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:

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.

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. 

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:

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.

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: