Early warning signs of arthritis in dogs

By Simply Supplements

What are the main causes of dog arthritis?

There are various factors that can lead to joint problems in dogs. These include joint infections, joint injuries, dislocation, weight, family genetics, and ageing. Joint traumas and hip dysplasia in dogs can also affect younger dogs.

Their muscles are prone to similar degenerative conditions as humans. Arthritis pain can be debilitating and severely affect quality of life. Luckily, there are many natural arthritis remedies and osteoarthritis treatments that can help to relieve arthritis pain in dogs.

Canine arthritis symptoms

The common visible symptoms of arthritis in dogs are stiffness, limping, a reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and noticeable pain when moving.

These symptoms are often more visible first thing in the morning or just after a dog wakes from a nap. They can also become irritable and distressed.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in dogs and is believed to affect 1 in 5 dogs at some point during their lifetime. It is a degenerative condition that affects one or more joints and causes painful inflammation. There are osteoarthritis treatments and lifestyle changes that can help reduce arthritis pain.

Types of breed most at risk

Larger breeds are more at risk of developing joint conditions such as osteoarthritis. These include Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. This is because dogs that have heavier builds (or those that are overweight) place more stress on their joints.

Hip dysplasia in dogs is fairly common in medium to large breeds. This is a malformation of the hip joint and is often inherited. Over time hip dysplasia results in the loss of function of the hip joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in toy breeds and smaller dogs and symptoms commonly occur during early adulthood.

How to treat dogs with arthritis

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  Weight loss where needed – keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help to prevent the onset of arthritis later in life. Being overweight can also complicate treatment if it is required.


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  Low level exercise – moderate exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility. However, they should not be encouraged to jump or place excessive weight on their back legs.


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  Comfy bed – dogs also require proper rest in order for their muscles to recover. A comfy bed can help to reduce pressure on joints. Orthopedic foam beds are available which help to distribute weight evenly.


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  A warm environment – ensure living conditions are warm, dry and away from drafts. A cold and damp surrounding will make any joint pain your dog is experiencing much worse.


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  Nutrition – dogs require a well balanced diet of nutrients in order to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy. A poor diet can lead to weak muscles, degeneration and inflammation.


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  Supplements – as with humans there are supplements that can help to protect joints against ‘wear and tear’ and to treat symptoms of joint conditions such as arthritis.
  
  

Joint care for dogs and canine joint supplements

Many people are unsure how to treat dogs with arthritis, however, there are many natural arthritis remedies that can help to relieve symptoms. The use of cod liver oil for dogs as a natural arthritis remedy has been popular for many years.

Cod liver oil contains essential fatty acids which aid the growth, development and maintenance of joints. When taken over a long period these essential fatty acids can offer protection against certain joint conditions, including osteoarthritis. Other benefits of cod liver oil supplements include reduced anxiety levels and a glossy coat.

Pain relief for arthritis

Glucosamine and chondroitin are found in the healthy joints or dogs. As dogs age the natural production of these decreases, leaving joints vulnerable to ‘wear and tear’. The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is a popular arthritis treatment for dogs to offer pain relief from symptoms of arthritis.

It is best to start treatment as quickly as possible; glucosamine and chondroitin are often given to dogs from age 3 to 4 to help prevent the onset of arthritic joints in the future. If symptoms have already begun to appear then glucosamine and chondroitin can offer an effective osteoarthritis treatment and pain relief.

Related articles…

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