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 breed of dogs that suffer from this disease 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 one 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 greatly important. We all love to treat our pets but their physical health should come before anything else. Obesity puts a huge strain on your dogs joints and limbs. Losing excess fat will provide immediate relief. The extra weight will cause the cartilage to disintegrate rapidly. There are cases of overweight dogs developing arthritis as young as 5 years old, so look after them now. Keeping them weight free gives them a better chance in their senior 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 good run in the local park will keep their weight down and keep their joints limber. The natural fluid in the body will help to lubricate the joints and limbs. However, if your dog already has arthritis then little and often will be more beneficial for them. If your dog stops to rest when walking don't push them to do more. Two walks a day, no longer than fifteen minutes each should help. Keep your dog on basic routes such as flat, smooth paths, no hills. Just as humans find swimming helps arthritic joints, 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 prevent it from developing too quickly. You can make your dogs life easier by giving them a bed with an orthopaedic foam base. Most pet shops and pet sites have a good selection to choose from. Brush their coat where they may have difficulty 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 provide nutrients that your dog needs. There are many types of pet food that now provide the right nutrients for older dogs.
As for medications and herbal supplements to help your dog cope with arthritis, it is always best to consult your vet.
