What is the cause of arthritis in dogs? Treatment and how you spot the early signs.

Help for Dogs with  Arthritis!

Dogs are not immune to arthritis problems. They have almost the same muscular and tissue structure in their joint areas as humans do, so arthritis can rear its ugly head for them as well.

Dogs can suffer like humans and develop limping problems and pain when arthritis hits, but what exactly causes arthritis to hit them?  One of the main causes of arthritis in dogs is a weight problem. Is your dog overweight?

Overweight can put a strain on dogs with Arthritis.

Excess weight can cause stress on their joints and if it continues, can lead to arthritis.

If you keep your dog at a healthy weight, you can decrease their chances of developing arthritis later on in their life.

Adding Glucosamine to their daily diet will help to keep the joint moist.

An all-natural product you can mix under your dog’s food is Turmeric. It helps humans and dogs in slowing down the inflammation. Turmeric contains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called Curcumin. Turmeric has a variety of health benefits for pet and owner.

 Injuries and accidents to their limbs are another cause of arthritis in dogs.

When an injury occurs to their limbs, some underlying damage can happen to the muscles and tissues around their joints, causing stress.

It’s also possible that some joint misplacement could happen with an injury or accident – also causing stress and rubbing of bone on tissues, making arthritis inevitable in dogs. Dogs with arthritis suffer the same as a human. Make the life of your Dog as pleasant as possible they are a true companion and they deserve to be happy.

What is the best nutrition for Dogs with Arthritis?

Poor nutrition can be another cause of their arthritic problems. Dogs need a well-balanced diet with the proper amounts of nutrients to keep their bones, muscles and tissues strong and healthy.

Change the food don’t just feed him the year in and year out the same food. Look for good food and don’t feed him Dog Junk food.

Prolonged poor nutrition can cause their bones and muscles to get weak and they can start to degenerate, causing inflammation in their joints.

Too much physical activity without a balance of rest is another cause of arthritis. Do not forget after the long walk, Dogs need water to drink, fresh water should always be around. Dogs the same as the human can dehydrate.

Activities and Dogs, how often should I walk my dog?

A dog is an active animal and will have bursts of activities that are healthy for them, but they still need proper rest for their muscles, just like humans do.

Overworking of the muscles can cause strain on the joints and if they don’t receive proper rest, can eventually lead to arthritis.

Dogs sometimes do not know when to take a rest as they are too excited to jump and run around. Give your Dog the rest he needs. Be in command of your Dog.

Sometimes arthritis can be caused by diseases or tumours that can’t be helped. There are some diseases that come without warning and wreak havoc on a dog’s body, causing many ailments – including arthritis.

A Fact is that Dogs age faster than humans. See how you can help your four-legged friend to make it easier on him.

Do take regular visits to the vet, for his shots and general health. Dogs are great and if they suffer we suffer.

Proper veterinary care to help alleviate some of the symptoms may lessen the pain brought on by arthritis.  Sometimes old age itself causes arthritis.

Your dog has led an active, robust life and now that he’s older, ailments common with old age will set in.

Old age has slowed him down and he’s not as active as he once was. Dogs tend to rest, but too much rest can cause their muscles to stiffen a little.

Try to keep them a little action to lessen the effects that arthritis can have on them. It is important in old age of Dogs to walk not so far anymore but move the bones, to avoid stiffness.

It is better to have short walks more often a day is better for your dog with Arthritis.

Keep a Dog with Arthritis comfortable, help to relieve the pain.

Arthritis might be inevitable for them, but if you keep them comfortable and give them the proper treatments prescribed by the veterinarian, they can live out their last years in happiness.

For the cold seasons get them a heating pad that helps with the bones to keep them warm.

Everyone gets old and it is hard to look at our dogs when they suffer.

Arthritis appears general in middle-aged to older pets. Younger pets under certain circumstances can suffer arthritis changes. It is painful and it affects the joints of your dog.

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7 most common signs of arthritis you can spot and maybe get it in the early stages.

1. Limping: If you see your pet limping or just favouring one or more of his legs. Watch him closely to see when he limps it might be when he gets up after a nap or rest.  It might become less when the joints are warm. Please get it checked out early.

2. Difficulty Moving: Your pet has a problem doing things, like jumping, going upstairs and downstairs with difficulties, or they even might refuse to walk stairs, then you should let the vet check him out, as those are first signs of arthritis.

There is help but the earlier you detect it the better it is for your Dog.

3. Spinal Issues:  Arthritis changes can also appear in different parts of the spine. Like humans they can get a sore or stiff neck, the posture looks abnormal like with a hunch in the back or lameness of the back legs.

4. Tiredness: If you find your dog is more tired than normal, spent more time sleeping. Oversleeps his favourite walks or they become shorter than those are signs that it is more painful for your pet to perform the walks and exercises.

5. Irritability:  Dogs may become irritable and they may snap, bite or make a noise when touched, petted and or handled in a way that increases his pain.

6. Muscle Atrophy:  ( is when the muscle tissue gets weak or decreases in function) Muscle atrophy in dogs is sometimes noticed with parts of your dog’s body like hips, hind legs, neck or face.

Those appear thinner or weaker than usual. The thinning is caused by a loss of muscle mass also known as muscle atrophy.

7. Licking, Chewing, & Biting:  Dogs what are affected with arthritis may start to lick and chew or bite at body areas where arthritis has affected the body parts. It can become so bad that the skin will be inflamed and hair loss can appear.

What can you do and how can you help your Dog?

When a dog is in pain, the first thing you want to do is help him to get better fast.

There are a few things you are able to do to help your dog to overcome the pain. After all, he is part of the family.

Regular checkups with your veterinarian will detect if your dog has arthritis and if necessary be able to monitor the early stages of Arthritis.

Your Veterinarian will be able to adjust the treatment plan.

Controlled exercise is a must, but make sure you carefully monitor your dog while the dog is playing, walking or running.

Avoid the higher jumps. Do your Dog favour and do not play on hard surfaces like concrete, be kind and thoughtful and look for a soft surface to play with your Dog.

Ask your veterinarian about suggestions and offers on how to get your dog moving regularly.

# Keep your Dog with a normal weight don’t overfeed him, or kill him with kindness ( treats are nice and are good rewards keep in mind that most of them have lots of calories )  it will help in decreasing the load on his joints.

Check out the dog food calculator 

#Feed him the right amount of food, and good quality food no junk food. Have always a bowl of water around, if you have a multilevel house, keep one water bowl on each level and change them or fill them up daily.

#Keep your dog warm and dry since cold and damp weather conditions can aggravate arthritis. A padded dog bed would be perfect and apply warm compresses to your dog’s painful joints.

#Find a professional animal massage therapist, your veterinarian will have some recommendations for you. Did you know that a massage can increase your dog’s flexibility, circulation and his sense of well-being?

#Be aware of pain medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (commonly called NSAIDs), as well as disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs ( DMOADs)they play a big and important role in your Dog’s life.

#Do not give them unsolicited without talking to your veterinarian about it. There are side effects, with these drugs but think about your Dog a life with daily pain is not really a life. It is a difficult decision.

#Chondroitin with Glucosamine as well as MSM supplements can be used to improve the joint mobility and supports better joint functioning for dogs with arthritis. They should be given on a regular basis and the pause in-between should not be too great.

#Acupuncture Treatments are not only for People but yes to your surprise it is also used for animals. It gives them a great relief of pain.

#This Technique has been proven successful for animals suffering from arthritis.

#The last option is always surgery, but if arthritis is already so far advanced than this might be the only option. The veterinarian will explain to you the pros and cons of surgery and what you can expect in return of well-being and of course the fees. Protect yourself with a Pet Plus Membership you can save lots of money with your Veterinarian bills. 

One thing you have to do for sure, and that is the adjustment of your home.

Some things that can help to improve the life of an arthritic dog.

Simple things like soft and padded bedding for his aching joints.

Ramps to help your dog in and out of the car or up to the bed( if he is allowed there).

Use carpeting and secure rugs or anti-slip mats to ensure a safe walk without slipping.

Conclusion:

The best care you can give any Dog with Arthritis is LOVE, understanding, a low-stress environment,  plenty of affection and supportive family members, this will make your dog’s life so much better. 

It is not always easy to care for a dog with Arthritis, but a lot can help if you change the diet.

As food triggers inflammation in joints, and a  Diet with homemade dog food can do wonders.

Not everyone can afford the high veterinarian bills what will come when a Dog gets Arthritis.

Check out my Post about Dog Food Secrets. Click here 

A Dog is a Lifetime and loyal friend, never ask questions and is always there when we need them. Return the favour. Your Dog loves you dearly.

Does your Dog have Arthritis? What did you do and how did you help your dog to ease his pain.

Share your tips and experience here with us. Please share this post with friends and family like us on Facebook.

Thank You for stopping by  Melanie

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