Client: Kara Brook
Copyright 2008 Kara Brook
Preventing the Pain of Canine Arthritis
Canine arthritis is a common illness that causes joint pain in many dogs. Approximately 20% of all dogs older than one year suffer from this dog illness. Arthritis is caused by other disorders that create inflammation in the joints, as well as tissue damage. It is a disease that develops over time and becomes increasingly debilitating.
Some canine joint disorders that lead to arthritis in dogs include:
* Cancer (osteosarcoma)
* Congenital disorders (luxated patella)
* Degenerative joint disease
* Developmental disorders (hip dysplasia)
* Fractures
* Infectious disorders (bacteria, Lyme disease)
* Inflammatory joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
* Ligament or tendon injury (torn cruciate)
* Nutritional disorders (obesity)
Canine Arthritis Symptoms
Joint disease in dogs may develop early in life, but signs of canine arthritis rarely become obvious until a few years have passed. Dog arthritis pain can vary from a mild discomfort to a severe hinderance in every day activities. Symptoms that your dog may be suffering from dog arthritis may be:
* Hesitating or avoiding going up and down stairs
* Limping
* Avoiding jumping
* Stiffness when walking
* Reluctance to get up from sitting positions
* Vocalization
Symptoms tend to be more pronounced after the dog has been resting for a while. Once they have stretched and moved a bit, they seem to loosen up. This often causes dog owners to assume that the causes of these symptoms are just old age.
Proper Diet
Maintaining the proper body weight for your dog throughout life will assure that your dog runs a much lower risk of developing and suffering from arthritis. If arthritis does occur later in life, it will be much less severe and your dog will suffer much less than if obesity had been an issue all along. With a healthy diet plan, proper exercise and proactive pain relief, you can help your dog live with canine arthritis and still enjoy a high quality of life.
Proper Exercise
Along with maintaining proper diet, proper exercise is key in preventing canine arthritis. Even in dogs that already suffer from arthritis, it is important to maintain daily exercise habits in order to keep muscles strong. Strong muscles will help support painful joints. Be sure to include warm up periods before exercise and cool down periods for every exercise session.
Some great exercises for arthritic dogs include swimming, leash and treadmill walking and low impact stair climbing. These exercises will encourage range of motion and limit excessive stress on the joints. Limit the amount of rough housing, jumping and running your arthritic dog engages in as it will induce further pain. They will enjoy the play time, but will suffer later for it.
Physical Therapy and Acupuncture
Another way you can assist your dog with battling the effects of canine arthritis is to seek physical therapy and massage for your animal. These treatments help to alleviate stiffness and muscle and joint pain. Acupuncture is also becoming a popular treatment for many pet ailments, including pet arthritis. Consult your veterinarian for more details.
It is important to work with your veterinarian to implement a healthy diet and exercise plan for your canine companion. Proper nutrition and dietary supplements will help your dog maintain overall health, joint and skeletal health and good muscle development and tone. Proper exercise will help to maintain your dog's overall health and lust for life.
If you notice any signs of canine arthritis in your dog, do not hesitate to schedule a full veterinary exam for your companion. Pet arthritis is just as debilitating and painful in dogs as arthritis is for humans. Do not let your companion suffer needlessly. Your veterinarian will help you to prepare a plan of action to help your dog suffer less and enjoy life more.