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 as primary DJD, is a condition that has no known cause. But if a pet develops that “hitch in their git-a-long” as a result of a known previous injury or from a congenital condition like hip dysplasia, then this is called secondary DJD. Just like with humans, osteoarthritis is often the result of uneven wear at the joint, and uneven wear can be attributed literally to anything – from a known injury or physical condition, or even to bad walking/sitting habits.
One of the most preventable bad habits that leads to osteoarthritis – both with humans and with animals – is obesity. Weight wears joints over time. So if you overfeed your precious pooch be aware that you are contributing to their future discomfort. Work with your vet to put your pet on a calorie-correct eating plan, and you will be contributing to a healthier, and happier, doggy future.

But what if your pet is already experiencing degenerative joint disease? The condition is not reversible, unfortunately, but there are some good products on the market that bring relief. Of course talk to your veterinarian first, and then if the diagnosis is DJD, discuss with your vet the merits of using pet joint health remedies that include Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a fundamental substance aiding in joint health, skin health and eye health, and is being used in the health care of all sorts of animals: humans, dogs, cats… even racehorses.

So if there are things you can do to help decrease the likelihood of future DJD for your pet, it is never too late to get started. If, on the other hand, osteoarthritis is a current condition, be encouraged that there is relief available. Talk to your vet about it and your doggy will be getting back to rights quicker than you can say, “Go fetch!”