The most common form of arthritis found in dog is osteoarthritis and is also known as degenerative joint disease. The dog suffering from osteoarthritis undergoes a constant deterioration of the articular cartilage present in the movable joints of the body. Older dogs are easily prone to osteoarthritis as compared to young ones.

The dogs suffering from osteoarthritis experience symptom such as reduced flexibility in the joints, joints becoming stiff with feeling of pain.  Some breeds of dog develop osteoarthritis as a result of inherited anatomical problem. For an example, German shepherd breed of dog is more prone to hip dysplasia which results in development of osteoarthritis over a period of time. If you are looking out to buy a dog then it is better to ask the breeder whether the breed line of the dog suffered from osteoarthritis problem.

Secondary osteoarthritis is developed in the dog if the dog is subjected to injury of the joint which can be in the form of fracture, trauma, infection or stress at the time of joint movement. You can notice the presence of osteoarthritis only when the dog becomes lame. If more than one joint in the body of the dog are affected then the dog will move slowly and will show reduction in activity.