Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Mobility Aids

Editor: Dhruv Gaur on Nov 08,2024

Arthritis is a common disease seen in dogs as they age. Just like humans, arthritis in dogs can cause discomfort and pain, making it difficult for the affected dog to lead an easy life. So, as a pet parent, recognizing symptoms, causes, and care tips regarding this disease will ease your dog's life.

In this blog, we discuss the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, discuss pain management strategies, and share some useful care tips for senior dog care. We also explore mobility aids and ways to make your dog's environment as comfortable as possible.

What is Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis in dogs, often termed osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage of the joints. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints wears out, which leads to an inflammatory reaction, pain, and mobility impairment. Arthritis occurs typically in senior dogs, but sometimes injuries or inherent factors can trigger arthritis in younger dogs. This condition usually affects the weight-bearing joints, which are the hips, knees, elbows, spine, and shoulders.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Recognition of arthritis symptoms in dogs allows early management and appropriate pain relief. Some of the very general signs that might indicate your dog could be suffering from arthritis include:

• Limping or Lameness: The first sign noticed in dogs is limping or lameness. They do this after rest or exercise, sometimes walking very stiffly, favoring one leg more than the other. 
• Lethargy and Reduced Activity: Pain and stiffness retard the action of dogs to such an extent that they may become lazy and less active. They would sleep more often or avoid doing any exercise they used to do before. 
• Behavioral Changes: Painful dogs tend to be more irritable or withdrawn. They tend to avoid being touched, especially in the painful areas, or may even be aggressive when approached. 
• Swollen or Warm Joints: Swollen or warm joints are common signs of inflammation in arthritis-affected areas. 
• Weight Gain: Dogs with arthritis move less, which can result in them gaining weight. Extra weight tends to worsen arthritis symptoms because it puts additional stress on the joints.

Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

Many factors contribute to arthritis in dogs, including the following:

• Age: Older dogs wear out their joints more naturally than younger dogs, making them prone to this illness. 
• Genetics. Specific breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Bulldogs, are commonly linked with genetic predispositions to joint problems and arthritis. 
• Injury or Trauma. Dogs that have already suffered their first injury, such as a fracture or tears in the ligaments of the joint, have a bigger chance of getting arthritis later in life. 
• Obesity: Excess weight puts even more force on the joints of the dog, so older dogs often get arthritis. 
• Dysplasia: Diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia often result in a misshape of joints that eventually leads to arthritic changes.

Pain Management for Dogs with Arthritis

Manage Arthritis Pain Since maintaining the comfort of your dog requires proper management of arthritis pain, here are some strategies to effectively manage pain:

1. Veterinary-Approved Pain Relievers

While talking with your vet about pain relief, is crucial to avoid lousy pain management. Some often recommended drugs include NSAIDs in various forms that reduce inflammation and pain. Of course, other medications may also be suggested by your vet, such as joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, which will help maintain healthy joints.

2. Adapt Exercise

Although exercising is essential for your dog, he may need some variations. The walks may need to be shorter more often, or in some cases, water activities or even walking on softer surfaces such that his joints are at work but not getting damaged.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy

Apply a warm compress to stiff joints to help relax the muscles and reduce pain; cold packs reduce inflammation in swollen joints. Always wrap the pack in cloth so the skin won't touch your dog.

4. Acupuncture or Physical Therapy

This aids in improving the circulation of blood, which reduces pain and enhances mobility within arthritic joints.

5. Massage

Gentle massage of the muscles around the arthritic joints will help elevate circulation and reduce stiffness. It will also make your dog feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Senior Dog Care: Tips for Dogs with Arthritis

As your dog grows older, senior dog care becomes much more important. With arthritis, sometimes it is hard to see the hindrances an older dog faces when needing to move around. Additional care is essential for older dogs to ensure they are comfortable. 

1. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Area

Give your dog a soft bed for resting. It can be memory foam or orthopedic so as to ease pressure on the body and reduce pain. Their sleeping area must be warm and free from drafts.

2. Healthy Weight

Arthritis will be well managed if the pet maintains a healthy weight. Excess body weight puts added stress on the joints and makes the arthritic condition more pronounced. Your vet can help you with a balanced diet and proper food portioning.

3. Provide Easy Access to Food and Water

Whenever mobility declines, your dog might not easily reach its food and water bowls. Consider raising the bowls to a comfortable height to reduce strain on your dog's neck and joints.

4. Mobility Devices

Some of the arthritic older dogs cannot rise or even move. Then, they have to get on furniture or car with some additional help provided by ramps or stairs. Moreover, a couple of non-slip rugs should be placed to avoid slipping on slippery floors.

5. Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular visits to the vet monitor the progression of arthritis in dogs and adjust the care of your dog when necessary. The veterinarian will check up on the progression, offer recommendations or treatments, and better manage associated health issues.

How to Prevent Arthritis in Dogs

While arthritis does tend to occur with age, here are a few things you can do to help minimize the risk or slow its progression:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on your dog's joints and increases the risk of developing arthritis.

2. Provide Joint Supplements

Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help nourish the joint and prevent arthritis in your furry friend. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving any supplements to your dog.

3. Regular Exercise

Any form of exercise does not need to be a serious activity for an older dog, but regular low-impact exercise will keep the joints loose and reduce the risks of arthritis. Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs affected by arthritis since it has a low impact on the joints.

4. Early Detection

Avoiding or managing arthritis best begins with frequent vet check-ups and early detection to enable treatments to be more effective when it is caught early and the disease's progression slowed.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a degenerative and painful condition for dogs, but proper care and treatment can help an arthritic dog have a comfortable and active life. Early recognition of symptoms allows for controlling pain, adjusting his environment, and generally enhancing the quality of life. Regulated veterinary visits and other available mobility aids can also ensure that your elderly pet enjoys his or her golden years to the fullest. Remember, however, that arthritis in dogs is far from an exception. With a little additional attention and care, you can easily make your dog's life much more comfortable as it ages and faces joint pain.

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