Joint Problems In Dog

Joint problems in dogs are one of the most common afflictions that aging animals face. Many factors from both the outside environment and inside the dog's own body conspire to cause joint disease and arthritis. The resulting pain and loss of mobility endured by these problems lowers the quality of life for dogs, as they start finding it difficult to perform even the most basic maneuvers.

Joint Problems In Dogs Can Be Treated

It is estimated that a quarter of all dogs over the age of five years are affected by arthritis to some degree. For each dog the cause factors are different, but typically the culprits are age, genetic factors such as bone malformation, injury or repetitive motion. What happens at the onset of arthritis is that the cartilage that cushions the bones starts to wear away, and the body cannot adequately replace it. In response, the dog's body starts to produce joint fluid in excessive amounts, causing swelling and pain at the joints.

Signs of arthritis are stiffness, difficulty getting up from a prone position, reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car, whimpering when touched or any other signal that the dog is in pain. These symptoms can be treated with painkillers such as steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Another approach is to relieve the pain while treating the problem. Nutrients that rebuild and maintain healthy cartilage can be administered. By helping the dog's body to heal itself, they can actually slow down and reverse the effects of joint problems in dogs.

There are many interesting possibilities for the treatment of joint problems in dogs. Research has found many substances that work with the dogs own natural healing processes to fight arthritis. In this way, the degenerative nature of this joint disease can be halted or even reversed, giving aging dogs a chance at a happier and healthier life.