Dog Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common health problems a dog will face. In fact at least 1 in 5 dogs will develop this debilitating disease. Degradation of bone and cartilage is what we call osteoarthritis and is the most common issue in dogs. Since cartilage has no nerves, the damage can progress with no outward signs until the joint is severely affected and the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) has thinned and lost its ability to protect the bone surfaces. The joints then becomes inflamed and painful.

Typical signs are dogs that are more careful getting up & laying down, walking up & down stairs more gingerly or at a more advanced state, limping. Arthritis affects larger breed dogs more than smaller breeds.

There are number of causes contribute to the arthritis in dogs. These causes are diseases like Cancer might also give birth to various arthritic problems; improper bone development in young dogs may give birth to arthritis; in some dogs, the disease may be genetically transferred; metabolic disorders and other hormonal problems lead to arthritis.

Arthritis in dogs can be relieved by going to the vet and the pharmacy. There are medications that the vet will prescribe to ease the pain that the dog feels. Although these medications will make the dog feel a lot better, they will not be able to totally eliminate arthritis in dogs. The drugs for a dog with arthritis are sometimes costly and may have some side effects.

Arthritis doesn't have to slow your dog down, take steps when they're younger to prevent the irreversible damaged caused by arthritis. Just like in humans, glucosamine is the main component of cartilage in dogs. When taken as a supplement for canine arthritis, Syn-flex glucosamine helps rejuvenate the cartilage of the dog that was damaged by the ailment. Syn-flex also contains chondroitin sulfate, which works together with glucosamine by attracting and trapping liquids that will provide lubrication to the joints. Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are produced naturally by the dogs system, but its production gradually lessens as the dog advances in age, just like with humans.