Osteoarthritis in Dogs
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that affects people as well as dogs. OA can be as painful for our dogs as it is for us. In healthy joints, a slippery tissue called cartilage cushions the ends of the bones in the joints. With OA, cartilage breaks down, causing pain and swelling. As OA gets worse, bone spurs can form, causing more pain and joint damage. When this happens, your dog may become less active or show signs of stiffness when getting up.
However, OA can be difficult to recognise and your dog may not show any signs of OA. That’s why it’s important to talk to your veterinarian today about keeping your dog active and youthful. The earlier you start the better chance you have of bringing out the puppy inside him.
Top 4 Risk Factors for OA
- Age: 80% of dogs will show signs of OA by age 8. However, some dogs show signs as early as the age of one year.
- Breed: Large dog breeds like Labs, Retrievers and Shepherds are more likely to develop OA at a young age. Small to medium-sized dogs can have OA as well but it may not be as prevalent.
- Joint issues: Your dog may be at risk for OA if your dog has a joint issue such as hip dysplasia, knee problems, ligament injuries or if your dog has had joint surgery.
- Weight: It’s important to know the optimal weight for your dog’s breed. Try to keep him close to that weight to minimise stress on his joints.
Help for Your Dogs
Glyde is a revolutionary treatment for dogs at risk of OA. Glyde’s formulation has natural ingredients, and contains proven levels of three key components that work to promote joint health and cartilage development. Glyde chews are easy-to-break, heart-shaped chews, with dosing that is convenient for all dogs.
