A number of dogs are plagued by back pain at some point in their lives, making it a common condition. With such a wide impact area, it should come as no surprise that back pain can arise for a number of different reasons. Here are just two of the more common reasons your dog might be faced with this painful type of condition.

Overexertion

Just like humans, as dogs age, they sometimes have a hard time adjusting to their newfound, limited mobility. As a result, they try to remain just as active as they were in their younger years. A dog that remains just as active as they were in their younger years will likely be faced with overexertion. In terms of overexertion in the back, this can often lead to painful flare-ups and muscle spasms.

Trying to moderate your dog's activity level as they age can help minimize this risk. For example, instead of a daily run-walk with you, cut this activity down to maybe every other day.

Genetics

For some dogs, their problems with back pain is a simple inheritance that they can thank their genetic makeup for. This is especially the case for breeds like Hounds, Beagles, Dachshunds and Shih Tzus. A common genetic concern for these breeds is a condition known as intervertebral disc disease.

With this condition, the jelly-like disc that separate the bones in the vertebrae, can burst or bulge, with age. Once this occurs, the disc can start to press into the bones of the vertebrae or the surrounding nerves and cause pain and in some extreme cases, paralysis.

A Common Treatment

Back pain doesn't have to take front and center in your dog's daily life and keep them from being active. Cold laser therapy may be able to help. With cold laser treatment, an infrared-like light is applied along the skin covering your dog's back, allowing the laser to penetrate into the tissues in this area. Once the light reaches this level, it is thought to increase blood circulation, which naturally helps improve cellular function, promote healing and improve pain. Click on the link for more information about laser pain management or do an online search. 

If your furry friend is dealing with a condition that causes uncomfortable back pain, let your veterinarian work with your dog to help your pet feel whole again. In addition to laser treatment, there are a number of other options available; however, your dog will need to be correctly diagnosed first. Don't let your dog suffer endlessly.