Arthritis is a condition of the joints that often accompanies aging, and as such, a significant number of dogs that live to maturity will develop arthritis at some point in their lives, although it is by no means exclusively a condition of old age.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that leads to swelling of the joints in various parts of the body, which in turn causes stiffness, pain and a reluctance to exercise and move freely. Gentle exercise and movement can actually help to lessen the pain and associated symptoms of the condition, however, and so it is important to do what you can to keep your dog mobile for as long as possible.
In this article, we will look at arthritis in dogs in more detail, including examining the various causes for it and how it can be treated. Read on to learn more.
Types of canine arthritis
There are two di...
Arthritis is a condition of the joints that often accompanies aging, and as such, a significant number of dogs that live to maturity will develop arthritis at some point in their lives, although it is by no means exclusively a condition of old age.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that leads to swelling of the joints in various parts of the body, which in turn causes stiffness, pain and a reluctance to exercise and move freely. Gentle exercise and movement can actually help to lessen the pain and associated symptoms of the condition, however, and so it is important to do what you can to keep your dog mobile for as long as possible.
In this article, we will look at arthritis in dogs in more detail, including examining the various causes for it and how it can be treated. Read on to learn more.
Types of canine arthritis
There are two different types of arthritis that can affect dogs, known as inflammatory and non-inflammatory respectively.
Non-inflammatory arthritis causes a gradual degeneration of the tissue of the joints, but does not lead to fever or other whole-body effects that can cause the condition to become systemic.
Inflammatory arthritis can be either infectious or immune-mediated; infectious arthritis happens due to bacteria invading the joints and causing inflammation, while immune-mediated arthritis occurs when the immune system of the body is out of balance, leading to joint damage.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
As arthritis comes in various different forms with different degrees of severity, a range of different factors can serve to cause or exacerbate the condition.
Once of the biggest risk factors for causing or worsening arthritis is obesity, as carrying additional weight around also places additional strain on the muscles and joints of the body, worsening any potential problems in the making.
Arthritis often has a hereditary element to it as well, and dogs that are apt to suffer from conformation or bone and joint problems such as hip dysplasia are also exponentially more likely to suffer from arthritis in later life too.
Can you prevent arthritis?
As mentioned, weight can play a large part in the development of arthritis, or how severe the presentation of the condition is. Monitoring your dog’s weight and ensuring that their food intake is matched to their exercise levels and suitable for their life stage can help, and ensuring that your dog stays fit can also ensure that the joints and muscles stay strong and healthy into old age.
Injuries such as fractures and broken bones can also lead to the development of arthritis, and so care should be taken to avoid such injuries where possible.
Certain supplements and vitamins such as Seraquin for dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin given from an early age can also help to slow the onset of arthritis and support healthy joint function, although you should speak to your vet before you begin adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.
Treating arthritis
If your dog is appears to be suffering from stiff joints, pain, inflammation or difficulty moving, it is important to get them checked out by your vet to receive a formal diagnosis of their condition, and help with how to proceed. What type of arthritis your dog is diagnosed with and how severe it is will affect how the condition can be managed, and the progression of your dog’s condition should be reviewed by your vet regularly to see how your dog is getting on.
Hydrotherapy is one of the most popular drug-free ways of easing the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, as swimming allows the whole body to move freely while being supported in low-impact exercise that helps to build muscle tone and contribute to healthy bones and joints.
Many dogs that are diagnosed with arthritis will also be prescribed medications to help them to cope with the condition, either on an ongoing basis, or as and when needed when the condition flares up or is particularly acute.
Generally, anti-inflammatory drugs that work to reduce both pain and swelling are the best choice for canine arthritis, and some of the most commonly prescribed medications for canine arthritis include Metacam, Rimadyl and Carprieve. These medications are usually prescribed for short term usage, when your dog’s symptoms are particularly pronounced.
As is often the case with people who suffer from arthritis, changes in the weather and temperature can cause the condition to flare up, and very cold weather and periods of rain are when your dog is the most likely to suffer from the condition. Ensuring that your dog can stay warm and comfortable is important in easing the condition, as is administering anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers when indicated to help them to stay mobile.
Keeping your dog active and encouraging them to walk gently even when the condition is acute can help to ease the symptoms of canine arthritis, and in combination with medications, this is generally the best way to proceed for affected dogs.
YuMOVE One-a-Day Chewies' natural formula makes a tail-wagging difference in three ways: soothing stiffness, supporting long-term joint health and promoting mobility. They're proven to work within six weeks*, thanks to a powerful blend of ingredients that includes the world's top-strength, cold-extracted ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel.
Maintaining joint health is crucial for dogs, particularly as they age or become more active. Antinol for Dogs is a natural, daily joint supplement formulated to support mobility, ease stiffness, and reduce inflammation. Suitable for dogs of all ages, this supplement helps manage joint discomfort associated with ageing, arthritis, or increased physical activity.
Antinol for Dogs is derived from a proprietary blend of marine lipids known as PCSO-524®, sourced from sustainably harvested green-lipped mussels. These marine lipids contain high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), as well as other beneficial fatty acids that help manage inflammation and promote joint health. The unique extraction process used for PCSO-524® ensures the supplement retains its potency and bioavailability, allowing for faster and more effective results.
The Omega-3 fatty acids in Antinol play a significant role in reducing inflammation by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This reduces pain and stiffness while promoting better joint function. In addition to providing relief for dogs with arthritis, the supplement also benefits younger, active dogs by supporting overall joint health and preventing wear and tear on the joints caused by exercise or physical activity.
Support your dog's health with natural omega-3 fatty acids
Fish4Dogs Pure Salmon Oil is a high-quality supplement derived from 100% natural salmon. It is specifically designed to provide your dog with essential omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to multiple aspects of their overall health and wellbeing. This supplement is a great addition to your dog’s daily routine, offering benefits that include improved skin and coat condition, joint support, and enhanced heart health.
Salmon oil is rich in two key omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These essential fatty acids are not produced naturally by your dog’s body, meaning they need to be included in their diet. Fish4Dogs Pure Salmon Oil is an excellent source of these vital nutrients, helping to maintain your dog’s health in a natural and effective way.
Rich Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish4Dogs Pure Salmon Oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, which are essential for maintaining many of your dog’s bodily functions. These fatty acids support the body’s inflammatory response, which is important for reducing inflammation in joints, skin, and other areas. Omega-3s also play a critical role in maintaining the health of cell membranes throughout the body, including the skin, heart, brain, and other organs.
When you add Fish4Dogs Pure Salmon Oil to your dog’s diet, you are helping to ensure that their body has the necessary building blocks to support healthy development and maintenance of their skin, coat, joints, and overall system.
Easily Absorbed and Utilised by the Body
One of the advantages of using salmon oil as a supplement is that it is easily absorbed by your dog’s body. This ensures that the omega-3 fatty acids are readily available to provide the necessary support where needed. The oil can be simply added to your dog’s food, and it is designed to be palatable for even the pickiest of eaters. This ease of use makes it an ideal choice for pet owners who want to ensure their dog receives the nutritional benefits without the hassle of complicated administration.
