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Arthritis in dogs is just similar on what happens to humans; inflammation of a joint. Canine arthritis usually refers to their leg joints, and described as pooches who are sore and stiff when moving. This is one of the main reasons on why pet parents consult a vet.

In order for you to completely understand what happens to them during an arthritis, you must first know what a normal joint is like. The end of a bone, where it tends to meet another bone, is a cartilage. A cartilage is a very thin layer between bones which allows them to move smoothly against each other. The entire joint is enclosed in a membrane which has a joint fluid. The joint fluid is a thick, clear liquid that would act as a shock absorber as well as lubricates the joint as it moves.

When the cartilage is damaged and the joint fluid is thin, that is when arthritis occurs. Since there is less lubrication and cushioning, the wearing of the cartilage may end up two bones rubbing each other which is very painful.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Canine Arthritis

Personality changes like sudden aggression

Reluctance to walk or play

Limping

Withdrawal from family activities

Difficulty getting up from a laying down position

Sudden yelping in pain

Stiffness in the legs

Reduced activity

Difficulty in climbing stairs or jumping into cars or furniture

Licking/chewing his joints

Arthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects one out of five dogs during their lifetime. The problem isn’t confined to older dogs. Hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, patella luxation, joint trauma, and other joint conditions can cause degenerative arthritis, even in young dogs. Large-breed dogs are affected more often than small dogs. Heavy dogs are more likely to experience symptoms because of the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints. Dogs with degenerative arthritis experience varying degrees of lameness, stiffness, and joint pain, which is more apparent in the morning and after getting up from a nap. They often exhibit irritability and behavioral changes associated with increasing disability. Cold and damp surroundings increase pain and stiffness. Degenerative arthritis is progressive, and in time makes the dog’s life miserable. Source: Web MD, http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/arthritis-in-dogs-symptoms-and-causes

Tips that may help your arthritic dog:

Weight Management. This is the most essential factor when it comes to treating an arthritic dog. The main thing you can do for his arthritis is to make sure that he is not overweight. All those extra pounds could aggravate his arthritis, causing more stress on his joints. Pain Control. There are lots of medicine available out there in order to help relieve his pain. Seek the guidance of your vet on what medication is best for your fur baby. Fish Oil Supplements. These supplements proved to be very useful. Experts discovered that omega 3 fatty acids can be beneficial for lots of conditions. Fish oil in humans has the ability to reduce pain and joint inflammation caused by arthritis.

There is not much you can do in preventing arthritis in dogs. It is an immune mediated joint disease, and not knowing what really causes it you can’t take any measures in order to avoid it. All you can really do is treat the disease itself and hope that it wont affect his joints in a negative way.

Have you experienced this kind of situation from your dog? How did you handle it? Share with us what you know as it may also help us all too!