It can be very difficult, and even heartbreaking, to see our pets age. This is something that is unfortunately inevitable. Arthritis is one of the most common diseases that can affect at least 1 in 5 adult dogs. A very common form of arthritis in pets is osteoarthritis or OA. OA can be caused by a number of things, such as old injuries or repeated trauma to joints, obesity (a pet that is just 5 lbs over weight can be at an increased risk of OA), age (one of the most common factors), and activity level (if your pet was once a working dog or was very athletic, this tends to put more stress on their joints) These factors may increase their risk of degenerative joint disease.
So what is OA? “Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that is caused by the progressive inflammation and deterioration of the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue of one or more joints.” The cartilage that cushions the bones starts to deteriorate; this causes friction between the bones, which leads to pain and inflammation in the affected joint(s). There are many ways to help your pet through this difficult time. One very important factor is making sure you manage their diet, so that they can maintain a healthy weight; by being overweight it can put extreme pressure on your dog’s hips and other joints. Another way to control OA is daily light exercise. Start with short walks. There is also an all-natural supplement that is very popular and can help reduce pain and inflammation; this natural supplement is better known as liquid Glucosamine.
Liquid Glucosamine is able to assist in the rehabilitation of damaged and deteriorating cartilage, as clinical evidence indicates. As well, it reduces inflammation; stiffness; improves mobility; and may ease arthritis pain. Glucosamine in liquid form allows for maximum absorption and bioavailability. To learn more about liquid Glucosamine and other arthritis fighting tips visit http://www.activexamerica.com/pet/index.php.
