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As the human population ages, so ages the pet population. In fact, older people have older pets in general. Unfortunately, pets suffer from the same aches and pains as their human counterparts.

An estimated 10 million dogs in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis and millions more with just plain creaky joints.

It can be minor pain that slows your pet down from their active teenage and adult years to pain so severe that some pet owners have to make the painful choice to put their dog down.

There are treatments available from your vet and on the internet to treat the pain and let your pet enjoy pain free days again.

Dogs and cats can get arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) just like people. It is more common in larger animals, but even small ones can suffer the painful effects of inflammation of the joints.

Types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, slowly progressing condition that is caused by the breakdown and destruction of your pet's cartilage. As this occurs, the bony structures begin to rub against one another, causing pain and discomfort.

Degenerative joint disease involves a breakdown or destruction in portions of the joint, usually cartilage. Just as in the case of osteoarthritis, this condition does not necessarily mean that your pet is experiencing any inflammation.

Hip dysplasia is characterized by a malformed "ball and joint" socket in your animal. This ill-fitting combination causes a series of complications. Here, chronic inflammation is common; calcium build-ups occur; there is muscle pain; and the tissue in the surrounding areas begins to break down.

Signs of Arthritis

Limping, reluctance to move, difficulty standing, walking, running or climbing, and sensitivity to touch at the affected site are also signs of arthritis.

Overweight pets, elderly pets, pets who've had surgery on a joint, dogs with hip dysplasia and pets that have suffered acute trauma such as being hit by a car are likely candidates for arthritis.

How to Ease the Pain

Bring the pet in from cold, damp weather. The cold weather aggravates pet arthritis just it does in humans.
A soft bed will help your pet rest much easier. A heated bed is all the better.
A hot water bottle or heating pad can help ease those creaky joints. Applying heat for 15 minutes a couple of times a day can really help.
A nice pet massage can be very soothing for your pet.
For pets with a stiff neck, use a food bowl stand that raises the pet's food up off the floor. This way your pet doesn't have to bend its neck so low to eat.
Provide a ramp so your pet won't have to jump in and out of the car, or on and off their favorite chair.
Swimming in lukewarm water is great for those achy joints.
Doggie sweaters will keep your pet warm on cold days and help him better bear the pain of arthritis.

Treatment for Arthritis

For overweight pets, help the animal lose weight. Many people, including veterinarians believe that glucosamine/chondroitin can be helpful for pets with joint pain and inflammation. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate dose for your pet. These are also available over the internet. Veterinarians may use anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam and Zubrin. The vet may sometimes use corticosteriods to treat chronic, and more severe cases of arthritis.

Glucosamine is also very beneficial in the treatment for arthritis and hip dysplasia in pets and is backed by numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In studies, it has aided in the rehabilitation of cartilage, has reduced the progression of arthritis, significantly lessened pain from arthritis, and increased mobility in dogs and cats.

Turner says many veterinarians may also employ a holistic approach to treatment. Some even use acupuncture.

Aspirin in small doses can also be used in dogs - but not cats! Cats cannot take aspirin due to their underdeveloped livers. About 80 milligrams per 10 pound of body weight is sufficient.

Arthritis Prevention

Regular exercise, which also keeps the pet from becoming overweight is a good way to prevent arthritis. Good muscle tone can help alleviate some of the pressure on the affected joint. If the pet already has arthritis, don't overdo the exercise. Your pet will be the best indicator of when too much activity is too much - they may be achy the next day.

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