If you have a dog, you should know that dogs like to play. What if one day you tug on the leash and your dog hesitates to get up off the couch and show some signs of a limp?
What is the first thing that comes to mind? Possibly arthritis because one in five dogs suffer from arthritis in their lifetime.
If you want to know what is arthritis in the dog? Should you walk a dog with arthritis? And how could you treat your dog with arthritis than this article is especially for you
What causes arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis is defined as a disease that causes painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. This disease most often affects older dogs, but the condition can develop from an early age after problems with bone and joint development.
Inside a dog’s joints, the bony surfaces are normally covered with a thin layer of very smooth cartilage, which is lubricated with a small amount of joint fluid that allows the two surfaces to slide freely over each other with a minimum of friction.
If your dog is suffering from arthritis, then the cartilage inside the joint undergoes changes or damage, becoming less smooth and causing bone surfaces to rub.
This condition will cause discomfort to your dog, as well as damage to the cartilage. As a result of this increased friction, the new bone begins to form around the joint, which makes the joint more rigid, which further limits its movement, a condition known as degenerative joint disease.
This condition can affect any joint and cause arthritis, but it is more common in the knees, hips, and spine.
How do I know if my dog has arthritis pain?
There are many signs that show that your dog suffers from arthritis, although dogs often mask their signs of pain. Common signs of arthritis are
- Lameness
- Reluctant to walk
- Feeling pain while getting up
- Yelping when touched
- Licking of the affected joints
Should you walk a dog with arthritis?
Yes, it is important to take your arthritic dog for a walk because it will decrease joint pain and stiffness. Dogs suffering from arthritis have decreased resistance and are less excited about walking.
However, regular walking is essential for your dog, instead of taking your dog for a long walk, try taking him for several short, slow walks a day. If your dog tolerates these walks, take him for a walk on steep hills. These little walks will rebuild your dog’s muscle and overall increase stability and strength.
Does arthritis shorten a dog’s life?
Arthritis in dogs is a long-term condition and does not directly shorten the dog’s lifespan. However, arthritis slowly worsens over time if it is not managed properly, and the quality of life declines. If arthritis is managed properly, most dogs can live a happy life even after diagnosis.
How do vets test for arthritis in dogs?
There are many ways to diagnose arthritis in dogs. First, the owner may notice that their dog is not feeling well or is slowing down or aging. When you take your dog to the vet, he will notice a change in posture, energy level, how your dog walks or runs, how he gets in the car, and how he sleeps in his bed.
The muscular distribution of the dog suffering from arthritis also changes. Some vets also follow a direct approach to diagnosing arthritis in dogs. The approach the vet follows is given below
- Walk the dog a few steps and identify any changes in behavior, energy level, mobility, and gait.
- A complete and thorough examination of rear and hind limbs
- Perform certain urine samples, blood tests, x-rays, joint fluid collection, and CT scans.
- In the end, evaluating the response to any anti-inflammatory medication or diet change.
Can arthritis in dogs be cured?
Yes, arthritis can be cured. When it comes to drugs, there are several options. Many injections are available that are used as a standard treatment for arthritis and other joint problems.
Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body of dogs. Glucosamine helps the dog’s body create molecules that aid in the formation of cartilage in the dog’s joints. In dogs, glucosamine production decreases with age, so supplements are needed with age.
Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan, and it is an essential part of cartilage. The efficiency of chondroitin sulfate increases when combined with glucosamine. Many studies indicate that chondroitin helps prevent cartilage breakdown and also helps repair the cartilage mechanism.
MSM is a miracle pain drug. One of the benefits of using MSM in dogs is to decrease muscle and joint pain. MSM has an outstanding result in joint degeneration, knee joint problems, and hip joint problems.
What can I give my dog for arthritis?
There are several things in the diet that you can give your dog if he is suffering from arthritis.
Vitamin C is an important ingredient in the dog’s diet. The dog’s body can also make its own vitamin C. If a dog suffers from hip and joint problems, it may need vitamin C more than the body’s natural production. Vitamin C can help maintain collagen health and also helps in hip dysplasia and degenerative joint diseases.
Turmeric is found in every home and is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps relieve arthritis pain. Much research has been done on the pain relief factor of turmeric.
A compound found in turmeric known as curcumin or curecumin has surprising effects on the health of the ointment. It is used to relieve pain and decrease joint stiffness. Some research has shown that turmeric is more potent than aspirin.
Dried yucca has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If a dog is suffering from arthritis, dried yucca can decrease the symptoms of arthritis. Eggshell meal is a great source of calcium, and it has great benefits in arthritis and joint problems.
Vitamin E has great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps in decreasing arthritis pain.
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Arthritis in the dog is a major problem as the dog ages. There are many reasons behind arthritis, and old age is one of them if you have any arthritic dogs than see your vet regularly and give him the proper treatment.
