Osteoarthritis in dogs: how a suitable diet can improve their quality of life

 What is osteoarthritis in dogs?

Just like in humans, osteoarthritis is a chronic and mechanical disease characterized by the progressive degradation of the cartilage of the joints: hip, knee, elbow, etc. Cartilage is the smooth and flexible tissue surrounding the bones at the joints. Thanks to it, shocks are cushioned and bone wear is prevented.

This deterioration of cartilage can be associated with a decrease in the amount of synovial fluid, which is supposed to lubricate the joints. This is likely to aggravate friction and therefore the overall problem of osteoarthritis.

Depending on the stage of the disease, osteoarthritis can be more or less painful. The dog's mobility is considerably reduced and its general condition will deteriorate if it is not taken care of.

Thus, the animal enters a vicious circle; the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis make it more reluctant to move. The muscles and tendons surrounding the arthritic joint weaken and it becomes overweight, which aggravates the condition.

What are the causes and effects?

The main causes of osteoarthritis in dogs

Age is the primary factor in osteoarthritis in dogs. As the animal ages, it is subject to the natural wear and tear of the cartilage that is supposed to protect its bones at the joints. This process is irreversible.

Breed also plays a role in canine osteoarthritis. Some breeds are, in fact, more exposed than others to premature wear of cartilage, particularly those of large size and predisposed to dysplasia (hip, elbow) and dislocations (patella).

Being overweight also promotes osteoarthritis in dogs. Excess weight puts additional strain on the joints and thus accelerates cartilage degradation.

Just like inadequate physical activity. Both too little and too much exercise are extremely bad for the joints. If the dog does not move enough, its muscles and tendons weaken, which leads to stiffness in particular. Similarly, too much activity puts excessive strain on the joints and accelerates the wear of the cartilage.

The consequences of osteoarthritis in dogs

A dog suffering from osteoarthritis feels more or less severe pain. It does not always show it, but it reacts when the affected joint is touched.

He tends to become less mobile and less active. When faced with an obstacle that he had no difficulty overcoming in the past, he prefers to give up. He also has difficulty getting up after lying down and may limp when walking.

A loss of muscle mass is also observed in dogs with osteoarthritis. Conversely, excess weight increases because their activity is reduced. Being overweight is therefore both a trigger and a consequence of osteoarthritis.

In the most severe cases, the pain experienced by the dog is extremely intense. The owner often feels helpless in the face of such distress. This is the osteoarthritis crisis.

To confirm the disease, the veterinarian first carries out joint mobility tests, then uses more in-depth examinations: imaging (x-ray), arthroscopy (use of an endoscope), MRI in particular.

Helping your dog live with osteoarthritis: the crucial role of diet

As mentioned above, the wear and tear of joint cartilage is an irreversible phenomenon. Osteoarthritis is incurable, but its progression can be controlled and its effects mitigated, so that the dog can have the best possible quality of life.

The treatment established by the veterinarian will depend on the stage of the osteoarthritis and the specificities of the dog (age, lifestyle, other diseases, etc.). To relieve pain and inflammation, he may prescribe an oral medication (syrup, tablets) or monthly antibody injections.

At the same time, the dog must engage in regular physical activity that is appropriate for its condition. It must avoid stairs and any obstacle that puts excessive strain on its joints. Hydrotherapy (exercises in water) can be particularly beneficial.

In addition, the dog's diet is essential in the management of osteoarthritis. It is a question of both supporting its mobility and helping it lose weight through the contents of its bowl.

Hill’s offers quality food that provides the dog with nutrients that are good for its muscle mass, tissues (ligaments, etc.) and joints, while promoting fat loss. A leading brand in pet food, it has developed a recipe rich in elements that are friendly to the dog’s mobility and joint health: omega-3 essential fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in this case.