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Arthritis affects one in five dogs over the age of seven. And seven is the median age for when a dog is becoming an older dog. Of course, abnormal weight puts more pressure on your dog’s joints. This causes more pain and swelling. In this case it’s good to reduce the fat in your dog’s diet. If your dog has arthritis he shouldn’t eat foods with preservatives, wheat, soy, corn or food colorings. Most commercial dog foods have several grains in them and they increase inflammation, which irritates arthritis.

The signs of osteoarthritis can vary depending up on the joints involved, the age and size of the dog, and the severity of the disease. In general, the first signs may be an altered gait, since the dog will try to put more of its weight on the unaffected limbs. Many times the dog may find it difficult to get up after lying down or would be unable to jump up into the car or may have difficulty to go up or down stairs. Depending upon the amount of pain the dog is experiencing, there may be changes in appetite and behavior. Some dogs will lick or bite at the area that is painful. Some will seek out warmth or soft places to sleep.

Some forms of degenerative joint disease can be treated with surgery. For example, hip replacements in dogs with hip dysplasia are becoming more common. Other procedures can also be performed, but their success rests upon how many bony changes have occurred in and around the joint.

It is hard to watch your old friend limp and whimper when he or she walks. Pay attention to his movements and his behavior. Your dog will let you know when the joints are hurting, but only you can help them out and give them the relief they need. With the right medications your dog will not be as good as new, but they will feel less pain.

Arthritis doesn’t have to slow your dog down, take steps when they’re younger to prevent the irreversible damaged caused by arthritis.

Tags: Pets

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