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Arthritis in dogs: what you need to know to make your dog’s life healthier
Arthritis causes joint pain and reduced mobility in dogs. It is more common as dogs get older, but younger dogs can also be affected. New lameness needs a veterinary examination rather than an assumption that age is the cause.
What is arthritis?
In the simplest of explanation, arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is a common problem in a lot of dog breeds like Labradors, Great Danes etc. The textbook symptoms of arthritis are
- Discomfort
- Stiffness in the joint
- Pain
Inside the joints of a dog, the surface of the bone is covered with a thin layer of cartilage. The cartilage is covered with joint fluid that allows the two surfaces to freely glide over one another with the least amount of friction. If you dog is suffering from arthritis, the cartilage within the joints get damaged or undergo changes, reducing the fluidity of the cartilage and causing the two surfaces of the bone to rub against each other. Due to this increased friction, there is new bone formation around the joint, making the joints stiffer and limiting the movement of your dog. This condition is referred to as degenerative joint disease.
What are the causes behind arthritis?
Arthritis occurs most often as a result of abnormal rubbing within the joints which is a result of joint instability. For example, ligament damage, abnormal cartilage development, cartilage damage or damage due to some kind of trauma example fractures. The signs of arthritis can be variable throughout the life of the animal and can lead to the knee or joint problems in adult dogs.
What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?
The most common sign that your dog is suffering from arthritis are:
- Walking with a stiff gait
- Difficulty getting up and down
- Reluctance to climb up or down the stairs
- Stiff sore or swollen joints
- Reluctance to jump
- Reduction in stamina
- Increased aggression towards other dogs or towards humans
- Reluctance to be touched over a painful area
- Joint stiffness improves with exercise
- Damp local conditions worsen the symptoms
- Repeated licking over a painful joint
- Generally being slow and grumpy
Understand the symptoms of pain in dogs
 How is arthritis diagnosed in dogs?
Your veterinarian assesses your dog’s history, movement and joints. Depending on the findings, X-rays, blood tests or joint-fluid sampling may help distinguish osteoarthritis from injury, infection or other joint disease. Blood tests can also help assess suitability for medicines.
If cost limits testing, ask the veterinarian for a staged diagnostic and pain-management plan. Do not diagnose arthritis at home: sudden severe pain, inability to bear weight or a hot, swollen joint needs prompt assessment.
Treatment of arthritis in dogs
Osteoarthritis usually needs an ongoing, individualized plan for pain relief, healthy weight, suitable exercise and home adaptations. Follow-up visits help the vet adjust treatment as your dog’s needs change.
Treatment may combine prescribed medicines with rehabilitation and other supportive measures. The options below are not a ranked list or a prescription for every dog.
Cartilage protectors
Some injectable joint treatments are used in selected patients. Availability, approval and evidence differ by product and country. Ask your vet about expected benefits and risks; these treatments should not be presented as guaranteed cartilage repair or a cure.
Joint supplements
Discuss every supplement with the vet before combining it with prescription medicines. Supplements do not replace effective pain relief, and benefits vary by ingredient and product.
Anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]
Veterinary NSAIDs can be part of long-term osteoarthritis care when appropriate for the individual dog. The vet should assess risk and arrange monitoring, including liver and kidney blood tests. Do not combine NSAIDs with another NSAID or a steroid unless specifically directed. If vomiting, diarrhea, black or bloody stool, reduced appetite or unusual lethargy develops, stop the medicine and contact the vet. Never substitute a human painkiller.
Secondly therapies
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be discussed as an adjunct with a veterinarian trained in the technique. Do not assume it will reliably control arthritis pain or replace the rest of the treatment plan.
What can you DO to help your dog?
Control his/her weight as well as diet
If your dog is overweight, ask the vet for a gradual weight-management plan. Discuss suitable diets and any omega-3 or joint supplement before adding it. Glucosamine and chondroitin should not be promised to lubricate joints or provide reliable pain relief.
Use a soft mattress
The orthopedic beds made with memory foam which are specifically made for your dog. These beds will help support the joints and bones of your dog. This will provide relief to the arthritic bones and help them sleep more peacefully.
Installs slip free flooring, cubes and ramps.
Senior dogs or dogs with arthritis can have a very difficult time navigating hardwood or tile floors as well as stairs. You can use cubes or arms to help your dog climb up and down the stairs or the sofas. Placing carpets or rugs over slippery floors help your dog walk steadily and prevent slippage.
Give your dog lots of massage and moderate exercise
Ask the veterinary team whether gentle massage is appropriate and how to do it safely. Do not manipulate or press a painful or swollen joint. Stop if your dog pulls away, tenses or shows discomfort.
Follow a tailored, low-impact exercise plan. Short, comfortable sessions may help maintain movement and muscle, but do not force exercise through pain or assume exercise prevents fractures.
Grooming your dog
Dogs suffering from arthritis cannot clean themselves very well, especially in the regions which are hard to reach. Thus, if your dog is suffering from arthritis or if you have a senior dog, you should groom him or her more often than younger dogs. Brushing your dog’s hair regularly will get rid of the tangles and mats and make your dog feel better. Always remember to be gentle.
Food
Feed a complete, balanced diet appropriate for your dog and keep portions consistent with the weight-management plan. Papaya, celery, ginger and alfalfa are not substitutes for arthritis treatment.
Ask the vet about a comfortable, stable feeding position for your dog. Raised bowls are not a blanket recommendation for arthritis or bloat prevention; the best arrangement depends on the individual dog.
Hydrotherapy
A lot of vet clinic as well as hospitals are recommending hydrotherapy or water treatment for arthritic dogs now. The most common therapy in use is the underwater treadmill. This is becoming the treatment of choice for dogs were recovering from surgery or suffering from joint problems. Water tends to increase the buoyancy, removing the pressure from the affected joints. This means moving in water easier and much less painful. Keeping the arthritic joints mobile and maintaining a healthy range of motion on a regular basis are the primary aims of treatment.
What you should NOT DO:
- Do not try to self diagnose your dog. Always consult your vet.
- Do not enforce any kind of exercise regimen your dog which he or she might not be comfortable with.
- Do not try to stretch your dog teams without proper training. Do not try to discontinue exercise. A limited amount of exercise gives the joint mobile and flexible.
- Do not try to ignore the extra weight of your dog more the weight more the pressure in the joint and more the joints are likely to suffer from fracture or pain. Do not ignore if your dog falls or slides. Continue swelling and sliding can be extremely damaging on arthritis dog’s body.
- Do not try to get any kind of medication without prior veterinary approval.
- Do not administer any human pain medication to your dog.
Conclusion
Have you cared for a dog with arthritis? Share the steps your veterinarian recommended in the comments. Home adaptations can support comfort, but do not replace diagnosis and effective pain control.
Thank you for reading…
Other articles you might find interesting:
- Herbal remedies for pain management in dogs PART II
- Herbal remedies for pain management in dogs (PART I)
