Causes Of Arthritis In Dogs

Majority of arthritis cases in dogs are age-related. But there are also other causes of arthritis in dogs. Some factors also increase a dog’s risk to developing arthritis. These factors include obesity, diabetes, and old injuries just to name a few. One of the effects of aging is the thinning of the cartilage that surrounds the bones of a joint. Years of wear and tear is an important cause of cartilage erosion. While age-related arthritis is painful and uncomfortable, arthritis brought about by obesity can lead to a more severe joint pain.

Arthritis can be hereditary in nature. Some canine breeds, such as the German shepherd, have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).

Arthritis treatment in dogs usually include medications that are prescribed by a veterinarian. The most common arthritis medication for dogs is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. But NSAIDs also have serious side effects, thus they should only be used when prescribed by a professional vet clinic Ashburn VA.