Saturday, November 7, 2009

Dog Arthritis: The Ins And Outs Of Dog Arthritis


Kindly take note, some symptoms of dog arthritis are similar to those of other serious conditions so make sure you consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs mentioned in this article.

The food your pet eats plays an important part in his or her overall health and well-being and a nutritious balanced diet is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle.

If your pet has dog arthritis, the right food can help manage the condition and keep your pet active and comfortable.


Now you may be wondering, what exactly is dog arthritis?


As the name pertains, dog arthritis relates more to dogs although cats also do get arthritis. Dog arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint. These changes occur when cartilage is worn away faster than it can be replaced. Cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the bones, so when it wears away, joints become swollen and painful. When looking at an arthritic hip joint through an x-ray you will notice that due to dog arthritis the cartilage has degraded and bone shows signs of roughness and thickening.

Although dog arthritis is not totally curable, the good news is that nutrition can help slow disease progression and ease the pain. With the right advice from your veterinarian on dog arthritis, your dog will be able to enjoy an active, healthy life for many years to come.

Are you having doubts about your pet having dog arthritis?

If your dog has dog arthritis, the first thing you’ll notice is that he or she finds movement difficult and is reluctant to walk, run and jump. Your dog may also yelp or flinch when touched on the affected area.

Dog arthritis makes it difficult to:
• rise from rest.
• climb stairs.
• jump.
• walk and run.
• play.

So, what exactly causes dog arthritis?

There are 6 factors that contribute to the development of dog arthritis in our pets.
1 – Age: The aging process is inevitable and as pets get older, cartilage will begin to degenerate. To some extent most elderly dogs suffer from dog arthritis.
2 – Breed: Large dog breeds are more prone to dog arthritis. These include: Dobermans, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers.
3 – Excess Weight: Weight gain puts extra stress or strain on the joints which can lead to dog arthritis.
4 – Accidents and Damage: Joints can deteriorate as a result of stress or trauma caused by accidents.
5 – Congenital Defects: Some pets are born with conditions that make dog arthritis more like later in life.
6 – Infection: Occasionally, an infection can lead to the destruction of joint tissue and cartilage.

Your Checklist
  • If you suspect your dog has dog arthritis consult your veterinarian straight away.
  • Only feed food recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Visit your veterinarian for regular weight checks and advice on diet and exercise.
  • Don’t let your dog scavenge for food and avoid feeding scraps or titbits.
  • Always provide plenty of clean, fresh water.
  • Make a note of things your dog finds difficult and monitor these for signs of improvement in mobility.
  • Provide a warm, padded bed and make sure you dry your pet properly after exercise.
  • If the signs do not get better or recur, contact your veterinarian.

You don’t have to accept dog arthritis as an inevitable sign of aging. Sometimes veterinarian medicine and dog arthritis treatment can be expensive and that’s why I have found the best natural remedy out there for dog arthritis that is very cost effective. The all-natural Pet Bounce Product. Pet Bounce eliminates joint pain and inflammation and is proven to manage dog arthritis and improve mobility, keeping your dog active and playful.
Find Out More About Pet Bounce Here.