Aging Gracefully

Arthritis is a progressive disease and a lot more common in dogs than you might think. Recent studies show that arthritis affects 1 in every 5 dogs. Most dogs don't show us when they are in pain, which makes it hard to tell that they are sick or uncomfortable. Arthritis causes pain and mobility issues, therefore dogs with this condition may not play as much, move slower or even seem unhappy. Factors such as age, weight, activity level and injury put your dog at higher risk for developing this painful condition. The more you know about the risks and symptoms of arthritis, the more likely you will be to recognize the problem in your dog. So if your dog is at risk, or if he appears to be slowing down, see your veterinarian. Many options are available to help your dog manage this condition and lead a more active, pain-free life.