How To Help Your Arthritic Dog

Regrettably arthritis is a disease that doesn't just affect the human race. Sadly it is a very common medical condition in both humans and animals. Arthritis is an inflammation in a joint, and it can affect any part of your dog's body. The main effects are pain, problems in mobility, and swelling of the joints. The wear and tear of every day use of the joints is a big reason. Other reasons can be obesity, joint infections, dislocation, immune system illness, muscle, ligament or tendon injury.

The most common types of dog that suffer from arthritis are Retrievers, German Shepherds and Labradors as arthritis is also an inherited disease. Each joint has two or more bones close to each other. At the end of these bones is articular cartilage this gives a smooth area for the bones to rub against each other. A thick fluid in the joint acts as a lubricant and shock absorber and this then assists in protecting the bones from any kind of grinding action. As the arthritis worsens, the cartilage will become coarse and worn, and the joint fluid will start to thin and become watery. Movement will become uncomfortable as there is less lubrication and smoothness in the joint, as the cartilage continues to wear down, bone will eventually rub on bone.

So how can you give your dog the best possible chance of bypassing arthritis later in life? Firstly controlling the weight is extremely important. We all love to spoil our pets but their health should come before anything else. Obesity puts a huge strain on your dogs joints and limbs. Losing a bit of excess fat will provide immediate relief. The extra weight will quickly start disintegration in the cartilage. There are cases of overweight dogs developing arthritis as young as 5 years old, so looking after them now is a good idea. Keeping them weight free allows them a stronger chance in their elder years to bypass arthritis.

Keep your dog active. The start of arthritis in your dog can be postponed with plenty of exercise. Walking around the streets isn't really enough. A run in the local park will keep their weight down and help their joints to stay limber. The natural fluid in the body will help to lubricate the joints and limbs. Of course, if your dog already has arthritis then little and often is more appropriate. If your dog stops to rest when walking don't push them to do more. A couple of walks a day, no longer than fifteen minutes each, should help. Keep your dog on simple routes such as flat, smooth paths, no hills. Humans find swimming helps arthritic joints and so do dogs. Also they usually enjoy it.

Obviously once arthritis has begun you can't do anything to stop it. All you can do is help it from progressing too quickly. You can make your dogs life easier by giving them bedding with an orthopaedic foam base. Most pet shops and pet sites have a good selection to choose from. Grooming their coat where they may have problems in reaching. It's a good idea to keep their bowls at a slightly higher level than before so they don't have to stress themselves when feeding. A healthy diet will also give the nutrients that your dog needs. There are many types of pet food that now provide the right nutrients for senior dogs.

As for medications and herbal supplements to help your dog cope with arthritis, it is always advisable to check what is best with your vet.


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