit). As your doggo ages over time, pay attention to signs of lethargy.
Obese dogs end up with more potential health problems than nonobese dogs. Anatomy doesn’t handle weight gain the greatest. If your pup has gained weight, that extra weight also means an increased strain on their joints, especially in the knees and hips. Hip strain can lead to hip dysplasia, with worsening chances leading to paralysis.
The good news about your dog gaining weight is that you are in control (you, the paw parent, yes!). Being aware and proactive about your dog’s weight is the first step to making a change. You can tell if a dog is obese by using their ribs - if you can indentify each rib, your pup is underweight, if you can’t see or feel your dog’s ribs, she/he is probably overweight. In order to help maintain your dog’s weight, be sure that they are getting the right amount of exercise and eating a healthy diet. Lethargic dogs typically gain weight, thus, being a potential sign of osteoarthritis.
Doggos are naturally curious about EVERYTHING! Any old and new smells, people, other animals, just about anything interactive! So if you notice a change from this curious nature, start paying close attention to other subtle changes unique to your pup.
Your dog may interact with the world differently than how your neighbor's dog interacts with the world. Each dog is unique in how they interact. If your pup’s interactions start to change, think twice. They could be a yellow caution sign of pain. When they change their habits, there’s likely a reason behind it.
Personality changes happen over time, so if your doggo seems off for more than a few days, consider seeking veterinarian attention.
Galliprant is an anti-inflammatory drug, it’s purpose is to delete and reduce inflammation in the joint(s).
Inflammation is the body’s instinctive response to an injury that occurs. When injuries happen, injuries swell too. The swelling restricts mobility and could lead to joint issues later down the road.
Unlike NSAIDs, Galliprant targets specific regions and areas of inflammation and pain. More so, it targets the EP receptor. This receptor is the source of pain and inflammation. Galliprant focuses on the pain coming from the EP receptor and treats it.
The correct dosage is based on your dog’s age, weight, and health status. Galliprant is not available to dogs weighing less than 8 pounds. Vets will first do blood work to determine the efficacy of the galliprant along with an organ health check.
Depending on the dosage prescribed, your dog will experience relief from a half or one chewable tablet every day. If your dog begins to experience any side effects from taking Galliprant, be sure to share this information with your vet immediately. In this case, your vet may adjust the dosage.
8 - 15 pound dogs:
30 - 45 pound dogs:
75 - 100 pound dogs:
CBD oil is a great holistic and all-natural alternative option to help dogs take control of their inflammation and pain. Being an organic anti-inflammatory drug, CBD oil can help give your dog a harmless and safe relief for pain.
CBD chewable treats can help provide joint support too! Joint support is super critical in the long run because if the joints stay healthy, the less osteoarthritis will impact your dog.
The best place to find CBD products is here, at PETLYcbd. We offer a wide array of CBD products, which can help you find the best fit for your pup!
Preserving your dog’s quality of life and health is easy, thanks to modern day medicine. Through both all-natural and pharmaceutical options, your dog has the greatest chances of living a long and active life. Stay happy puppers, galliprant can help you stay active without the worsening pain!
