Dog Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis in dogs can be due to sever different factors, particularly common are injuries, congenital defects and simply getting older, just as in humans. In dogs, even a minor injury can lead to arthritis later in life. The conditions to which some breeds of dogs are predisposed, such as hip dysplasia can also mean a predisposition to developing arthritis as the dog ages. Even dogs who have never suffered an injury in their lives may well develop arthritis as they age.

There are different types of dog arthritis. As is the case in humans with arthritis, the problem is an inflammation in one or more joints. This can be caused by an inflammation either in the cartilage in the joint or a problem with the joint's synovial fluid. In dogs, the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, infective arthritis, immune mediated arthritis and idiopathic arthritis.

Dog arthritis begins as a gradual limpness in the affected limb or limbs and may progress to lameness. An advanced case will reveal itself as a dog that is less active in play, on walks and generally has difficulty walking. The stiffness and pain are more likely to be pronounced in the morning or after a nap – when the dog has been sleeping in the same position for some time. During the day when the dog is most active, the pain is generally minimal.

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.

Dogs with arthritis can be treated with medications which are available to help manage the inflammation. However, a lot of dog owners prefer to take a more natural route for the treatment of their pet's dog arthritis. In a lot of cases, these treatments are more effective for the animal. The most popular natural remedies for arthritis in dogs are Glucosamine and MSM. Many experts believe MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin to be the three essential ingredients in a dog arthritis treatment regimen.

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.

Many times, just a change in diet can be enough to treat the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. Especially in tandem with exercise, diet can relieve arthritis in many dogs. Just as in humans, obesity can lead to arthritis. If the animal is kept at a healthy weight, then much of the pain of arthritis will simply disappear.

For some dogs, arthritis remedies must be used in conjunction with a change in the animal's diet to best treat the symptoms of dog arthritis.