How to Recognize Arthritis In Dogs

You may not wonder when a human suffers from arthritis. But “arthritis in dogs” may be a surprising factor. It is one of the most common ailments in middle-aged to senior dogs and cats. Arthritis starts with severe pain and lowers the quality of life. It is also known as degenerative joint disease, which occurs when a joint is unstable, causing the bones to move abnormally within the joint. The abnormal movement depreciates cartilage and causes chronic inflammation and pain.

Recognizing Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

If your pet is susceptible to this condition, you may notice that it limps. Older pets slow their movements, and pet owners may notice a kind of inactivity in their dog, unlike other days. Your dog might have hung around you, but now it might stay still at the same place, which could be a sign of mobility issues.

However, arthritis-vulnerable cats may start urinating or defecating out of the litter box because it is too painful for them to jump into it. You may also notice that your cat is grooming excessively in one area, which could indicate focal arthritis pain. Thus, if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, you may seek veterinary assistance.

How to Prevent (and Treat) Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

The obvious way that you can use to keep your pet away from this chronic condition is to maintain its weight. As long as your pet has a balanced weight, it will not be prone to such a chronic disease. If the body weight is lower, it reduces the stress that the body places on joints and helps keep things moving like they should. If your dog or cat has some “extra padding” around the ribs or belly then you should speak with your veterinarian immediately to see if your pet is overweight.

Feed your dog with Therapeutic diets.  These diets are specifically formulated to address many health issues, including arthritis. For example, therapeutic pet foods with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids balanced in a specific ratio reduce inflammation and target pain pathways. When used properly under the supervision of a veterinarian, therapeutic diets given to arthritic pets may have them running, walking, and jumping in as little as a few weeks. Your veterinarian may also recommend a therapeutic diet with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – two commonly used nutritional supplements that support joint health by maintaining the cartilage and repairing any defects that might be present in your dog’s joints.

You must not supplement your pet’s diet with fatty acids, glucosamine, or chondroitin without your vet’s guidance. But you have to be aware that it is difficult to get the proper balance with the diet. Supplements may include calories unnecessary to your dog’s diet, which is undesirable to your dog.  However, arthritis-oriented therapeutic diets have a lower overall calorie count and the additional calories from adding in the fatty acids have already been factored in. Therefore you have a much lower risk of overloading your pet with calories, which can lead to weight gain.

What to Do If Any Of The Above Measures Do Not Work Out

If any of the above measures do not work out, you may proceed to pain medication under your vet’s guidance. There is a saying that “prevention is better than cure”. Your dog will have to proceed through the treatments, if the attention given to its health is poor, especially the weight. Therefore, try to keep your dog slim and healthy, and if you notice any symptoms of arthritis in your dog, talk to your vet immediately for medical assistance.