There is no doubt Beagles grow old. Along with their growing age, their health deteriorates too. No matter how well they are taken cared of, the risk of developing diseases is always present. Some diseases affecting older dogs can also affect young ones. One of these diseases is canine arthritis.

The dog's skeletal system is as important as the human's skeletal system. It promotes normal condition among dogs by providing the body with framework, protecting the internal organs and in providing a full range of motion. The system is composed of bones, cartilage and ligaments. In order for the dog to continue its normal activities, these bones and joints should not be damaged.

Canine arthritis happens when there is an inflammation in the joints of a dog. Dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages can be affected but older dogs are at greater risk of this disease. Canine arthritis has two classifications; the degenerative joint disease and inflammatory joint disease.

Degenerative joint disease is also called osteoarthritis. This happens when the cartilage that protects the bones that make up the joint is damaged. Damage in the cartilage is caused either by normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joints. Degenerative joint disease is further subdivided into two; primary and secondary. There is no known cause for primary degenerative disease while secondary disease can be the result of hip dysplasia, patella luxation (loose kneecap), osteochondritis dissecans, trauma and ruptured cruciate (knee) ligaments.

Inflammatory joint disease is another type of canine arthritis. It is caused either by infection or immune-mediated diseases. This type of arthritis usually affecting multiple joints is accompanied by fever, anorexia and all-over stiffness. Inflammatory joint disease is further subdivided into two; infectious and immune-mediated diseases. Bacteria causes infectious disease while immune-mediated disease is caused by weakness in the immune system. This type of arthritis can also be hereditary.

Signs of arthritis in Beagles include reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play. Gradual limping and swelling around a joint can also be seen. Your dog will also exhibit tenderness when flexing a joint and may hold its breath or stop panting when an affected joint is used. Decrease in appetite is also present in canine arthritis.

Severe arthritis is often times treated with surgical procedures. But mild cases of canine arthritis may not need surgery. Non-surgical treatment includes painkillers, exercise, rest and diet. It is important for dog owners to carefully read the product label of dog foods to check its content. But careful choosing is not enough yet. The amount of food and frequency of feeding should be regulated as well to prevent obesity. Exercise is another important step to prevent obesity in dogs. But Beagles with arthritis should only have limited and gentle exercise. They should also be prohibited from doing strenuous activities.

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Richard Cussons is a writer with loads of knowledge about dogs. Learn useful information about Beagle training at this site for Beagles.