Most dogs in their senior years develop arthritis and a common type of arthritis that affects our pets is osteoarthritis or OA which is a degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can also be caused by ageing, congenital joint disorders like hip dysplasia, old injuries, repeated trauma to joints, activity levels and obesity. Osteoarthritis is one of the more common causes of arthritis which is more likely to affect your pet.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease that worsens over time and is caused when bones are adversely affected because cartilage is damaged or worn away. When the cartilage can no longer provide adequate cushioning the affected joint is unable to move smoothly and bones rub against each other. Any joint in your pet’s body can be subject to osteoarthritis and is mostly a condition of ageing.
Some breeds of dogs are more prone to arthritis than others. Symptoms of arthritis are stiff and swollen joints, reluctance to run or climb into a car without assistance. If you notice your pet licking or biting it’s joints it may be trying to relieve the achiness and it may even become irritable around you or your guests.
There is no cure for arthritis but it can be managed and it is always advisable to work with your vet to determine the best course of treatment.
Your vet will explain a variety of different options to treat arthritis in dogs. Your plan may include a combination of management solutions and ultimately will depend on your dog and his specific situation. Treatment options may include any of the following:
Pain medications
Homeopathic remedies
Joint supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin and fatty acids*
Weight loss - if the pet is overweight.
Hydrotherapy
Moderate exercise - as much as is possible.
*Research shows that pets develop arthritis much more slowly if they receive joint-beneficial supplements throughout their lives.
Being told that your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis might seem frightening but it is worth remembering that one in five dogs suffers from some form of arthritis. Therefore, as a pet loving owner you have the comfort of knowing that your vet, dog carers, dog walkers and others will have experience in how to ensure your dog lives the best and most pain-free life possible.
The GudFur range has been developed to support our own pets with their ailments and that is why we are sharing our formula with other pet loving owners. We don’t sell miracle cures; our products work best over time and with continued use. It took us 4 weeks before we noticed any change in our Labrador but now he acts and runs around like a young pup. By creating powder and liquid supplements we have made it easier to administer.
The GudFur Dog Joint Mobility Supplement contains the key ingredients needed to support joint structure, soothe stiffness, as well as retain flexibility and agility.
The GudFur Dog Premium Hip and Joint supplement is formulated to provide dogs with all necessary nutrients needed for maintaining healthy joints at every stage of their life.
If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis, please share your comments below.