Just like people, dogs are susceptible to osteoarthritis as they age. Also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), it is the progressive, and ultimately permanent, long-term deterioration of the cartilage of the joints.

There is a range of DJD symptoms. If your dog is suddenly less active, this could be a sign of DJD. If your pet occasionally hobbles around with a stiff gait, this can certainly be an indication. Symptoms may be more obvious with exercise, or they may be evident after long periods of inactivity. Cold weather can also aggravate DJD. And just as there are many signs that reveal the Osteoarthritis condition a pet may have, there are equally  a variety of causes for it.

Osteoarthritis, as it manifests naturally ...