Arthritis is one of the common health issue reported in dogs. Unlike humans dog’s inside bones and joints are covered with a thin layer of cartilage which are firm connective tissues especially present between the bones with a lubricant known as joint fluids. Cartilage is firm but flexible tissues therefore cartilage and joint fluids allow two bone surfaces to glide freely on one another with less friction. Due to any reason if the cartilage is damages or becomes less smooth your dog may find difficulty in walking due to inflammation in joints. In addition to this, if the condition is not recognized and safety measures are not taken new bones start to build around the joints due to friction that makes the situation even worse. The medical term for this condition is known as degenerative joint disease.
Other health condition can also cause arthritis in dogs such as injury to ligaments which are other joining tissues. The most common type of ligament injury occurs in knees and causes joint instability which in medical term is known as cranial cruciate ligament. However, the condition may affect the other joints too. While on the other hand many dogs possess variety of joint instability that can lead them to arthritis. Other than this, autoimmune disorder which is rare disease in dogs can cause pain in bones, joints and may cause lameness as well.
You can somehow notice that your dog is suffering from arthritis. Difficulty in standing, lying or in changing physical position indicates that your dog is probably suffering from arthritis. The symptoms also depends on how severe the disease is, in case the disease is severe spot lameness can be witnessed.
If you find any of these symptoms in your dog get him checked by a vet so he will conduct physical examinations and he will determine the conditions precisely. Your vet may prescribe some anti-inflammatory drugs but alternatively researches show that such medications can cause harm more than benefit in long terms. However, you can take some simple measures at home to reduce the chances of catching arthritis and to cure it.
Keep Your Dog’s Gut Healthy
Arthritis is usually caused due to unhealthy gut flora which is responsible to regulate the absorption of nutrients in the blood stream. The wall of gut flora has tiny little holes that allow protein and nutrients to pass through. When your dog suffers from arthritis the holes in the gut flora stretches and allows toxins and undigested bug particles to pass through which further impacts the immune system. Therefore, try to avoid foods containing wheat, soy, GMO’s and abundance of preservatives. The taste of wild has a wide range of grain free dog foods that can help you keep your dog’s gut healthy.
Regulating Weight and Fat Intake:
Another reason of arthritis is excessive weight gain. Usually large breed dog have more chances to experience arthritis as they grow fast and have more tendency to gain weight. The reason behind getting obese may be poor diet or less physical activity. If your dog will gain excessive weight it will cause strain on its joints and bones. The ancestors of dogs depend on raw foods comprised of proteins and fats. Protein helps your dog to build lean muscles while on the other hand fat fills them with energy they require to carryout physical activities. However, the amount of fat intake determines your dog’s health. Your dog’s diet is composed of two types of fats omega-6 and omega-3. Omega 6 initiates inflammation and omega 3 eliminates it. If your furry companion’s diet has more omega 6 as compared to omega 3 it may cause inflammation. Therefore, regulate the consumption of each fat if your dog is gaining weight. You can add grass eating animals or fish with omega 3 fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
In addition to this, try to increase physical activity of your dog by talking him to short walks or small on swimming sessions to prevent him from gaining weight. It will also help a dog suffering from arthritis to make efforts to utilize their muscles and burn extra fat slowly and gradually.
You can also add Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic acid to your dog’s diet for healthy joints which will relieve arthritis. Glucosamine the name evident that it is made up of glucose but it also contain Glutamine which is chain of amino acid. Glucosamine promotes production of glycosaminoglycan that helps in repairing cartilage. The combination of glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate not only reduces inflammation but it also slows down the aging process of four footers joints. Chondroitin also kills the cells that that damages cartilage. Hyaluronic acid helps to keep cartilage strong and flexible to better cushion joints.
Create Comfortable Environment:
Show some love to your dog by taking extra measures of creating a comfortable environment for him. Arrange well-padded comfortable bedding, carpet the floor so he can walk easily without developing pressure on his joints, and arrange a ramp for him to avoiding jumping or taking large steps to enter the car or climbing up with the stairs.
Conclusion:
Let’s strive to own and grow fit and structurally sound dogs by regulating their weight according to their breed. This can be only done when we will feed them according to their nutritional requirements. Keep them moving because it boosts immune system and reduces fat. If you start noticing any symptoms of arthritis adopt the above mention tips. If they do not help than visit your vet. Do not use any medications without discussing with vet.
Author Bio:
Wendy is a self-employed beauty therapist, mother of two; life-long pet parent and lover of dogs who somehow manages to squeeze in the time to satisfy another of her loves – writing. Wendy is the founder, main contributor to and editor of TotallyGoldens.com