Every year, dogs suffer from the disease called arthritis. In humans and dogs, the disease can cause small inconveniences or major problems. A dog can limp occasionally and be sore only in the mornings. Your canine friend can also be stiff, move with great difficulty and cry from the pain.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term used to describe a type of joint abnormality. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the bone-joint connection erodes away at a rate faster than replacement is possible. The protective cushion layer disappears. The result is a swelling of the joint. The entire region may become inflamed and sore.

Causes

There is no single cause for arthritis. The major causal factors include:

* Age of the dog
* The breed of the canine
* The weight of the animal
* The result of an accident

Symptoms

The symptoms for arthritis are not uniform among canines. The most common are:

* A decrease in the animal’s activity level
* Limping or occasional lameness
  * The limps may show signs of stiffness
* The arthritic joint and area may be sore
* The temperament of the dog may be irritable
* The dog may appear lethargic and generally sluggish

Preventing Arthritis

While it is not always possible to prevent certain forms of arthritis – particularly if it is the result of age or breed, you can address the problem of weight. Extra poundage contributes to increased stress on the canine’s limbs. As a result, any excess weight you allow your dog to gain increases the chances of arthritis. You need to monitor your dog’s weight to insure he or she is at the right weight for his or her breed, life cycle and size. Keep in mind that certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to weight gain and/or arthritis. The list includes:

* Boxers
* Bulldogs
* German Shepherds
* Golden Retrievers
* Labrador Retrievers
* Rottweilers

Decrease the chances of arthritis by exercising daily and feeding them a proper diet.

Accidents are another major cause of arthritis. They frequently result in trauma and stress to the joints. These can lead to the development of arthritis at a later date. While it may be impossible to prevent all types of accident, you can avoid many of them. Prevent accidents by being vigilant. Do not let your dog off leash in dangerous, unfenced areas. Do not allow your dog to wander. Avoid any likelihood of conflict between your dog and such things as vehicles, other animals, and canines. In other words, always be a responsible dog owner.

Treatment

There is no cure for arthritis. You can only manage the disease. In doing so, you will relieve the pain and increase the dog’s quality of life. In some cases, early treatment will slow-down or decrease the onset of the problem.

In order to ensure your dog receives the best treatment possible, talk to your veterinarian. He or she is best suited to provide you with the right advice. A vet may suggest treatment or treatments most applicable in your dog’s situation. You may then choose from the various possibilities. These include:

* A nutritional supplement such as glucosamine. You add this to your dog’s diet in tablet, liquid or powder form. It also is a regular additive to dog food and different treats.
* Injections are another possibility. This requires visits to your vet for a set period of time
* Alternative approaches. These include Reiki, acupressure and acupuncture.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a serious health problem affecting dogs of all ages. While not curable, you can prevent its development by taking precautions. Watch your dog’s weight. Try to avoid bone and joint accidents. Talk to your vet to see if you can decrease the chances of arthritis crippling your dog.

Article by Kelly Harris; go to Petflow.com for free shipping on dog food on brands like Wellness dog food online!

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PGAA comment: Please see our warnings about the use of Rimadyl and Rimadyl Stories This can be a dangerous drug and you need to ask your vet to give you a complete explanation of its possible side effects.