Arthritis occurs when a joint is damaged or its natural smooth surface is altered, causing rough bones to rub against each other. Not only is this very painful for your dog, it can further damage the cartilage and cause new bone to form around the joint, making it stiffer and restricting movement.
What is arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis, a common problem in many dogs, is inflammation of the joints, causing pain, discomfort, and stiffness.
Inside their joints, the bone surfaces are usually covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage and lubricated with a small amount of fluid, which allows the joints to move freely without friction.
Osteoarthritis in dogs
Arthritis occurs when a joint is damaged or its natural smooth surface is altered, causing rough bones to rub against each other. Not only is this very painful for your dog, it can further damage the cartilage and cause new bone to form around the joint, making it stiffer and restricting movement. This is called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
Just like humans, dogs often develop arthritis as they age due to general wear and tear on their joints. However, this condition can occur at an early age if the bones or joints develop abnormally, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Certain breeds are also at greater risk, including Labrador retrievers, springer spaniels, German shepherds and Rottweilers. Injuries often lead to arthritis later in life as well.
Signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs
Arthritis is a progressive disease in which symptoms develop and worsen over time. You may notice that your dog slows down and becomes more relaxed when out for walks. They may also become reluctant to play or go up and down stairs, and may have difficulty getting up after long breaks.
This condition gets worse in cold weather , so if they appear stiff, sluggish, or cry out in pain during the winter, it could be a sign of arthritis.
Other symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:
- limp or limp
- Stiffness in walking, worse when first getting out of bed
- Groaning or being cautious when lying down or getting up
- The warning joint is touched
- tired
- irritability
- Licking or chewing joints
If you think your dog may be showing signs of arthritis, talk to your veterinarian for a complete health check and advice. They may recommend further X-rays or other scans to diagnose the condition.
How to reduce joint pain in dogs
In addition to pain management, there are several methods that can help reduce pain and manage arthritis in dogs. Providing a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight through gentle exercise can reduce stress on joints and keep them mobile. Your veterinarian will be happy to advise you on the best exercise options for your pet, but light and frequent exercise may be your best option. If your dog is limping, they may have gone too far and need a break.
Make sure they have a soft, comfortable bed in a warm, draft-free area that can support their aching joints while they sleep - an orthopedic bed is a good option. Climbing stairs or a ramp into the car will eliminate the need for them to jump up or down. Tile and laminate floors can be slippery and difficult for arthritic dogs to walk on, so add rugs and rugs or use dog-friendly paw wax to enhance their grip and prevent falls.