Arthritis In Dogs

There are many diseases and ailments that dogs share with their human owners; one of those being Arthritis. Unfortunately, dogs suffer more from arthritis than people do.

Disorder

Arthritis is deemed to be a degenerative joint disease that corrodes the soft joint cartilage, which causes the surfaces of the bare bones to rub together. The long term affects of arthritis is the continual disintegration of the joints, which in turn causes tremendous pain as well as impaired mobility.

Roughly 20% of all dogs will be affected by arthritis; and it is neither breed nor age specific. However there are certain risk factors that should be taken into account in assessing whether or not your dog may have or may be prone to arthritis.

Arthritis Risk Factors

According to the leading veterinarians at the Novartis Animal Health organization, there are 5 specific risk factors to look out for:

* Obese Dogs

Veterinary studies have demonstrated that dogs that are obese are more likely to develop osteoarthritis nearly 3 years earlier than dogs that are of normal weight.

* Genetic predisposition

Some dog breeds are simply more prone to arthritis based on their genetic DNA. This is not to say, however, that they will be affected by arthritis, but that their chances are up to 70% higher because of their breed, which include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

* Joint deformities

Some poor pups are born with joint deformities that can lead to arthritis when they get to their senior years. On the hand, certain joint conditions, like canine hip dysplasia, can add unnecessary strain and harmful strain on a dog's joints. This excess strain can increase a dog's chances of developing osteoarthritis in the future.

*Joint trauma

Sadly, there are many different types of injuries that dogs can sustain that can lead eventually to arthritis. The most common injury is one that has been sustained as a result of being hit by a car. In fact any injury in which there has been any damage to a dog's bones, tissues or ligaments will increase their chances of contracting arthritis later on in their life.

You should also be aware that dogs who are extremely active or partake in agility training or who are considered to be working dogs, are also at a higher risk of developing arthritis due to the excess pressure and strain on the joints.

* Infection

Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as several other types of viral, fungal and bacterial infections can quickly create the perfect conditions by which a dog's joints will succumb to the degenerating affects of arthritis.

Arthritis In Your Dog

The easiest way to determine whether or not your dog has contracted arthritis is by paying special attention to your dog. Dogs that were once very active may start to slow down. They will also have trouble lying down or standing up. Arthritic dogs will likely refuse to go up or down stairs and may also appear to be quite lame as well. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, you can bet that he is suffering from severe joint pain.

Arthritis Treatment

Be sure to take your dog to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A good vet will be able to determine how much pain, if any, that your dog is in and will also offer various suggestions on medical and surgical treatments.

In most cases simply altering your dog's diet and exercise regime, along with taking anti-inflammatory pain control medications, can cause a major improvement.

Some vets also recommend that the pet owner use natural remedies to help support strong healthy joints in their dogs. A great one to use is "Old Timer", an holistic herbal tonic that works to reduce joint inflammation.

Old Timer contains herbs that have powerful restorative properties to help your dog feel stronger quicker.

Photo Credit: chaps1chaps1