As dogs get older, they’re much like humans in that they succumb to various health conditions and problems. While we’d all like to live a long and healthy life for as long as possible, life often can deal us a different hand than we’d hope to expect.
Arthritis, like humans, is common in dogs, particularly those that are in their older years of life. It’s important to try and spot arthritis as early as possible so that you can provide the necessary treatments required for your loved canine. The quicker the diagnosis is confirmed, the quicker the action you can take to help and maintain their health.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about identifying arthritis in dogs, as well as the early signs and how to manage the condition.
Identifying Arthritis in Dogs
Identifying arthritis in dogs, like many conditions, is best spotted early on. However, you may not notice it straight away, especially when it comes to arthritis in young dogs, where it’s less common.
Owners will need to be observant of the signs, whether it’s physical signs like limping or stiffness, to changes in their mood. This could be an indication that they’re in pain and that can shift changes in activity levels and how they’re reactive in general.
Early detection is key when it comes to recognising the signs to improve the dog’s quality of life and manage the condition effectively.
Arthritis occurs within the joints and is caused by a number of things that occur. This includes:
-
Cartilage damage
-
Bone rubbing
-
Inflammation
-
Joint fluid changes
These problems, if undetected or unmanaged, can cause incredible discomfort and pain for your dog that can be debilitating and even life-threatening.
Early Signs of Arthritis to Watch For
There are several early signs of arthritis in dogs that are worth knowing, so that you can hopefully detect the signs as quickly as possible. While arthritis is more frequent and common in older dogs, that doesn’t mean younger dogs can’t get it. Conditions like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia can affect how the joints form, which puts dogs at higher risk of arthritis.
Here are some of the early signs to look out for when it comes to arthritis so that it can be addressed without hesitation.
Changes to activity and movement
Changes to activity and movement are a clear indicator that something isn’t quite right. Slowing down on walks, lagging behind and being more tired than usual could be old age, but also arthritis.
Difficult walking up the stairs or jumping up onto the sofa might be present, as well as hesitation to jump.
Physical restrictions
Physical restrictions can be more apparent, especially when you notice them as an unusual difference. From stiffness, especially after rest, to obvious limping or lameness in the legs can be indicative of arthritis being a possible condition.
Changes in behaviour
You may notice a subtle or significant change in their behaviours. Being less tolerant to touch, being grumpy or withdrawn could be a sign that something isn’t quite right with your dog.
Increased sleep
Dogs with arthritis may end up sleeping more than usual, and they may also try to conserve energy in order to keep pain to a minimum.
Vocal indications of pain
Yelping or whining can be distressing to hear and is often an obvious indicator that your dog is in pain.
How Severe Can Arthritis Get in Dogs?
The symptoms of arthritis in dogs will get progressively worse, and it’s something to be mindful of when it comes to pain management and the quality of life that your dog now has.
Severe cases can include significant swelling, as well as advanced joint damage that could ultimately lead to euthanasia. Here are some of the signs of severe arthritis and what happens in severe cases.
-
Extreme pain and stiffness
-
Significant mobility issues
-
Muscle loss
-
Joint failure
In severe cases, progression of the disease might lead to the pain becoming so severe that the dog’s quality of life is significantly compromised. The consideration of euthanasia might be a required, especially if your dog is in severe pain daily.
However, there are ways to manage severe arthritis that might help with their quality of life, including surgical options.
Effective Management of Arthritis in Dogs
Effective management is important when it comes to arthritis in dogs. By doing so, you’ll help to alleviate the pain and discomfort experienced by arthritis and hopefully reduce the impact it causes on your dog’s health.
When it comes to effective management, here are several ways in which you can manage arthritis for your dog.
Veterinary consultation
There is no cure for arthritis, but a veterinarian can recommend and prescribe the most appropriate treatments for your dog. They’ll be able to do a full check of your dog’s health to uncover everything that might potentially be wrong.
Medications
There are a number of medications available that might be appropriate for dogs to take and will therefore be prescribed by your vet. You must go via your vet for the medication, as they’ll be able to accurately assess the needs of your dog.
Supplements
You can support your dogs comfort and mobility with joint supplements, such as Pawable's collagen for dogs.
Surgery
Surgery is only recommended in the most severe cases, however options are often not suitable for many dogs.
Lifestyle Changes for Dogs with Arthritis
There are lifestyle and environmental modifications that you may want to consider when it comes to improving your pet’s quality of life. From weight management, to light exercise and home adjustments with padded beds or raised food and water bowls. These can all help with the pain and discomfort of arthritis.
Supportive bedding is helpful, especially if your dog sleeps on the bed regularly. Diet and nutrition are important because it’s also beneficial to give your dog the best food possible. Nutrient-rich diets alongside supplements can also be useful for improving joint health.
Keep exercise gentle, avoiding anything high-impact or too intensive. You may also want to look at other physical therapy options if the option is financially available to do.
The more you can do to help your dog with these lifestyle changes and adaptations, the better. It might not prevent the arthritis from getting worse, but it can do a lot to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort they’re feeling. It can also be helpful to reduce the damage that’s being done when the condition is early on in its stages.
When to Consult a Vet About Arthritis
Arthritis, like so many health conditions for dogs, is something that your vet can advise you on. Arthritis symptoms in dogs are easier to spot by veterinarians because they know what to look for.
You should look at consulting a vet when you notice a change in your pet’s behaviour. From any of the above symptoms mentioned above, or if you simply have a nagging feeling that something’s wrong, it’s better to get it checked out than to continue without addressing it.
Again, look for the signs and symptoms that might indicate that arthritis is the condition present in your dog. Early detection is the best way to help your dog, so don’t wait for the severe symptoms of your dog yelping in pain.
Persistent symptoms that are ongoing or seem to be worsening should warrant a veterinary check-up almost immediately.
There are certain risk factors to consider, especially when it comes to the age of the dog, or a predisposed breed being more at risk, like German Shepherds or Labradors, for example. Overweight dogs are more likely to be susceptible to arthritis, as well as those who’ve experienced joint trauma.
Seeing a vet is essential because it helps to get an accurate diagnosis, rather than misdiagnosing it yourself as something less severe. Vets can help discuss your options and to help provide the best pain management, whether it be medication or advice.
Preventing the disease’s progression can be achieved with early detection, so it’s good to book that appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Spot the symptoms of arthritis and manage it effectively
Spotting the early signs and symptoms of arthritis will give your dog the best chance of a long and happy life, with as little pain and discomfort as possible.
Watching out for the signs and going to a vet as soon as there are concerns or suspicions is imperative. Take action as soon as you spot the first signs of arthritis.