Most people that do not have canines at home know that dogs and cats are highly prone to dog arthritis. How many times have you viewed a canine that maneuvers as if it is pain? This is particularly true of older and/or heavier canines that are generally inactive physically. Is this familiar? It may, because that is just the kind of lifestyle which causes arthritis in people, as well. Nowadays, we call arthritis a lifestyle disease with reason.
Happens to all of us
Actually, arthritis in canines is very similar to arthritis in people, in that it is a crippling disease that creates hardening of the joints and muscles. And as in us, arthritis in canines is fairly usual as joints do, in the normal course of events, suffer quite a bit of deterioration. And as with humans, arthritis - most usually osteoarthritis - in dogs can be an uncomfortably painful condition which, if not treated, causes a good deal of distress.
Age factor
And the worst thing is that dog arthritis can afflict dogs of any age. Obviously, the more aged the dog, the more chances that it will get arthritis, but arthritis affects younger dogs too. For example, a young dog that has been in an accident or has sustained some kind of injury is also prone to develop canine arthritis. And then there are infections and diseases that can bring on arthritis, such as the ailment known as hip dysplasia, which is a common cause of limping in dogs, and that can lead to arthritis later on.
First steps
Naturally, at the first signs of movement difficulty you should take your dog to a vet. The administration of the right kind of medication is very important, because like human arthritis, dog arthritis is not entirely curable, but, given the right kind of dog arthritis treatment, it can be kept in check.
And although you might not think it, gentle exercise is one of the best treatments, which may sound paradoxical since exercise will cause increased joint movement, but is actually of great help. This is as gentle exercise creates some natural fluids that help the treatment.
See it coming
There are also, of course, over-the-counter medicines that can at least help alleviate the pain of dog arthritis, though as we have already said, there is no 100% result. But these medications are best prescribed by the vet. And a vet is also your best bet for preventive measures, which really are the best ways to treat dog arthritis. So, let's say that dogs have an approximate life span of 14 years, if your pet is approaching 10, you should know that it's time to ask your vet about ways to keep your dog healthy so that dog arthritis cannot strike.
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