Activities that were once part of our daily lives are now a thing of the past.

Something as simple as running and jumping on the couch has never been this hard.

This is what it feels like to have Arthritis.

Today we talk about a joint disorder that has affected millions of dogs around the world.

Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

It is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Cartilage within a joint becomes damaged or deteriorates. The joints of the bones rub together, which causes a great deal of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, Arthritis is not curable, but dogs may still live without any problem through proper medication.

What are the causes of Arthritis?

Arthritis is usually a problem for senior dogs. This is when they're cartilage loses the ability to regenerate. There is also a much rarer case where the joints didn't develop correctly.

Trauma can also cause Arthritis. Damaged joints will lose their ability to regenerate cartilage.

What are the signs that my dog has Arthritis.

You should bring your dog to the vet if your dog displays the following

• Lethargy
• Stiffness
• Dog moving slow
• Grumpiness
• Show signs of pain when moving

How will my dog be diagnosed with Arthritis?

Your vet will examine your dog's joint through joint flexion and extension. Your vet will recommend you do further tests such as X-ray to help isolate the problem. Blood samples may also come into play to rule out any medical condition associated with Arthritis.

How is Arthritis treated?

Therapy - this includes weight control and exercise management. This will help reduce the load and also maximize the range of the joint.
Medication - Anti-inflammatory drugs are an ideal option for treating Arthritis, but it may come in with side effects. Using these in the long term may cause more problems. You may also consider alternatives such as Cartilage protectors.
Supplements - These are often paired with prescribed medicine. Supplements have been on the rise recently. More and more pet owners are choosing Joint Supplements as a viable option to treat Arthritis.


Is your dog showing any signs of Arthritis? If not, do you consider investing as early as now for your dog's joint health? Let us know in the comments below!