Dog Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It is excruciating, regardless of if you are a human or a pet. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout. Unfortunately, arthritis can be a crippling disease for some. You may wonder if pets have the same symptoms as humans when they experience arthritis. The answer is yes, and we will go into further detail throughout our article.
Dogs may experience arthritis due to natural aging or when joints do not develop properly (also known as dysplasia). How do you know if your dog may have arthritis? You must understand the symptoms associated with arthritis:
- Lack of exercise
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Difficulty getting up after lying down
- Disinterest in running or jumping
- Depression
- House soiling
- Sleeping more than usual
- Behavioral changes
It is essential to take your four-legged friend to the veterinarian right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Your veterinarian will complete a thorough examination to come to their diagnosis of arthritis. X-rays may be involved to see how advanced the joints have degenerated. With proper treatment, your dog can live comfortably, and you can expect them to have a normal life expectancy.
Medical treatments may be prescribed with drug treatments to ensure your dog is comfortable. The good news is that there are non0medical treatment options for treating arthritis in dogs. These include weight management, dietary changes, exercise, physical rehabilitation, and acupuncture.
Watching a dog go through the pain of arthritis can be painful. As you can see, being proactive will ensure that your four-legged friend is living their best life comfortably. Understand the symptoms and consult your veterinarian for an ideal treatment plan for your pup.
