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.
Thought by many to be an auto-immune disease, the immune system becomes over-active which causes the body to attack healthy joint tissue or cartilage. This results in pain and inflammation. Arthritis has many different symptoms and can occur at any age, although it is more common in older dogs than younger ones.
When arthritis strikes, it causes cartilage to break down. Cartilage is the dense connective tissue that protects the joint between bones. In dogs, these areas include the hip, knee, and ankle joints. However, arthritis can occur in other locations such as the feet or spine. As the cartilage wears away the bones rub together, leading to pain, inflammation and stiffness.
If you suspect arthritis in your dog, consider these major symptoms:
- 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.
Along with glucosamine you may want to consider chondroitin, which is found in cartilage and can help slow down the enzymes that are causing the breakdown of the cartilage. Combining these two components and giving them to your dog regularly can help them create new cartilage and relieve their arthritis suffering.
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.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements show promise in treating symptoms of secondary arthritis in dogs. This type of arthritis typically occurs after an injury or surgery. A study suggests this combination can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs.
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.
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