Dog Arthritis
Care Guide
Dog Arthritis: What Can You Do About It?
Older dogs are very prone to developing arthritis. Inactive and overweight
dogs are the most likely candidates for this health concern. Arthritis in dogs is very
much similar to arthritis in humans. It is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness
in the joints and muscles. The disease is very common in older dogs because the joints
sustain wear and tear with continued use. The pain associated with this condition can
be very intense for some dogs.
However, dog arthritis is not limited to older dogs. Younger dogs can acquire this disease
as well. Some of the causes of arthritis in young dogs are injuries and accidents. If
your dog has sustained severe damage in its legs during its younger years, it is very
possible that the condition will lead into arthritis later on in its life. Certain infections
or diseases may give rise to dog arthritis as well. A condition called
canine hip dysplasia
is one disease that may leave your dog crippled with arthritis.
There are different types of arthritis. However, the most common one
is osteoarthritis. This is the type of arthritis associated with the normal jagging of
cartilages due to overuse. All dogs in their senior years will go through these stages.
Expect them to have problems with their vision and their sense of hearing, as well as
with their joints.
Dogs that suffer from arthritis are going to need the help of a veterinarian. This is
not only because the condition can be very painful for them – it can also restrict your
pets from living a normal live. Whenever dog arthritis strikes, it is a must that you
try to alleviate the pain associated with it with the use of the right medicine.
Exercise is very important for dogs with arthritis. While exercise forces your dog to
move and possibly worsen the condition of the cartilage, it does them good in such a way
that regular movement triggers the release of a lubricating fluid for the joints. These
fluids can help greatly in the joint’s regular movements.
There are many things a dog owner can do to help relieve the arthritis pain affecting
dogs. While cures and remedies play a very important role, there is little you can do
to fully treat this disease. The only solution to dog arthritis is the proper management
of the disease. Try to keep the symptoms of the disease at a minimum.
Let the veterinarian assess the current condition of your dog. There are several over-the-counter
medications for dog arthritis that need to be administered to your pet in order to achieve
immediate relief. There are also natural cures and medicines that you can use to keep
your dog in optimum health at all times.
However, prevention is always better than cure. Safeguarding your pet’s health is still
the best way to fight dog arthritis and other similar diseases. Older dogs need a lot
more medical attention. Dogs have a regular lifespan of 15 years. So if your pet is 10
years old and above, it is at a high risk of arthritis. As its owner, you should know
the things you have to do to ensure that the disease and the pain will occur as rarely
as possible.