Noninfectious osteoarthritis is the commonest form of joint disease in the aging dog, a situation not too different from that in humans. The disease is progressive and causes few, if any, noticeable symptoms in the early stages. It is not uncommon for a veterinarian to discover the existence of degenerative joint disease or its predisposing causes during a routine checkup.

Primary arthritis develops from the normal wear and tear of a joint with time and age. While seen occasionally in very old dogs, it is not the commonly observed arthritis that it is in people. The bulk of aging dog arthritis cases are secondary to disorders which happened or started earlier in life.

The following are just a few of the many such disorders:

• Obesity in any breed but especially in the large and giant breeds.

• Mechanical trauma such as falls and jumping mishaps.

• Torn ligaments in any joint but especially the stifle joint in toy or miniature poodles.

• Chronic dislocating patella (slipped knee cap), most common in toy breeds.

• Osteochondritis dissecans, a disease of young dogs.

• Hip dysplasia.

Labrador Retrievers can become lazy if they are not encouraged to exercise.
Compound this problem with over-feeding, which is very common, and extra pounds
are easily put on. Taking them off again is harder work, requiring a more
appropriate diet and an effort to increase vigorous exercise time (gradually, of
course, to prevent possible muscle injury or overexertion).

Swimming and retrieving games are natural outlets for Labrador Retrievers.
These activities are ones that the breed excels at and enjoys, and they give a
complete, full-muscle workout that tones the entire body. Having access to a
swimming area may be a problem for most owners, but retrieving games can be
played anywhere.

Labradors have great stamina, but owners must use common sense. During the
summer months, limit strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day and
provide an ample supply of fresh water. In the winter, a Labrador in good trim
should be able to withstand the cold very effectively and should not be kept
housebound. If the dog is out in the rain or snow for any length of time, he
should be dried off when he returns to the heated
indoors.

With so many different kinds of dog shampoos on the market today, it is not easy to decide which one to use. For most breeds, a basic, all-purpose shampoo is fine. But if you want your shampoo to do more than clean, you might consider a specialty shampoo.

• Shampoos designed to deliver extra conditioning to long or curly coats can make post-bath grooming even easier.

• Accentuate your dog’s coat color by choosing a shampoo made for white, black, or red coats.

• For sensitive eyes, consider a tearless shampoo.

• For wire-coated dogs, look for a shampoo designed to preserve the crisp texture of your dog’s coat.

• Many dogs have sensitive skin or eyes. A hypoallergenic shampoo can minimize sensitivity reactions to bathing.

• If your dog already has a rash, allergies, itching, or other sensitive skin conditions, look for a medicated shampoo designed to treat your dog’s problem. Your vet should be able to recommend a good medicated shampoo for your dog.

• For flea season, consider a shampoo containing a gentle anti-flea ingredient such as pyrethrin or limonene, or any of several natural botanicals designed to repel fleas, such as neem oil.

With so many different kinds of dog shampoos on the market today, it is not easy to decide which one to use. For most breeds, a basic, all-purpose shampoo is fine. But if you want your shampoo to do more than clean, you might consider a specialty shampoo.

• Shampoos designed to deliver extra conditioning to long or curly coats can make post-bath grooming even easier.

• Accentuate your dog’s coat color by choosing a shampoo made for white, black, or red coats.

• For sensitive eyes, consider a tearless shampoo.

• For wire-coated dogs, look for a shampoo designed to preserve the crisp texture of your dog’s coat.

• Many dogs have sensitive skin or eyes. A hypoallergenic shampoo can minimize sensitivity reactions to bathing.

• If your dog already has a rash, allergies, itching, or other sensitive skin conditions, look for a medicated shampoo designed to treat your dog’s problem. Your vet should be able to recommend a good medicated shampoo for your dog.

• For flea season, consider a shampoo containing a gentle anti-flea ingredient such as pyrethrin or limonene, or any of several natural botanicals designed to repel fleas, such as neem oil.