Unfortunately arthritis is as common in dogs as it is in humans. Dealing with a dog that has arthritis can be heartbreaking because it is impossible to explain to a dog why it is in pain. However there are effective treatments for dogs that have arthritis, and there are also methods to delay its onset.

Arthritis in dogs is exactly the same condition that affects humans. Basically it is the inflammation of a joint, and it can flare up in any part of a dog's body. The main effects on the dog are pain and difficulty moving. If your dog has arthritis you may notice that he is reluctant to move, especially up steps or hills, reluctant to jump, have stiff leg movements or whimper when a certain area of the body is touched.

Whether a dog develops arthritis is largely down to genetics. Certain breeds are more susceptible to the disease such as Retrievers, German Shepherds and Labradors. However diet and exercise play their part too, which means that it is within an owners control to delay the onset of the disease.

How to Treat Arthritis

It is very important to treat the problem early so as to achieve the maximum result. Even the tiniest problem should be addressed by visiting a vet. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis it is important to still keep the dog active. The best kind of exercise are low impact, such as swimming and walking on even ground. The vet will advise on the best medical treatment and there are many amazing treatments out there that can make a miraculous difference. Flexpet is one such product that concentrates on the treatment of the disease and has minimal side effects. A more natural method is treating the dog with glucosamine and chondroitin. These are two molecules that make up the cartilage located within joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplements may increase the number of cartilage building blocks that are available for cartilage repair. The dosage your dog should be given depends on its size. If your dog weighs less than 25 lbs then one 500mg tablet of glucosamine is enough. If the dog weighs between 25 lbs. and 50 lbs., then the dog should be given two 500 mg tablets. Dogs weighing between 50 and 75 lb should have 3 doses per day.

It is also very important to keep your dog comfortable, make sure the bed is easily accessible and does not force them to curl their legs in. A flat material bed is the best to enable to the dog to lie in the position it finds the most comfortable. Consider placing a warm (not hot) hot water bottle on your dog's sore leg, or getting a trained expert to massage your dog.

How to prevent Arthritis
One of the most important things is to control your dog's weight. Obesity puts a huge strain on a dog's joints and can exacerbate arthritis, by causing the cartilage to disintegrate quickly. Ensuring your dog gets enough exercise is essential in the fight against arthritis. A thirty-minute walk a day is nowhere near enough exercise to keep your dog healthy. Running, swimming and agility courses are all excellent ways to ensure the joints stay in good condition. Also consider giving your dog a low dose of glucosamine and chondritotin from a young age, say 6 or 7 years old.