As your dog begins to age, symptoms of health concerns start to show. Arthritis affects one in five adult dogs, and is the most common source of chronic pain that veterinarians treat every year.

There are two most common types of arthritis in dogs. These are known as degenerative and inflammatory. They are usually diagnosed by their causes, but the symptoms of each as basically the same.

As the weather gets colder here in Canada, you may start to notice more symptoms of arthritis. It is important to know what to look for when it comes to dog arthritis. Once you have determined the cause, you can begin proper treatment and care.

What To Look For

Difficulty in sitting or standing. Your dog may find it difficult to get up when you call him.  The first steps may look painful or stiff, and may shift around a lot when standing.

Favoring a limb. Also known as limb lameness, this ties in with stiffness and shifting legs when standing or walking. Limb lameness may come and go and switch back and forth at any time.

Mood swings. Because of the pain, your dog may become easily agitated or aggressive. He may not want to play, and may not be friendly towards guests. Look out for growling or nipping.

Sleeping often. Lethargy is very common during arthritis. Your dog will likely sleep a lot to help ease the pain in his joints.

Weight loss/gain. Your dog’s weight could easily fluctuate if he is suffering from arthritis. Because of the pain, your dog may become depressed and over or under eat. It may even be too painful for him to bend down to his bowls.

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A few weeks ago I announced the release of the first issue of PAWSH Magazine.

The issue is now available online and I am so excited I have three spreads featured in the magazine of my dog photography!! I am honoured that they featured my work so much!! The graphic designer in me is also completely in love with the layout and design. They did such a fantastic job – and this is their first ever issue!

First up is Stewart the Schnoodle at his humans’ wedding.

Next is ever-so-cute Tia the Yorkie.

And last, but not least, is Macy, the lab mix as a teensy little puppy (she’s MUCH bigger now!)

Follow PAWSH Magazine on Twitter and Facebook.

On April 20th 2011 there will be a new free online magazine joining the pack – PAWSH! A different breed of pet publication, PAWSH combines a deep love of words with a passion for artistic photography and a devotion to captivating design. The result? A magazine that channels beautiful creative release while providing fun and important information for the furry members of your family!

Founded by Laura L. Benn as a daily blog in early 2010, PAWSH’s new magazine format will remain inspired by its mission to celebrate a life lived well with pets and deliver topics that are both timely and timeless. Soak up a diverse collection of articles each issue, from matters of wellness, to the most fashionable finds, nutritious food choices, inspirational stories and more! Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or just starting out, PAWSH delivers insights from the pet world that will mimic that warm and fuzzy feeling reserved exclusively for puppies!

PAWSH works closely with several pet rescues and will be proudly donating a percentage of its revenue to reputable organizations who help pets in need. PAWSH is dedicated to the proper care and compassionate treatment of animals from all paws of life, which will reflect in every line, image and article within its bright, colourful pages.

As PAWSH embarks (no pun intended!) upon this new chapter it will bring you four editions per year. However, we hope to deliver additional issues as we continue to grow. It is our hope that PAWSH will become something of a staple in your pet’s life, a piece of art that can be returned to time and time again for comfort, joy and support.

It is with great pleasure that PAWSH would like to share with you the cover of its much anticipated first edition, entitled “For the Love of Dog” (photographed by Jennifer Wolfraim). Join us as we explore culture for pets!

Please join PAWSH on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for all the latest PAWSH news.

I just read a really interesting article about 50 Truly Amazing Facts About Your Dog.

Some things I didn’t know included, dogs were domesticated 17,000 to 150,000 years ago, puppies are born toothless, dogs with pointier faces live longer, dogs have 3 eyelids and only one breed of dog doesn’t bark.

For the full list as well as expanded explanations, check out the article here.

I always figured this was true, but now there is a study that confirms that dogs can be optimistic or pessimistic. Read about it here.

Ladies and gentlemen, pups and pooches, there’s a new magazine in town! Founded in March 2010, Animality Pet Magazine is a pretty on-line Ottawa based publication dedicated to the proper care and compassionate treatment of our beloved pet friends. Liz had the pleasure of photographing the uber-cute ‘Back to School Issue’ cover this September and discovered a devoted team of volunteers really trying to make a difference in pets’ lives.

Covering a wide range of interesting topics, including health, safety, nutrition, behaviour, training, products and so much more, the colourful monthly mag strives to educate people about the wonderful world of ‘pet-hood.’ Animality Pet Magazine publishes all original writing and all original photography, presenting its subject matter creatively and artistically. With new features, insights, and exciting contests every month (check out the ‘Best Dressed Halloween Pooch’ contest on their Facebook page), as well as a blog on the way, this mag, although still young, is certainly something to bark about.

Check it out at animalitypetmagazine.ca and show some love!