Veterinarians estimate that around one in four dogs will develop some type of arthritis in their lifetime.
There are several types of arthritis dogs can develop, but osteoarthritis is by far the most common joint disease.
If you want to read about the various types of joint diseases dogs can get, you can read our article here.
Although any dog can suffer from arthritis there are some breeds that are predisposed to acquiring the disease.
There are many factors that contribute to a dog suffering from arthritis and while there are many environmental factors, discussed here, one major factor is breed predilection.
Breeds that are more prone to osteoarthritis
1. Rottweilers
According to research from the Royal Veterinary College Rottweilers are the most prone to developing osteoarthritis.
Rottweilers are predisposed to osteochondrosis of the hock and scientists have said that due to the fact that OCD often affects this area, there is most likely a genetic component to the condition in this breed.
2. Old English Sheepdog
Next in line are Old English Sheepdogs.
Old English Sheepdogs were found to have a very high prevalence of osteoarthritis after Rottweilers.
They usually develop hip and elbow dysplasia.
3. Dogue de Bordeaux
The same study showed that the Dogue de Bordeaux was also extremely prone to developing osteoarthritis
4. Newfoundlands
Although osteoarthritis can occur at any joint, Newfoundlands are prone to suffering from hip dysplasia.
5. Bernese Mountain Dogs
This breed is known to suffer from elbow osteochondrosis and dysplasia.
6. German Shepherds
Most people are aware that German Shepherds are at high risk for joint problems, especially of the hip due to hip dysplasia.
7. Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are also fairly prone to developing arthritis.
They can also suffer from a syndrome called polyarthritis following therapeutic exposure to sulfonamides.
8. Great Danes
Great Danes are at high risk for developing osteoarthritis as a large breed. They are prone to hip dysplasia as well which may lead to arthritis down the line.
9. Labradors
Due to their weight and size, labradors are prone to developing osteoarthritis as well.
10. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are prone to developing hip and elbow dysplasia which may lead to osteoarthritis.
11. Springer Spaniels
These dogs are prone to osteoarthritis mostly due to genetic factors.
How food can help
Maintain a healthy weight
Many times dogs develop osteoarthritis due to being overweight. Maintaining your dog at a healthy weight can help decrease the pressure on your dog’s joints and may help prevent further deterioration.
To read more about how to properly feed your dog with osteoarthritis, read our article here.
Use supplements
There are some supplements that have been shown to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. To read more about them, click here
Feed puppies correctly
Large-breed puppies are especially vulnerable to developing osteoarthritis. Feeding your large breed puppy is critical to its proper growth.
To learn about how to feed them for proper growth, read our article here.
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