Arthritis and mobility issues in dogs are common conditions that cause pain and discomfort that impact your dogs daily activities.
Arthritis in dogs, also known as canine osteoarthritis, affects the joints and causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is characterized by the gradual deterioration of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a joint.
As the cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub against each other, leading to inflammation, pain, and discomfort for your dog. The normally nutritious, viscous joint fluid thins and loses its viscous support for normal joint motion. With this deterioration shock absorption is greatly reduced and ligaments are prone to damage leaving weak and unstable joints.
Causes of arthritis in dogs
The common causes of osteoarthritis in dogs are age, breed, obesity and injury. With the most commonly affect joints being the hips and elbows.
Age: Arthritis is more common in older dogs due to the natural wear and tear that occurs over time.
Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds are more prone to developing arthritis, especially large breeds, as well as breeds with genetic predispositions such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on a dog’s joints, increasing the likelihood of arthritis.
Injury: Previous injuries or trauma to a joint can increase the risk of arthritis in that joint.
Signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs
What are the signs and symptoms to look out for;
Limping or Favoring a Leg: Dogs with arthritis may start limping or avoiding putting weight on a certain leg. Limping and favouring can lead to secondary issues.
Stiffness: They may have difficulty getting up, lying down, or moving around, especially after rest.
Lethargy: Dogs with arthritis might be less active and less interested in physical activities they used to enjoy.
Decreased Range of Motion: Arthritic joints might have a reduced range of motion, making movements less fluid.
Joint Swelling and Heat: Inflammation in the affected joints can lead to swelling and warmth around the joint area.
Behavioral Changes: Dogs in pain might exhibit changes in behavior, such as irritability or reluctance to be touched.
Over time if left untreated these pain signals from the joints intensify. This pain can have negative consequences on the central nervous system that begin to impact their general health.
Treatment and management for arthritis
Let’s discuss some treatment and management approaches to help support a dog suffering from osteoarthritis.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reducing strain on arthritic joints. Weight loss can significantly improve a dog’s comfort and mobility.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and controlled exercises can help improve joint flexibility and muscle strength.
Orthopedic Beds: Providing a comfortable and supportive bed can help relieve pressure on joints during rest.
Assistive Devices: Supportive harnesses, ramps, and stairs can aid dogs in navigating their environment.
Lifestyle Modifications: Adjustments to daily routines, such as shorter walks and less strenuous play, can help manage the condition.
Dietary Supplements: Some supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may support joint health and slow down the progression of arthritis. This is where we come in…
Atlas & Tail – Flexi9
This is a topic that we at Atlas & Tail hold close to our hearts. We’ve seen the pain caused by hip dysplasia and mobility issues in our own dogs, so we focused on a natural supplement to help alleviate the stress and pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Flexi9 Joint Supplement is a unique blend of 5 essential nutrients to prevent and reduce the effects of arthritis in dogs. A complete formula for the lubrication, support and maintenance of tendons, cartilage, ligaments and joints.
Composition of Flexi9 – Joint Supplement
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – 430,000mg – A natural pain reliefer that blocks pain signals from travelling through nerve fibers. MSM is recommended for fighting chronic pain.
Glucosamine 340,000mg – Proven to halt the development of arthritis in young dogs while also reversing the damage caused by osteoarthritis in older dogs.
Chondroitin 30,000mg -Provides the body with the nutrients needed to produce new cartilage which supports the joints and reduces stiffness leading to increased mobility.
Green Lipped Mussel 15,000mg – A natural replacement for NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs). Green Lipped Mussels have been proven to be as effective as NSAIDs without any side effects. Studies have shown that GLM’s are effective against arthritis in dogs.
Hyaluronic Acid 1,700mg – Provides lubrication of the joints to reduce stiffness and lameness. HA decreases over time in dogs with arthritis. Flexi9 Joint supplement provides your dog with the the hyaluronic acid to support their joints.
The studies on the ingredients speak for themselves. We’ve seen some amazing results with Flexi9 and have changed a number of dogs lives for the better. Flexi9 can also be given as a preventative measure in the degeneration of joints.
Arthritis in dogs can be managed effectively to improve their comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. While arthritis is a chronic condition that cannot be completely cured, there are several strategies and interventions that we’ve covered above that can help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Remember that every dog’s condition is unique, and what works best may vary from one individual to another. With proper management and care, many dogs with arthritis can lead happy and comfortable lives.
