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Arthritis in Dogs

What is Arthritis?

 

 

A Common and Painful Condition

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the synovial joints. Arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, cartilage erosion, and subchonral bone alterations. Left unmanaged, the damage arthritis inflicts on a joint results in severe cartilage destruction, leaving the subchondral bones exposed. Bone on bone friction causes chronic pain. That pain can lead to decreased exercise and resulting weight gain, which puts even more stress on the affected joints, continuing the cycle of pain.

 

Arthritis affects up to one in five adult dogs, yet pet owners often fail to recognise the condition. Owners often attribute their dogs’ limping or slowed movements to part of the natural aging process. But arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in adult dogs, and although the pain is not life threatening, it can greatly diminish the pet’s quality of life.

Recognising Arthritis in Your Dog
 

Physical signs of arthritis include:

  • Limping
  • Difficulty rising
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased activity level
  • Reluctance to run, play, climb stairs, etc.
  • Behavioural changes such as aggression or withdrawal

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis can affect any dog at any age, but certain factors can make dogs more inclined to develop the disease:

  • Age: Arthritis is most common in dogs over seven years of age.
  • Breed or conformation: Large breed dogs and conformation of the joint can make dogs more susceptible to arthritis.
  • Obesity: Excess weight means excess stress on the joints, which can lead to arthritis.
  • Nutrition: Essential nutrients and fatty acids are vital to healthy joints.
  • Trauma: Physical damage to the joint can lead to arthritis.

Managing Canine Arthritis

Your veterinarian can help develop a personalised Canine Arthritis Management Plan. Take the first step in helping your dog with arthritis by incorporating these essential elements into your pet’s life: nutrition, exercise, pain relief, and weight management.

Signs and Symptoms 
 

Recognising Arthritis in Your Dog

Arthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease that results in cartilage damage and joint inflammation. It affects up to one in five adult dogs.

Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of chronic pain in dogs. Joint inflammation and associated pain can result in.

  • Limping
  • Difficulty in Rising
  • Decreased Activity
  • Reduced Mobility
  • Stiffness

Chronic pain can also bring about changes in a dog’s personality, such as acting aggressive or withdrawn. And all of these signs mean a reduced quality of life for your pet.

 
Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
 

All dogs are susceptible to arthritis, but certain traits make the disease more likely:

  • Obesity
  • Breed
  • Lack of exercise
  • Aging
  • Injury Trauma


 

Advanced Technology to Manage Dogs with Arthritis

While there is no cure for arthritis, proper care and nutrition can help your dog lead a more active, healthy life. Prescription Diet* j/d* is revolutionary nutrition to manage dogs with arthritis.

What Can I Do For My Dog?

 
 
Healthier, happier, more active lives start with a personalised Canine Arthritis Management Plan. Take the first step in helping your dog with arthritis by incorporating these essential elements into your pet’s life: nutrition, exercise, pain relief, and weight management.

NUTRITION

Proper nutrition is an integral component in the management of canine arthritis. The following are key nutritional factors to look for in a therapeutic food for your arthritic dog:

Key Nutritional Factors
 
Benefits
 
High EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) LevelsWorks to “turn off” the degradative enzymes that lead to cartilage damage
High Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels
Low Omega-6: Omega-3 Ratio
Reduces mediators that cause inflammation
Glucosamine, Chondroitin SulphateProvide the building blocks for cartilage repair
L-carnitineHelps maintain optimum body weight and lean muscle mass
Added AntioxidantsHelp reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage
Protein and PhosphorusProvides appropriate levels for adult and senior dogs

Ask your veterinarian...

Ask your veterinarian about Hill's* Prescription Diet* Canine j/d*, which contains the highest levels of total omega-3 fatty acids of any therapeutic food for the management of dogs with arthritis, as well as all the other key nutritional factors listed to the left. It is available in both canned and dry formulas with the right balance of advanced nutrition and a great taste that pets love.

Ask your veterinarian about Sasha's Blend -the first natural Vet Only arthritis treatment to achieve registration with the APVMA as a veterinary medicine. Sasha's Blend is a new generation nutritional supplement that has the scientific backing to prove that its unique blend of ingredients works.


EXERCISE

Even arthritic dogs need daily exercise. Work with your veterinarian to establish a personalised daily workout routine for your dog. Moderate exercise can help improve the functioning of your dog’s joints by strengthening surrounding muscles and stabilising the joint. This might involve gentle walks or regular swimming together. Swimming is a great workout option for your arthritic pet because it produces minimal stress on joints. Low-impact exercise can increase muscle strength and help stabilise joints. Avoid exercise that involves jumping and leaping, which can be very hard on your pet’s joints.

PAIN RELIEF

Your vet will determine the best pain relief option for your dog at the initial diagnosis and as your dog’s condition improves. In addition, some veterinarians might recommend gentle massage, which can increase blood flow to arthritic areas and decrease stiffness, adding soft padding to your dog’s bed, or even installing ramps in your home to help your dog get around.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Maintaining proper weight means less stress on joints. If you think your pet is overweight, your vet can help you with nutrition and exercise programs to help your dog achieve and maintain ideal weight. Prescription Diet* Canine j/d* contains L-carnitine, a vitamin-like nutrient that helps to control your pet’s weight by increasing fat metabolism. Royal Canin Canine Weight & Osteo (Vet Early Care range) is also specifically designed to provide optimum joint support and promote weight loss in older overweight pets.


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