Jun 5, 2020

Common Causes & Risk Factors For Arthritis In Dogs

Regardless of age or size, all dogs can develop arthritis. There is no single cause for the disease. Rather, there are many factors that contribute to the development of arthritis. Here are a few risk factors that can predispose your dog to develop this condition:

Common Risk Factors For Arthritis in Dogs

Large or Giant Breeds
Age (Particularly Middle-Aged to Senior Dogs who are 7+ years old)
Obesity and Improper Nutrition
Repetitive Stress from Athletic Activities
Genetic Factors
Injuries (Such As Bone Fractures or Ligament Tears)
Abnormal Joint Development
Infections (Especially Tick-Borne Diseases)

In most cases, dogs with arthritis experience a combination of the above risk factors as the disease develops and progresses. It’s important to note - aging, on its own, is not the cause of arthritis.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS ARTHRITIS

Your dog may not be able to express their pain verbally, but oftentimes they will show visible signs that they are experiencing pain or discomfort. Changes in personality, the way they walk, run, lie down, or stand up can provide small clues that your pup is suffering from arthritis. Staying aware of your dog’s mobility, posture, and mood is critical to catching potential problems early.

While one dog may wince or yelp in pain, another dog may just be less enthusiastic to walk or play. Arthritis presents in different ways for different dogs and also shares common symptoms with other illnesses and injuries. An accurate diagnosis is critical to providing your pup with proper care.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Changes In Natural Gait, Limping Or Dragging Their Feet
Noticeable Decrease in Activity
Licking Their Joints
Low Mood or Depression
Difficulty Standing Up, Particularly After Sleeping or Resting
Significant Weight Loss or Gain
Yelping or Whimpering
Irritability; Acting Aggressive or Withdrawn

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR AGING DOG

As a dog parent, there are many steps you can take to keep your pup happy and content as they age. Every dog is different so it will take some trial and error to see what works best for your dog. Here are a few simple changes you can make to your dog's environment and lifestyle that can make a big impact:

How To Support Your Older Dog?

Raise Feeding Bowls To Make It Easier For Your Dog To Eat
A Proper Diet Is Crucial - Maintaining A Healthy Weight Can Help Relieve Pressure On Aging Joints
Exercise Is Important - Daily Walks At A Slower Pace Can Help Your Pup Stay Active
Buy An Orthopedic Bed
Get A Doggie Ramp Or Low Impact Doggie Stairs
Parasite Control, AVMA Recommended

SHOULD YOU GIVE YOUR DOG SUPPLEMENTS?

Like people, many pets may benefit from foods and supplements that support their changing health needs as they grow older. Specifically, many guardians are turning to probiotics to support a healthy immune system and joint supplements to promote physical well-being in their canine companions.

In 2015, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences reported that several studies showed that certain strains of probiotic bacteria held the potential to improve canine health. Specifically, the bacteria may be promising in preventing stress diarrhea and may promote anti-inflammatory properties.

In 2017, the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University reported that veterinary diets designed to reduce joint pain had some documented success. These diets typically contained such ingredients as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids.

In consultation with their veterinarian, who can assess the potential role for supplements in a senior dog's health plan, many guardians may, therefore, opt to try these ingredients to support their loved one's well-being.

WHAT KIND OF JOINT SUPPLEMENT WORKS BEST?

Many dog owners ask themselves this same question.

While there is no cure proven to reverse or correct structural damage to a dog’s joint, there are some supplements that may help lessen discomfort, improve mobility, and protect against further damage. High-quality joint supplements can play an important role in providing damaged tissue with the raw ingredients they need to heal themselves or at least optimize their remaining function.

These supplements contain active ingredients that help add to the building blocks necessary for joints to protect themselves against further harm. They can provide your pup with the boost they need to maintain and even increase joint mobility.

Here are a few important ingredients to look for in a quality joint supplement for your dog:

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound composed of sugar and amino acids
It is an essential building block of the joint cartilage that is found in the fluid around joints
It is central to maintaining healthy cartilage and joint function
Unfortunately, the production of glucosamine slows down with age
Including a glucosamine supplement in your pup’s daily diet can help them avoid joint issues and/or ease current joint issues

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a substance that is naturally occurring in the connective tissues of people and animals
It’s vital for articular cartilage and joint structure health
Just like with glucosamine, the production of chondroitin slows down with age
Supplementation of chondroitin helps ensure your dog’s joints have the proper protection as they age and helps ease any current/underlying joint issues
Additionally, when given with glucosamine, the two supplements are more effective than when taken on their own

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s play an integral part in the cell membranes throughout the body and impact the function of the cell receptors
When looking at the impact on arthritis, increased omega-3 levels support cellular function and decrease the production of inflammatory enzymes that lead to further cartilage breakdown

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is an organic form of sulfur with natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
A pet’s natural level of MSM gradually declines with age
Although it is present in many foods, supplementing MSM in your dog’s diet is a great way to ensure they maintain proper levels as they age

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that has a unique ability to bind to water which increases the viscosity of joint fluid, promoting better joint lubrication
The concentration of Hyaluronic Acid and its molecular weight declines with aging and the progression of osteoarthritis
Supplementing Hyaluronic Acid in your dog’s diet helps to restore and support the joint lubrication and mobility

CoQ10

CoQ-10 (Coenzyme Q10) is abundant in every human and animal body and is an essential component of the mitochondria, which are the parts of the cell that produce energy from oxygen
CoQ10 plays a key role in cellular metabolism. It naturally binds to oxygen as well as to other oxidizing compounds that can cause cell damage and lead to inflammation
Like other supplements listed, CoQ-10 levels decrease in people and pets as they age. Supplementation of CoQ-10 is important for senior dogs

HELP PUT THE PEP BACK IN YOUR PUP'S STEP

As proud doggie parents, we understand how hard it is to watch our furry best friends grow older and experience discomfort from joint pain, arthritis, or hip dysplasia. That's why we created a healthy and delicious joint supplement for dogs that helps provide vital vitamins, minerals, essential enzymes, and nutrients your pup needs for natural energy and strength.

Our hip and joint soft chews are packed with a powerful blend of ingredients known to support dog joint health, improve mobility, and ease discomfort. See for yourself why over 200,000 doggie parents trust Doggie Dailies with their dog's wellness needs. Try our Advanced Hip and Joint Soft Chews now!