Hip dysplasia and Arthritis in cats and dogs

Alternative supplements if your cat or dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis:

1.) Devils Claw: Is available in liquid form and can be given with your pets food. It is a natural anti inflammatory. Devils claw can help reduce swelling and relieve pain in joints.

2.) Synoquin helps promote healthy cartilage around joints. Suitable for cats and dogs, they come in capsules with can be opened and sprinkled on to pets food or are available in chewable tablets. Some pet owners simply go to Holland and Barrett which have found to be just as good as Synoquin.

3.) If your pet  has arthritis then  turmeric has been known to prevent symptoms in humans. So some pet owners either give turmeric supplements or  buy the actual product in the raw  and grate into a powder.  A product called Seraquin  contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Turmeric.

There are many natural supplements on the market and its what works for your pet that matters.

Please always check with your vet first before giving your pet any of the above supplements.

As well as  supplements, bedding and exercise can help. Below we have some pet beds which help and exercises your pet could do.

1.) Memory foam pet beds help prevent pressure on joints when your cat or dog is sitting or sleeping.

2.) Orthopaedic  dog beds  (which can be used by cats also)   have an egg crate foam inner which gently massage your pet as they move around on the pet bed.

3.) Canine Hydrotherapy has been known to be a very useful low impact exercise and will help prevent muscle wastage. Ask the therapist to dry your pet after each session.

4.) If your dog does not take to hydrotherapy (as mine didn't) you could try very short walks (at their own pace) to help loosen  stiffness in the joints.

5.) Cats that are diagnosed can benefit from exercise. Never let your cat sleep in one place for hours on end. Wake them up and let them have a wander around every now and then. As with both cats and dogs, the key is little but often.

6.) Keep your pets slim to avoid added pressure on joints.

None of these are cures but will help your pet live with dysplasia and arthritis more comfortably.