Pain Relief For Dogs

Dog Joint Pain: What Causes Arthritis in Your Dog

Dog joint pain is not uncommon, in fact your dog has a 65% chance of developing arthritis as he approaches 7 to 11 years of age. It’s important for you to be aware on what certain factors aggravate and worsen the symptoms so you can manage the disease properly. Keep in mind that your dog is at your mercy.

The following are the most common causes of arthritis and dog joint pain:

1.) Age- Older dogs are most vulnerable in developing the disease. Apparently, it is impossible to prevent your dog from aging but as a dog owner, there are some things you can definitely do to prevent the onset of arthritis.

2.) Improper Nutrition- What you feed your pet also contributes to dog joint pain. This is actually one of the most alarming causes of arthritis among dogs. If you always give your dog unhealthy food, chances are high that he will succumb to the disease later on in his life. An imbalanced diet in minerals or a diet that does not have the right type and amount of protein can hurt your pet in the long run.

3.) Dislocated Joints and Other Types of Injuries- These are usually caused by an accident like falling from a significant height, your dog will be hit by an abrupt pain and he won’t be able to use the affected leg. Injuries to the bones, joints or ligaments can contribute to the onset of arthritis or dog joint pain. Never ignore problems like these and let the condition heal on its own, it usually does not! Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and see to it the he gets the course of treatment he needs.

4.) Obesity- Believe it or not, overweight dogs are more prone to arthritis. If your dog has weight problems, even at an early age, he’s most likely going to develop the disease. Keep your dog healthy and active. Take your dog for a walk or a swim every morning and let it play around the house. Dogs need exercise as much as humans do to avoid dog joint pain.

5.) Developmental Disorders- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can cause dog joint pain or arthritis. Hip dysplasia involves lameness and pain around the joints. This is believed to be a genetic disposition although it can also be triggered by certain environmental factors as well.

Elbow dysplasia is more commonly seen in fast-growing large breed puppies. You will notice that your dog will hold the leg out from the body while walking or even try to carry the front leg completely, putting on weight on it at all.