Can dogs get arthritis?

It's hard to imagine that our dogs at home would also suffer from diseases when we watch them jumping and playing recklessly. Among them, arthritis is a common disease that quietly threatens the health of dogs. Can dogs get arthritis? The answer is affirmative. I believe that every dog lover is extremely concerned about the health of their dogs. Understanding the causes of arthritis in dogs is an important step for us to protect their health.

Dogs can indeed get arthritis, which is an inflammatory disease of the joint area that mainly affects the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues of dogs. The occurrence of arthritis can make the joints of dogs fragile, reduce their mobility, and bring many inconveniences to their lives. When a dog suffers from arthritis, the most obvious feeling is pain. Imagine the excruciating pain that comes from the joints of a dog while walking, running, or jumping. Not only that, arthritis can also limit the daily activities of dogs. Originally lively and active, they may become less active and even struggle with simple movements such as going up and down stairs and getting up.

So, why do dogs get arthritis? Genetic factors play an important role in it. Some dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, etc., are born with a high genetic susceptibility to arthritis. If a dog's parents or ancestors have arthritis, their risk of developing arthritis will also increase accordingly. Like some hereditary diseases in families, these dogs are more susceptible to the threat of arthritis from birth than other dogs.

Aging is also a common cause of arthritis in dogs. As dogs age, their joint cartilage gradually wears out, just like machine parts that age over time. Friction between joints increases, which can easily lead to inflammation. Generally speaking, the incidence rate of arthritis will increase significantly in dogs over 7 years old. The physical function of elderly dogs gradually declines, and their joint self repair ability is also greatly reduced, so arthritis is more likely to come knocking on their door.

Obesity is also a major cause of arthritis in dogs. Nowadays, many dogs are overweight due to their owners' excessive indulgence, excessive intake of high calorie foods, and lack of sufficient exercise. Excessive weight can put tremendous pressure on a dog's joints, accelerating the wear and tear of joint cartilage. It's like walking with a heavy burden on one's back. Over time, joints such as knees and ankles will naturally become overwhelmed. Obese dogs experience several times the pressure on their joints when walking or running, which greatly increases their risk of developing arthritis compared to dogs of normal weight.

Trauma can also lead to arthritis in dogs. If a dog accidentally falls, sprains, or is hit by external forces while playing or running, it may damage its joints. If these injuries are not treated promptly and effectively, they may lead to joint inflammation. For example, when a dog jumps from a high place and sprains its leg, it may only cause mild pain at the time, but if not properly cared for, it may develop into arthritis over time.

After understanding the causes of arthritis in dogs, we need to pay more attention to their health status and promptly detect the symptoms of arthritis. When a dog shows signs of arthritis, such as lack of activity, abnormal walking posture, difficulty climbing stairs, and slow movements when waking up. At this point, we need to take the dog to a pet hospital for examination in a timely manner. Through methods such as X-rays and joint fluid tests, we can determine whether the dog has arthritis and take corresponding treatment measures.

Prevention is better than treatment for arthritis in dogs. In daily life, we should control the weight of dogs reasonably, avoid overfeeding, and ensure that dogs have sufficient exercise. Regularly take your dog to a pet hospital for physical examinations to promptly identify potential health issues. At the same time, provide a comfortable living environment for dogs, such as soft dog beds, to avoid dogs sleeping directly on cold, hard surfaces and reduce joint pressure.

The health of dogs is our biggest concern. Although arthritis is a common disease, as long as we understand the causes and do a good job in prevention and treatment, we can reduce the suffering of dogs. Let us protect the health of dogs with love and care, and accompany them through every happy time. When the dog happily surrounds us again, the happiness and peace of mind cannot be described in words. Let's work together for the health of dogs, so that their tails can always sway so happily.