In dogs, even a minor injury can lead to arthritis later in life, or even immediately in quite a young dog.

Certain conditions to which some breeds of dogs are predisposed, such as hip dysplasia in dogs can also mean a predisposition to developing arthritis as the dog ages.

In addition, dogs who have never suffered an injury in their lives, and who do not suffer from any form of dysplasia may well develop arthritis as they age, just as we humans tend to.

Dog arthritis comes in various forms. Just as in humans, arthritis is an inflammation in the joints. A dog may develop arthritis anywhere that they have a joint. The cartilage in the joint may be inflamed or it may be synovial fluid which is at issue in some cases. The most common types of dog arthritis are osteoarthritis, infective, immune mediated and idiopathic arthritis.

Dog arthritis can often begin as a gradual limpness in the affected limb or limbs, and may progress to lameness. An advanced case will reveal itself as a dog that is less active in play, on walks and generally has difficulty walking. The stiffness and pain are more likely to be pronounced in the morning or after a nap - when the dog has been sleeping in the same position for some time. During the day when the dog is most active, the pain is generally minimal unless the condition is very severe.

An arthritic dog will usually experience pain when their legs are touched near the inflamed joint. The will usually be swelling in this area, but it may not be visible to an unaided eye.

There is dog arthritis medicine that will help treat the inflammation. However, many dog owners find that natural treatments for arthritis in dogs are more helpful. Glucosamine for dogs and MSM for dogs are two of the more natural methods for treatment as herbal remedies. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring ingredient that is found in most foods. It has anti inflammatory components that are best for osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar which occurs naturally in the body - but part of the effects of aging is the loss of the ability to produce enough of this sugar for the body's needs. Glucosamine is not found in any significant food source, but can be obtained from the shells of shellfish. The anti-inflammatory effects it offers are very useful in the treatment of arthritis, in humans and in animals alike.

Many times, just a change in diet can be enough to treat the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. Especially in tandem with exercise, diet can relieve arthritis in many dogs. Just as in humans, obesity can lead to arthritis. If the animal is kept at a healthy weight, then much of the pain of arthritis will simply disappear.

However, arthritis remedies of various sorts may be needed along with a change of diet in order to manage the pain and other symptoms of dog arthritis. Sometime a change of diet alone can help treat symptoms of arthritis in your dog, but often a supplement is also required. Your vet may also recommend dog arthritis injections to help assist with the stiffness and pain if it does not respond to more natural alternatives.