Arthritis is a relatively common canine problem. Did you know that their muscular structure in their joints is virtually the same as yours and mine? It’s easy to see why dogs are just as susceptible to arthritic problems as you and I.
Just as in humans, if your dog is overweight they are more likely to develop arthritis. Excess weight causes undue stress on joints. It is this continual stress that leads to arthritis. Keeping your dog active and within a healthy weight range not only helps prevent arthritis but a whole host of other potential problems.
An overweight pooch is not the only reason a dog may become arthritic. Injury may damage and compromise the joint structure. Strained muscle and tissue creates stress on the joint area. Again, it is unnecessary stress that leads to arthritis.
Sometimes injury strains muscles surrounding the joints, but injuries can also create the rubbing of bone and tissue. When this is the case, developing arthritis is certain.
Injury and weight are not the only issues that lead to the development of canine arthritis. Lack of proper nutrition is another. Just as you and I need well-balanced nutritious food, so do our constant companions. Muscles and bones can not form properly without nutrients.
Think once your puppy becomes an adult dog, nutrition isn’t as important? Wrong! An unhealthy diet is no respecter of age. Even if bones have developed correctly, poor nutrition can lead to degeneration and eventually inflammation of the joints.
Exercise is wonderful for your pooch! It’s also a fun activity for the two of you to do together! But, if your dog’s diet is unbalanced exercise will simply speed up the arthritic process. Lack of vital vitamins and minerals will leave your favorite friend unable to rebuild muscle correctly. Not only that, but overuse also leads to arthritis.
More uncommon arthritic causes are undetected disease. Sometimes even regular Veterinary check ups can miss small tumors and such. But these problems can cause multiple problems with arthritis being one of them.
Regular Veterinary visits will prevent most health problems, including arthritis. Sometimes arthritis is unavoidable. With old age, come health problems. If you have a relatively active dog, more than likely some sort of ailment will occur later in life.
If you notice Fido lying around more, it may just be old age. Older dogs need more rest. But, if you notice any limping, it’s best to make a veterinarian visit, just to check for arthritis.
Your dog may become arthritic. If this does happen, it’s not the end of the world. There are many things veterinarians can do to make your furry friend comfortable. While their young, it is best to do all that you know when it comes to canine care and this will help ensure a long and healthy life for your favorite pooch !
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Saturday, September 22, 2007 View other articles written by Ton Van Waard(21)
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