Canine arthritis is much like human joint disease. It is not unheard of among older dogs, and is probably to have an effect on non-active and overweight dogs. This kind of degenerative disease causes stiffness in the muscles and joints. As your dog becomes elderly, their joints acquire much more deterioration, making your pet much more at risk of arthritis. Just as with people, the discomfort caused by the affliction can be very severe for some dogs.
Nevertheless, canine arthritis doesn’t merely impact older animals – younger canines can suffer too. Accidents and accidental injuries are two likely reasons for arthritis in younger dogs. If a dog suffers damage to its legs early on in existence, this can make your pet more at risk of getting arthritis later on in life. Diseases as well as infections can also cause arthritis. Canine hip dysplasia is a problem that can result in your canine friend with crippling arthritis.
The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis. This painful condition is often brought on by natural cartilage deterioration as a result of overuse. Most dogs late in life will probably be affected to one degree or another.
Careful exercise might help your pet. Normal movement can cause more wear to the cartilage, but also triggers the release of lubricating fluids in the important joints, which bring relief. Even so, a dog experiencing arthritis needs the skills of a very good veterinarian. At times, the pain your pet suffers is so powerful that some form of medicinal pain relief is going to be required.
Over-the-counter medicines can be obtained that might provide some relief, but it is advisable to always get the advice of a good vet before employing these. Your vet should make a comprehensive assessment of the pet’s complete condition, and will advise on which over-the-counter remedies and/or medications are best appropriate to ease your much loved canine’s suffering.
There’s a classic saying: prevention is better than cure. Maintaining your dog in good shape and in optimal health will greatly lessen the chances of his developing arthritis later in life. A doggies typical life span is around 15 years. As dogs grow older, they needed much more health care attention. After age 10, many dogs tend to be at risk of getting arthritis. As an owner, you naturally have your pet’s best interests at heart and will do your best to keep your pet fit and happy and, later on in life, as pain-free as possible.
