Many people with aging canine friends feel that arthritis is just a symptom of old age and that there is not much that can be done the condition. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are several different canine osteoarthritis medications and over the counter homeopathic medicines that can make a world of difference, in terms of addressing inflammation and pain associated with canine osteoarthritis.

One thing I must stress is the importance of talking with a veterinarian before administering any medications to your dog. Dogs are very different from humans, and though they can take many of the same human medications, the dosages are usually very different from what humans would normally take. That being said, many of the most useful drugs for treating canine osteoarthritis are drugs and supplements that humans take.

It is important to note that any structural factors must be ruled out before deciding on the proper canine arthritis medications. The most common cause of arthritis in dogs is congenital joint or skeletal defects like elbow and hip dysplasia. Since these specific types of genetic disorders may require specific treatments, it is a good idea to have your dog undergo a physical that checks for structural problems or areas of concern.

There are a number of anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce swelling around joints. These medications can be very effective for increasing mobility and easing pain associated with arthritic swelling. Please check with your veterinarian about which type of anti-inflammatory he or she thinks is most appropriate for your dog's specific type and location of osteoarthritis.

Along with prescription anti-inflammatory medications for canine arthritis, there are a few natural supplements that can make all the difference for your suffering dog. Among the leading homeopathic medicines for arthritis are glucosamine, MSM (methylsulfonymethane) and chondroitin. Sticking to natural, homeopathic medications has many advantages, such as ease of obtaining the medicines and less risk of side effects.

Glucosamine is made from the shells of shellfish as well as refined corn. This medication stimulates cartilage cells and allows glucosaminoglycans and proteoglycans to be synthesized in the body. These chemicals helps the body to repair and rebuild damaged cartilage and other worn out joint components.

For the last twenty years it has been clinically proven that glucosamine provides these primary benefits to those suffering from arthritis.

Glucosamine:

• Eases osteoarthritis and joint pain
• Slows the progression of arthritis
• Rejuvenates the synovial fluid, thus lubricating joints for vastly increased comfort
• Promotes flexible and healthy joints overall
• Helps the body the heal itself, particularly where bone and cartilage comes into paly
• Continually bathes joints in a protective fluid that contains and builds essential proteoglycans and glucosaminoglycans