Canine Arthritis: Does Your Dog Have Aches and Pains?

If you suspect your dog is suffering from canine arthritis, he isn’t alone. Unfortunately 1 in 5 dogs suffer from canine arthritis. Identifying the condition and seeking medical attention will ensure your pet stays healthy. Read on to learn about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease.

Symptoms

Dogs who suffer from canine arthritis typically have the following symptoms:

• Limping

• Swollen joints

• Difficulty with movements such as walking and running

• Cracking sound when the joint moves

If your dog has any of the above symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.

Prevention.

Because some dogs are genetically predisposition to the disease, you can’t entirely prevent it. However, there are actions you can take to reduce the risk:

• Get Active. Because being overweight is a risk factor for canine arthritis, helping your dog to get exercise may reduce his risk.

• Get Healthy. Make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet to ensure he doesn’t become overweight.

• Pay Attention to Injuries. Because dogs who have had an injury that harmed bones, ligaments or tissues are at higher risk, you should pay careful attention to this.

Treatment.

If your dog is diagnosed with canine arthritis, your vet will determine the appropriate treatment. Possible treatments include:

• Weight reduction for your canine

• Prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug

• Surgery in select cases

Because symptoms of canine arthritis can also be another problem, you should always check with your vet. They can give your dog a full evaluation to rule out other problems. Giving your dog the special attention he needs to minimize his discomfort will make your dog happier and healthier in the long run.

For more helpful tips, visit dog-health-info