Does Your Dog Suffer from Arthritis?
Nowadays, dogs are valued members of the family. As they age, very much like humans, they can develop arthritis, or stiffening, inflammation, or pain of the joints.
There are two major types of arthritis that affect your canine companion: degenerative and inflammatory. Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis, just as it is in humans. It means the cartilage protecting the joints is breaking down, and it occurs as a result of stress on the joints throughout the years.
Inflammatory arthritis is swelling of the joints. It cam sometimes be caused by infection, but is normally also due to aging.
There is some relief for canine arthritis available through your veterinarian. They can prescribe medication that will help ease the pain, and there are some less potent medications available at your local pet store.
Some vets will prescribe a special diet for dogs. These mainly involve foods that will help control your dog’s weight, thus putting less stress on the joints. Surgery is available in extreme cases, but is very expensive and may only extend your pet’s life for up to a year.
