Dog arthritis can be due to a number of causes, chief among them congenital abnormalities, injuries and of course, the effects of the aging process. Even minor injuries can result in arthritis in dogs. Certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia are more common in some dogs than others and this predisposition can also indicate a higher likelihood of arthritis in dogs. Of course, older dogs who have never suffered an injury may develop the ailment as they get older.

The most common dog arthritis is osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disease in the joints where the cartilage will need remodeling, and then the new bone causes the arthritis. The dog arthritis symptoms are usually a gradual onset of limpness in the limbs. In other words lameness will result to where the dog finds it difficult to walk. Most often a dog will also be less likely to be active such as walks, playing, or even going up stairs.

Arthritis in dogs is usually fist manifested as a slow and gradual limpness in the limbs. Lameness will be the result and may reach the point where the dog has a hard time walking. This will lead in most cases to the dog being less active in play, walks and even moving about the home. Stiffness is likely to be more severe in the morning or after a nap; the stiffness is often minimal in the daytime, however.

A dog afflicted with arthritis will tend to feel pain if their limbs are touched near to where the joint is inflamed. There is usually swelling as well, but this will not normally be visible to the naked eye.

There is arthritis medicine for dogs that will help treat the inflammation. However, many dog owners find that natural treatments for arthritis in dogs are more helpful. Glucosamine for dogs and MSM for dogs are two of the more natural methods for treatment as herbal remedies. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring ingredient that is found in most foods. It has anti inflammatory components that are best for osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar which occurs naturally in the body – but part of the effects of aging is the loss of the ability to produce enough of this sugar for the body’s needs. Glucosamine is not found in any significant food source, but can be obtained from the shells of shellfish. The anti-inflammatory effects it offers are very useful in the treatment of arthritis, in humans and in animals alike.

In many cases, a change in diet may be sufficient to alleviate arthritis in dogs. Some arthritic conditions will respond to this step in conjunction with exercise. Obesity can be a factor in the development of arthritis; by keeping the animal at a healthy weight, the aches and pains of arthritis can be taken away, as well as keeping the dog in a better overall state of health.

However, arthritis remedies of various sorts may be needed along with a change of diet in order to manage the pain and other symptoms of dog arthritis.

To discover relevant information on arthritis in dogs and how to treat dog arthritis, you will find all you need, as well as how to purchase dog arthritis supplements online, at www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, dog arthritis care, dog arthritis symptoms, dog arthritis treatment, dogs, family, home, Home and Family, pets

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