Symptoms and Treatment of Arthritis in Dogs

What is arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis in dogs is an illness that causes swelling in the joints. When they swell, it affects the surrounding bones as well. There are several factors that can cause arthritis in dogs, including the following:

• An infection
• Genetic causes
• An injury or wound
• Autoimmune mechanisms in the animal’s body that make its body attack itself.
• Degenerative arthritis, a condition that affects older dogs

It’s common for arthritis in dogs to appear as these animals advance in age. However, there are cases of arthritis in younger dogs as well. This may be the result of a bump or injury that causes the early onset of the illness.

Current statistics indicate that one in five dogs suffer from arthritis or some other related condition.

Symptoms of arthritis in dogs

Many people overlook the fact that, as dogs get older, they start to walk with difficulty. But, if they manage to detect arthritis early on, then they can treat it much more effectively. Therefore, they can keep their dogs from painful suffering and keep their body’s in better condition. It’s important for dog owners to be very attentive to the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. These include:

• Rigidity
• Your dog no longer performs certain movements that he used to perform – for example, facial gestures
• The animal displays difficulty when it comes to jumping or climbing onto a table, chair, or stairs
• It’s becoming harder and harder to simply to lay down and then get back up
• Your dog’s joints start to appear swollen
• On occasion, you may hear “noises” from your dog’s joints when they are in movement
• Joint pain – you may notice your dog complains constantly when moving

Veterinary treatment of arthritis in dogs

When you notice any of the above symptoms, then it’s time to take your dog to the veterinarian. A professional will be able to determine whether or not your pet is suffering from arthritis. If the diagnosis does, in fact, show that your dog has arthritis, then the vet will recommend a course of treatment. The goal of this treatment will be to relieve your animal’s pain and keep the illness from advancing.

There are a variety of options when it comes to the veterinary treatment of arthritis. It all depends on each dog’s particular case:

• Pharmaceuticals: This is a treatment that includes antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories.
• Dietary supplements: Dogs with arthritis should take supplements like Omega 3 and chondroitin sulfate. Both of these help to regenerate damaged cartilage. This way, your dog’s joints will begin to heal.
• Surgical intervention: This is the most uncommon treatment option. However, depending on the case, a veterinarian may feel it’s necessary to perform an operation.

Treatment at home

Besides whatever treatment your veterinarian prescribes, there are also ways you can care for your dog at home. To do so, a series of habits and routines will be necessary. The idea is for your dog to suffer as little as possible.

When it comes to treating a dog with arthritis, it’s important to make sure he doesn’t overeat. Obesity only makes the pain and the condition of your dog’s joints worse. It’s simple – the more your dog weighs, the more work his joints and bones have to work. This is especially true in older dogs.

Your dog’s diet

Experts recommend changing your dog’s diet and replacing poor quality, processed foods with healthy, homemade meals. You should offer your pet food that is as high quality as possible. Turmeric, for example, is a spice that is commonly used to treat arthritis. You can include this product when you prepare your dog’s food.

Another indispensable factor when it comes to treating canine arthritis is exercise. Going for walks, playing outdoors, and swimming are all helpful. It’s important for animals to exercise and be in constant movement. This will help strengthen their bones, as well as their joints.

In dogs with arthritis, a short period of exercise each day is ideal. It shouldn’t last more than 30 minutes, as dogs with arthritis can tire easily due to their condition.

Good nutrition and physical exercise are the two most powerful tools when it comes to the treatment of arthritis in dogs.

Source of main image: Carol Von Canon