Arthritis

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that any animal can develope over time. It occurs when joint cartilage breaks down or erodes, leaving little or no cushion between the bones at the joints, resulting in pain. Arthritis is one of the most common sources of pain treated by veterinarians; one out of every five dogs has it. Exercise is usually good for arthritic dogs of all ages, The best activities to help maintain a good range of motion are swimming and walking.

The signs of arthritis can be (but are not limited to): decreased activity, difficulty getting up from laying down, lagging behind on walks, reluctance to walk, run, climb up stairs, jump, or play, limping, soreness when touched, yelping or whimpering in pain, Acting aggressive or withdrawn, or other personality changes. If you notice any of theses you should set up an appointment to talk to your vet about what's best for your pet's well-being.