Arthritis isn’t just a human disease. Dogs get it, too. And they get it a lot more often than you might think.

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that wears away the smooth joint cartilage, causing the exposed raw bone surfaces to rub together. This results in an ongoing degeneration of the joint, pain and impaired mobility.

This painful disease will affect 20 percent of dogs. Dogs of any age or breed can get arthritis, but there are certain risk factors that increase a dog’s chances of getting the disease. Do you know what they are?

Veterinarians at Novartis Animal Health recognize these 5 common risk factors for arthritis:

• Genetic predisposition. Certain breeds have a much higher risk of
  contracting this disease simply because of their gene pool. Up to 70 percent of dogs in these breeds will be affected by canine arthritis. These breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

• Obesity. Studies show that, on average, obese dogs are likely to
  develop osteoarthritis 3 years earlier than lean dogs.

• Joint abnormalities . Joint conditions such as canine hip dysplasia (the leading cause of lameness in dogs) put excessive stress on a dog’s joints. This can increase a dog’s risk of developing osteoarthritis.

• Joint stress and trauma. Getting hit by a car can lead to arthritis. Injuries that damage ligaments, tissues or bones increase a dog’s risk of developing osteoarthritis. Dogs that put repeated stress on their joints through high activity and demanding activities are also more likely to develop the disease.

• Infection . Various bacterial, viral and fungal infections create conditions
  that can affect joints and contribute to arthritis. These include Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be carried by ticks.

So how do you know if your dog has arthritis? Pay attention.

Arthritis causes a dog to become less active. He has trouble getting up or lying down. He is reluctant to do stairs or he becomes lame. Some dogs may simply slow down and become more reluctant to do the things they used to do. These are all signs that your dog is experiencing joint pain.

If you think your dog is in pain, see your veterinarian. Your vet can diagnose the disease and treat it with various medical and surgical treatments, depending on your unique situation. Considerations include your dog’s age, the severity of the disease and your financial situation. Diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory pain control medications can also help. Many vets also recommend natural holistic remedies that support strong healthy joints.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

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PurinaCare® Insurance Services, Inc. is a paid sponsor of petplace. PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance is offered by PurinaCare® Insurance Services, Inc. Insurance underwritten by Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha. Issuance of coverage subject to underwriting review and approval. The description herein is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the coverage described. Please refer to the actual policy for complete details of coverage and exclusions.