What is arthritis and what causes it?
There are several types of canine arthritis but the most common is osteoarthritis. This joint disease involves degeneration of the articular cartilage and the bone. This debilitating condition affects roughly one in five adult dogs. There are several causes of arthritis in dogs including obesity, genetics, injury and poor nutrition.

Signs of Arthritis
Some of the typical signs of arthritis include stiffness and unusual movements, slow to get up, difficulty climbing stairs, swelling in the limbs and trouble reaching food on the ground.

Early Prevention Tips
Addressing pro-actively all pets with a history of joint injury, genetic predisposition, being over-active or challenging work load is very important in maintaining healthy joints. The following list includes several things you can do.

• Exercise Your Dog – Regular exercise can help improve mobility and strength. Exercise helps your dog’s natural fluids to lubricate the joints.
• Control Your Dog’s Weight – Overweight dogs are more susceptible to developing joint pain. Too much weight on your dog’s joints will cause the cartilage to deteriorate. If your dog is overweight you may want to consult with your veterinarian about using a weight control supplement.
• Comfortable Sleep – Dogs that sleep in a comfortable position will have a lower chance of developing arthritis. Consider using an orthopedic dog bed.
• Raised Food & Water Bowls – To help reduce neck strain while eating, you can use raised food and water bowls.
• Easy Access – You can reduce many causes of daily joint strain by using pet steps and ramps to assist your dog. Getting in and out of a car or up on a couch or chair several times a day can contribute to long term stress on your dogs joints.
• Avoid Injury – Avoid injuries as best as possible and attend to all injuries quickly.
• Consider Supplements – There are several joint health supplements that include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, msm and chondroitin sulfate that can help with maintaining healthy joints.

Treatment of Canine Arthritis
If you suspect your dog is developing arthritis it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment. Some things you may want to consider are maintaining your dog’s proper weight with a balanced diet including vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for optimal health. There are many nutritional supplements available as well as weight control supplements. There are several joint health supplements that can help with various joint functions. And your veterinarian may suggest a pain control medication to help make your dog more comfortable.

Leashes
Flexi Retractable Leashes

The world’s first retractable leash. German engineered to extend to 26 foot, depending upon size, then retracts automatically. Makes walking pets easier and allows dogs greater potential for exercise.

View Now

Weight Control
Vetri-Lean


Developed by a veterinarian to provide fast relief for pet ears that itch, smell or appear to be raw, red, sore or greasy.

View Now

Orthopedic Dog Beds
Ortho Thermo Bed

Two layers of orthopedic foam are so thick and supportive that even the largest dogs will not “bottom out”. The unique dual thermostats maintain an even surface temperature 12 to 15 degrees above the ambient air temperature!

View Now

Pet Steps
Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp

Don't risk injury to yourself or your pet! The Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp is perfect for all pets that need assistance reaching high places.

View Now