Often referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a debilitating condition in canines. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the factors that contribute to - or exacerbate - the problem. We’ll also explain how owners can manage the issue.

Contributing Factors And Symptoms

As canines age, the cartilage that prevents their bones from rubbing against each other naturally wears away. Nearly all breeds are affected by this which is commonly known as primary DJD. Many breeds are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders that impact ball and socket joints. Both disorders can lead to osteoarthritis, which is commonly called secondary DJD. Other factors that can lead to canine arthritis include obesity, problems related to the metabolism, and inflammation caused by fractures.

The first sign of DJD is usually an uneven gait; dogs will shift the majority of their weight onto whichever legs are not arthritic. They will also have difficulty getting up if they have been lying down for a prolonged period. If the problem has progressed to an advanced stage, a canine might lose his appetite and become reclusive.

How To Manage The Problem

Because degenerative joint disease is progressive, the level of discomfort increases over time. That said, owners can help their dogs cope with the pain through a number of treatment strategies. Dysplasia of the hips can often be treated with a hip replacement, though a veterinarian may avoid recommending it depending on the health of your dog. Vitamins, supplements, and medications that help reduce the inflammation may also be prescribed.

Owners can also pursue a more holistic form of treatment. For example, weight management is critical for canines suffering from DJD since extra weight can place undue stress on their joints. In fact, veterinarians will often recommend waiting to perform surgery or prescribe medications if a dog is severely overweight.

Daily low-impact exercise will help control weight gain. Activities such as swimming or walking will give your pooch the opportunity to use his limbs and maintain his muscles without exacerbating his arthritis. Also, climbing and descending stairs, and jumping into and out of vehicles can worsen his DJD; a ramp can significantly reduce the impact on his joints.

As soon as you know your dog has arthritis, ask your vet for a treatment path. Whether through surgery, medications, exercise, or a combination of all three, you can help improve your canine’s quality of life.

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Happens to all of us
Actually, arthritis in dogs is much alike to arthritis in men and women, in that it is a degenerative disease that creates hardening of the joints and muscles. And as with us, arthritis with canines is quite common as joints do, in everyday circumstances, suffer an amount of deterioration. And also as in people, arthritis – most usually osteoarthritis – in canines can be an immensely painful condition which, left untreated, causes great distress.

Age factor

One thing to consider is that arthritis can affect dogs at all ages. Obviously, the more aged the dog, the more chances that it will get arthritis, but arthritis affects younger dogs too. And if a puppy or young dog has suffered an accident, this increases the chances of developing gog arthritis early. Also there are ailments that can help induce the onset of canine arthritis, such as the disease called hip dysplasia, which is a usual symptom of limping in dogs, and which may lead to arthritis in later years.

First steps
Naturally, at the first signs of movement difficulty you should take your dog to a vet. Getting the right treatment is essential as dog arthritis is not  100% 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. That is because the exercises are not meant to be vigorous physical workouts, which will no doubt worsen the condition, but perhaps a steady walk, which releases lubricating fluids for the joints and aid their smooth movement.

See it coming
Naturally there is a variety of medicines and treatments that you can buy to alleviate the symptoms, though as we have already said, there is no permanent cure. But these medications are assuredly prescribed by the vet. And a vet is also your best bet for preventive measures, which really are the best ways to treat canine arthritis. So, assuming 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.