Osteoarthritis Could Impact Your Dog's Life
Osteoarthritis in Dogs š¶ Hereās what you need to know š
Itās the most common form of arthritis and impacts about 25% of all dogs.
Osteoarthritis causes joint cartilage to wear down, creating painful friction and lessening the mobility of the joint.Ā This often leads to bone formations in place of the lost cartilage, causing painful friction and loss of functional mobility in the joints.Ā
Not all dogs will show signs of being in pain, but some will. Here are the signs to watch out for:
Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain
- Lameness
- Stiffness
- Change in movement
- Reluctancy to walk or play
- Difficulty sitting or laying/getting up
- Avoidance of stairs or inclines
- Sudden change in mood or behavior
What causes it?
OA is often seen in dogs with other joint issues such as elbow or hip dysplasia, Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), or injury/trauma. Other contributing factors include breed (genetics), diet and exercise (or lack of).
- Feed a balanced diet
- Regularly exercise
- Provide healthy omegas
- Provide joint supportive foods
- Proactively introduce joint supplements before signs of pain or symptoms
Donāt let your dog suffer in silence, give them the support that they deserve. š¾