How to Prevent Canine Arthritis

Just as older people struggle with arthritis, dogs also experience pain because of aging joints. In fact, one out of five dogs over the age of seven, battles canine arthritis. Besides pain in the legs, canine arthritis also can be felt in your dog's neck, hips, shoulders, elbows, and/or back.

If you notice your older dog gradually limping with one or more legs, less eager to go on walks or climb stairs, stiff (mostly in the mornings), chances are your best friend has swollen joints and is stressed with canine arthritis.
Although canine arthritis mostly occurs in older dogs, it can also happen to young dogs. For example, it could be the result of a traumatic injury, which leaves a dog with joint instability. On the other hand, it could be caused by improper bone development.

Diagnosing Canine Arthritis

Most often, owners realize their dogs are struggling with canine arthritis because they've noticed physical changes. Other means to diagnose joint problems may include palpatation of the joints, X-rays to evaluate extent of joint damage and an analysis of joint fluid

How to Prevent Canine Arthritis

Proper diet---What you feed your dog is an important factor in whether he'll develop arthritis. Be sure your dog's getting high quality dog food with no added preservatives, food colorings, what, corn, or soy products. It's best to have him on low fat dog food, as well as low carbohydrates. The grains, which compose a large part of dry dog food, tend to increase inflammation, aggravating arthritis. If you want to be extremely safe, prepare his meals at home with cooked meats and vegetables.

Keep him trim---How much you feed your dog is just as important as what you feed him. As excess weight can result in added stress on his joints, you want to monitor the amount of treats you give him, if you give them at all. The more overweight your dog is, the more pain he'll suffer from aging joints. When your dog is just a puppy be careful that his diet won't lead to rapid weight gain.

Exercise----Also, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, both off the lease and with regular walks. If you notice he has trouble walking, then don't pressure him to run more than he should. Instead, investigate for arthritic problems.

Treating Canine Arthritis

There are several options for treating canine arthritis.

• Anti-inflammatory medications---Ask your veterinarian for medications that can help your dog control pain and inflammation. Your vet will probably recommend giving your dog only ½ a tablet a day to make sure he doesn't have a digestive problem with it. You may even want to start with just giving the ½ tablet every other day. As dogs suffer more with their joints in cold weather, you may not need to give a daily dose when it's warm.

• Herbal medicine---Herbal medicine have also proven effective. Find a reputable herbal practitioner or ask your veterinarian for advice.

• Acupuncture---Amazingly, acupuncture also works with pain management. With acupuncture, you'll eliminate the need for medications.

• Surgery---If you dog suffers because of an accident or traumatic reason, then surgery for repairing his ligaments may be necessary.

Making Fido's Life Easier

Ensuring his bed is soft with enough layers of fleece is one way you can reduce his pain. Also, keep his sleeping area away from any drafty windows or doors. If he has pain in his arms and shoulders, raise up his food and water dish so he doesn't have to bend his neck and shoulders. After all, he is your best friend.

Originally published on Suite 101.