Arthritis in canines is just as common as it is in humans. The type of arthritis associated with dogs is osteoarthritis which is caused by the degradation of the cartilage within a joint.

Cartilage is what keeps the bones in a joint from rubbing together. As the cartilage breaks down it causes the function of the joint to reduce causing pain and stiffness.

In the beginning canine arthritis is uncomfortable, but in severe cases it causes extreme pain as the bones are rubbing directly against each other.

Signs to watch for are favoring a certain limb repeatedly, trouble when sitting or standing, not as active, stiffness in their joints, reluctance to run or jump, and lethargy. There is no cure for canine arthritis yet, but there are several good treatments.

Pain relieving lotions are one of the safest and best ways to ease your dogs pain associated with canine arthritis. Your vet may prescribe some medicine for swelling and discomfort.

A new treatment is now being used which is dietary. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been found to be helpful in reducing the degeneration of dog’s bones due to canine arthritis and also aids in the reducing inflammation.

This combination attracts fluid into the cartilage between the joints, which helps the body repair damaged joints while keeping the destroying enzymes under control.

The most important factor is to relieve your dog of discomfort associated with canine arthritis so can live a better life. He also needs to move the joints so the canine arthritis does not become severe.

If you have noticed any of these signs in your dog, make an appointment with your vet so you can better know how to treat your dog if in fact he does have canine arthritis.

With the proper treatment you can help improve your dog’s quality of life, which is what you and your dog both want.