Arthritis is a disease of the joints. It can be caused by too much stress on the joints over a period of time, or it can be caused by an underlying medical condition. Just like humans, dogs can get arthritis. Unlike humans, they cannot express their pain out loud. This is why it is important for any dog owner to know the symptoms of arthritis in dogs and how to treat it. It is equally important to understand the different causes of arthritis and how it can be prevented.
Causes of arthritis in dogs
Arthritis can be a degenerative condition or an inflammatory condition. Older dogs are more prone to degenerative arthritis due to wear and tear on the joints. The joints hold the skeleton together and can be described as hinges. Cartilage protects the joints. The destruction of this cartilage is what causes arthritis in the dog.
In some cases, the cause is unknown, although it is often due to excessive stress on the joints over a period of time. In other cases, the arthritis simply flares up. A disease such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause this condition in dogs.
Symptoms of canine arthritis
Because dogs cannot convey their feelings, a dog owner must be aware of them. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include the following:
limping
unable to execute
unwillingness to play
Difficulty getting up
Yell or bark when touched
resistant touch
Difficulty climbing stairs
walk slowly
These symptoms should be checked out by a veterinarian to diagnose arthritis. Because arthritis in dogs can be the result of infection, dog owners should not attribute this condition to age.
Treatment of arthritis in dogs.
The treatment of canine arthritis includes medication with painkillers in some cases. There are several medications on the market that can relieve the painful inflammation that accompanies arthritis. Any medication given to the dog should be done on the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
Other treatment options include surgery in some cases. It is also recommended to ensure that the dog is adequately rested and kept warm. A veterinarian is the best person to advise treatment for the dog in case arthritis has been diagnosed.
In the case of an infection that is causing inflammatory arthritis, the underlying condition must be treated. Again, the vet will be able to prescribe a treatment and pain relievers to treat both the infection and the painful symptoms of the disease.
Prevention of canine arthritis
In the case of degenerative arthritis in dogs, owners can protect their dogs by making sure they are not overweight. The extra weight puts pressure on the cartilage and can cause arthritis. A healthy diet is necessary for the health of any dog and can help keep the dog at its proper weight.
Adequate rest is also necessary. Dogs should not be overworked without being allowed to rest. Many dogs will work themselves to exhaustion because they want to please their owners. Dog owners should ensure that their hunting companions are properly rested and kept warm after a day of hunting so they can help prevent this disease.
Also, making sure dogs don’t fall victim to diseases that can cause arthritis is a key factor in prevention. Dogs need to be protected against Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other infections from tick or mosquito bites that can cause this painful inflammation of the joints.