| As is generally the case with humans, dogs also | | | | unaffected limbs or is reluctant to move around as |
| develop certain health issues as they ages. As a dog | | | | much as before or falls into an exhausted heap after |
| owner you should pay special attention to your dog as | | | | a little physical activity, these could all be signs your |
| he ages to catch conditions as they begin to develop, | | | | dog is suffering from degenerative joint disease or |
| early detection increases the chance of successful | | | | osteoarthritis. Climbing stairs becomes a difficult task |
| treatment. You may find your dog begins to slow | | | | and jumping on or off a sofa becomes an ordeal for |
| down and become less active than he used to be, | | | | your dog. Some dogs will lick at painful areas while |
| many dog owners dismiss this as being simply age | | | | others will seek warm and soft places to lie down in. |
| related, but sometimes a more serious cause may be | | | | If you suspect your dog may be suffering from |
| at play. | | | | osteoarthritis you shouldn't postpone taking him to the |
| Sometimes decreased physical activity can be linked | | | | vet. This is an extremely painful and debilitating |
| to something more ominous than just getting older; it | | | | condition and you should try to relieve your dog's pain |
| can be an indication of arthritis. Although some breeds | | | | as soon as possible. While there is no cure for arthritis, |
| are more disposed to developing arthritis, it is a | | | | you can help make your pet feel more comfortable |
| condition that can afflict all dogs. | | | | and improve his quality of life. |
| There are different arthritic diseases that can afflict | | | | Your veterinarian should be able to recommend certain |
| dogs such as rheumatoid arthritis. This is a very painful | | | | foods and medications that contain anti-inflammatory |
| and immune related disease that affects the dog's | | | | properties. Some herbs such as devil's claw and |
| joints causing swelling and lameness and is more | | | | boswellia seem to help with this condition. Your vet |
| common in small breed dogs. Lyme disease is an | | | | should also test your dog for any allergies he may |
| infectious bacterial disease that can lead to arthritis in | | | | have as allergies can greatly aggravate osteoarthritis. |
| dogs but as most dogs are vaccinated, this form of | | | | Your dog shouldn't be allowed to become overweight |
| arthritis is less common. The most common form of | | | | so as not to add more pressure on weakened limbs. |
| canine arthritis is degenerative osteoarthritis. This | | | | Some dogs suffering from osteoarthritis may lose their |
| condition results from the erosion of bone cartilage | | | | appetites so make sure your dog is eating and drinking |
| causing the bone to become exposed. When the bone | | | | properly so as not to lose condition. Getting your dog a |
| is exposed in this way inflammation results which | | | | supportive bed will greatly help him by making him |
| causes the dog a great deal of pain. | | | | more comfortable. Always take some time to |
| Because usually hide any feelings of pain, the | | | | research potential health issues your dog may develop |
| symptoms may be subtle but if your dog has an | | | | as he ages so you are best prepared to deal with |
| altered gait as he tries to bear his weight on | | | | them should they occur. |