You may not think that it’s possible, but dogs can, and do get arthritis. Usually you will notice that maybe they aren’t as active as before or just don’t seem to be themselves. As responsible, loving dog owners we will of course try our best to help out our furry friends, but most often you will need the help of a vet to relieve their pain and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Arthritis is considered by many to be an auto-immune disease which causes the body to attack its own healthy tissue in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. In dogs, arthritis can appear in many forms and can’t affect canines of all ages.

Arthritis causes the breakdown of cartilage around the joints, which leads to less protection around the bones within the joint. Areas affected by arthritis can become swollen, painful and difficult to move.Arthritis is most common in the major, weight bearing joints of the body such as the hips and knees.

Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:

- Difficulty in getting up, sitting or standing
- Favoring a sore leg
- Doesn’t want to play, sleeps more
- Weight gain
- Just doesn’t seem himself
- Seems stiff in some areas
- Swelling or warmth around the joints

In recent years, scientists have been studying Glucosamine as a way to treat arthritis in dogs. Glucosamine is a glucose molecule produced naturally in the body. Its job is to fuel cartilage cells to produce the proteins that hold joint tissue together. As dogs age, they are less able to produce glucosamine, which causes the cartilage to wear down and stiffen.

Chondroitin is another great arthritis compound which is found in cartilage and can given as a supplement can help slow down the breakdown of the cartilage by preventing the enzymes that consume cartilage from working. Glucosamine plus chondroitin is considered one of the best ways to help dogs with arthritis.

In a clinical trial conducted in 1998, rats were given injections to induce arthritis. They were then divided into two groups. One group received glucosamine and chondroitin, while the other group received no treatment. Only 54 percent of the glucosamine/chondroitin group developed arthritis symptoms, as opposed to 96.5 percent of the untreated group.

Secondary arthritis usually occurs as a result of surgery or injury. This conditions as well as osteoarthritis show promising results when treated with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.

Last, but not least, studies indicate Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements are a safe and effective supplement to add to your dog’s diet at an early age. However, there are conflicting reports on this topic and it’s best to consult with your veterinarian and determine if this is the best option for you and your dog.

Tags: Arthritis

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