Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints, quite common once the dog reaches a certain age. It appears when the cartilage of the joints begins to wear down, which causes bone spurs. This will gradually worsen the symptoms, deteriorating your dog's quality of life. In addition to age, factors such as breed and lifestyle can influence the onset of arthritis, making regular check-ups essential for early detection.

Despite being a common disease in dogs, certain factors make them more likely to develop arthritis. The most common causes of arthritis and cartilage degeneration include:

• Age: From the age of 8, it is normal that joints and bones begin to wear out, causing arthritis.
  
  
• Being overweight: Obesity causes the joints to have to support more weight than they should. This excess weight can accelerate the degeneration process, making it crucial to maintain a healthy diet for your dog.
  
  
• Genetics: Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, have an increased susceptibility of suffering from this disease.
  
  
• Large breeds: The greater the weight, the more work the joints need to do to hold the animal up, which can lead to earlier onset of arthritis symptoms.
  
  
• Joint surgery: If your dog has at some point had joint surgery, they can develop arthritis as they get older. It is important to monitor their recovery and follow veterinary advice to minimize risks.

You should pay attention to the following symptoms that may indicate that your dog has arthritis, as an early diagnosis will contribute to bettering their quality of life and stop the degeneration of their joints:

• The dog trails behind you when you take them out for a walk, often appearing lethargic.
• They show stiffness and difficulty getting up in the morning, which is often more pronounced after periods of rest.
• They begin to limp, which can vary in severity depending on the affected joint.
• They don't want to play, and stop running or even walking, showing a decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• They suffer from chronic pain, which can lead to behavioral changes.
• They show difficulty climbing on beds or furniture and climbing the stairs, often needing assistance.
• They doesn't like it when you touch their legs, indicating discomfort or pain in those areas.
• They whine with pain, especially during movements that stress the joints.
• Their mood lapses, showing signs of depression or irritability.
• They lose their appetite, sometimes resulting in unintentional weight loss.
• They become distant with you, possibly avoiding interaction due to discomfort.
• Their eyes lose brightness, reflecting their overall discomfort and health status.
• Sometimes they may be aggressive, as a way to protect themselves from further pain.
• They show pain when scratching or licking themselves, which can exacerbate joint discomfort.
• Their ears are flat against their head, a common sign of pain or distress.
• In general, their usual behavior changes, indicating that something is wrong.

If your dog exhibits one or more of these symptoms, you should take them to the vet immediately. Early intervention can significantly improve their quality of life.

Pharmacological treatment is prescribed by the vet. Usually it consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. However, you should never medicate your dog yourself, and definitely don't give them prescription drugs for humans as they are toxic to dogs. It's also important to follow the veterinarian's dosage instructions closely to avoid potential side effects.

At home, you can help a dog with arthritis as follows:

• Place an orthopedic band so they can rest more comfortably, reducing pressure on their joints.
• Elevate their food and water bowls so that they don't have to bend down, which can help reduce strain on their neck and back.
• Walk your dog on soft surfaces, such as soil, to minimize impact on their joints.
• Control their diet, as any weight gain will only be detrimental to their joint health.
• Give them a daily massage on their back, neck, knees, hips and elbows to help relieve stiffness and improve circulation.
• Do not forget to exercise them. Consider activities for older dogs, as they are softer and less likely to strain their joints.
• At bedtime, make sure there are no drafts. Do not let your dog sleep directly on the floor, because cold makes the pain worse. Providing a warm, soft bed can make a significant difference.
• If possible, place makeshift ramps with plates or brass so that your dog doesn't have to climb too many stairs, which can be stressful on their joints.

With these recommendations, along with prescriptions from the doctor, you will improve your dog's quality of life considerably. It's vital to continuously evaluate their condition and adjust care strategies as needed.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Arthritis in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Degenerative diseases category.