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Arthritis for Dogs, Things to Know

Clare | Jul 30, 2009 |

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Arthritis is something which affects a growing number of people and pets. Better health-care means both of us are living longer, becoming more susceptible to age related arthritis. Canine arthritis comes in several different forms, but those most likely to affect your pet are Canine Osteoarthritis (or Degenerative Joint Disease) and Inflammatory Joint Disease.

The symptoms can be quite similar, but closer inspection by your vet will easily determine which form of arthritis is affecting your pet. Advanced treatment and care is quite different for different forms of arthritis in dogs so it is imperative you discuss with your vet, both your suspicions and their conclusions regarding the health of your pet.

General Signs of Arthritis for Dogs

The most common form of arthritis; Canine Osteoarthritis is associated with old age. The signs are a more serious version of the general slowing down we all feel as we get older and weaker. But, certain poor breeding patterns have brought this problem to younger animals too. So it is important to look out for, as early treatment can dramatically improve the outlook for your dog. Some signs of arthritis for dogs are:

Less enthusiasm about going for walks or playtime.
Showing a reluctance to climb stairs, jump or run.
Stiffness or lameness.
Inflamed joints.
Difficulty getting up and moving around, particularly early in the morning.

Although similar symptoms occur for dogs with different forms of arthritis, they are often more severe or indeed more sudden, as both infection and injury can lead to arthritis for your canine. In addition infections associated with certain forms of canine arthritis may lead to fever and general ill-health too.

Treating Arthritis for Dogs

Depending on whether your dog has arthritis related to injury, infection or old age will radically change the kind of treatment available. Anti-inflammatories, pain medication and surgery to repair damaged joints are all common procedures. But there are a few points which are more important than any pets medicines or treatments.

Firstly an overweight dog is more likely to suffer from arthritis and will suffer more badly. Any excess weight should be slowly lost to alleviate some of the extra pressure this puts on joints. If your dog is seriously over-weight speak to your vet about a new diet and safe weight-loss regime.

Secondly, staying as supple and active as possible will help keep joints stronger for longer. Gentle exercise is important to keep your dog active for as long as possible. Whilst jumping and running may worsen the situation, walking, gentle jogging and swimming can do nothing but good.

Long Term Management of Arthritis for Dogs

If you suspect arthritis in your canine it is imperative you discuss treatment with your vet. If the problem is age related Canine Osteoarthritis, ongoing management will be necessary. It is possible to buy a wide range of dog pet meds online, which will help reduce the ongoing costs associated with arthritis for dogs. Canine glucosamine and chondroitin are particularly effective at working together to improve the joints ability to repair itself, and slow further degeneration.