1. Osteoarthritis

Joint disease goes hand-in-hand with aging, as the cartilage that protects joint surfaces wears down with time. Although this process cannot be reversed, dog parents have plenty of tools at their disposal to reduce the impact of aging on joints and arthritis in dogs.

First, make sure your pet is at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs carry significantly heavier loads on their joints. This has an effect on dogs of all breeds, but is most pronounced in large breed dogs who may already have a genetic disposition to conditions such as hip dysplasia. Second, make sure your dog receives regular examinations to catch the early signs of joint disease. Familiarize yourself with the signs of joint disease, too — reluctance to climb stairs, stiffness especially in the morning, and limping, to name a few. Last but not least, ask your veterinarian about therapeutic dog food. Some dog foods are formulated specifically to improve mobility and joint health.

For the complete article on 5 Senior Dog Diseases You Need to Know, visit petMD.