May is Arthritis Awareness Month, but dog parents should pay attention to their canine’s arthritis symptoms year-round. Unfortunately, arthritis is fairly common in dogs, especially as they enter their senior years. Paying attention to signs of arthritis in dogs is the key to keeping your dog healthy and ensuring their arthritis doesn’t worsen.
What is Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis in dogs is the swelling or tenderness of joints, just like it is for humans. Dogs with arthritis may experience pain when they move. The progressive deterioration of your dog’s joints is known as canine osteoarthritis.
If a dog has arthritis, it can’t be treated completely. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of it occurring and prevent the condition from worsening. To ensure you stay on top of your dog’s joint health, you must keep an eye out for signs of arthritis in dogs’ legs.
Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis can affect individual dogs differently. Here are some common arthritis in dogs symptoms to keep an eye out for.
Limping/Lameness
Your dog’s arthritis might be affecting certain joints more than others. If one of your dog’s legs is in pain, they may limp or avoid using that leg altogether.
Stiffness
Dogs may also experience stiffness in certain legs if they have arthritis. After resting for a while, they may have difficulties using one of their legs. They’ll likely limp on it for a little while to get it “warmed up,” but then they may start walking normally again.
Reluctance to Move
If your dog’s arthritis is affecting multiple legs, they may be reluctant to move altogether. You may find them lying down more than usual and refusing to get up even when called. They may also be hesitant to go for walks. If they’re doing this, it may be because their joints are just too painful.
Inability to Climb or Jump
In addition to moving less, dogs with arthritis may also avoid climbing stairs and jumping up on furniture. This is especially true for dogs with osteoarthritis on their back legs because going up stairs puts more pressure on their hind legs.
Yelping When Touched
If your dog yelps, whines, or quickly moves away when you touch them or try to pick them up, they’re likely experiencing pain in a certain area, such as their joints. Arthritis makes the joints extra sensitive and painful, so your dog likely won’t want to be touched in that specific area.
Excessive Licking, Chewing, or Biting
Your dog may also lick, chew, or bite at specific areas on their legs in an attempt to soothe the pain. Dogs lick for a variety of reasons, but if they’re only licking and chewing one spot, it’s likely a symptom of arthritis or another pain-related issue.
Changes in Behavior
Dogs in pain may act differently, such as lashing out more easily or becoming lazier. If your dog isn’t acting like themselves, visiting the vet is a good idea. Even if arthritis isn’t to blame, your vet may discover other health issues causing your dog’s behavior to shift.
Whining or Groaning Regularly
If your dog has arthritis, they may whine or groan more often, especially when they’re sitting down or getting up. They may be making these sounds as a reaction to the pain their joints are causing them when they move.
How to Prevent Arthritis in Dogs
Many pet parents wonder how to treat arthritis in dogs, but once it develops, it can’t be completely treated. Yet, you can prevent it from developing and prevent the symptoms of arthritis in dogs from worsening.
Steps and Ramps
If you let your dog on the furniture, steps and ramps can help reduce the strain on their joints. Jumping on and off furniture can cause lots of wear and tear on your dog’s joints, so having a ramp or dog stairs can help with that. Getting a ramp for your car can also benefit large dogs that you can’t easily pick up and set in the vehicle.
Rugs
Make sure your house has plenty of high-traction surfaces to prevent your dog from slipping. Slippery surfaces can strain your dog’s joints and cause them to fall more easily, which could further harm their joints. Having plenty of carpet, rugs, and non-slip mats can make it easier for your dog to get around.
Weight Control
If your dog is a healthy weight, it reduces strain on their joints. Talk to your vet if you’re unsure whether your dog is overweight. If they are, your vet can recommend different serving sizes or food types to help with weight control. Keeping up with walks and other forms of exercise can also help you keep your dog in shape.
Exercise Moderation
While exercise is important for keeping your dog a healthy weight, you shouldn’t overdo it. Instead of taking your dog for a long walk, take them for several short walks throughout the day. With shorter exercise sessions, your dog’s joints won’t be overworked.
Supplements/Medications
Finally, you may want to consider supplements and/or medications for your dog’s joints. The best joint supplements for dogs usually include ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Before giving your dog a consumable product, talk to your vet. They can recommend supplements or prescribe medications that are beneficial for your dog’s specific health needs.
Dog Arthritis Awareness is Crucial
You should keep an eye out for signs of arthritis in dogs at any age, but it’s extra important as they enter their senior years. Arthritis in dogs can’t be treated, so prevention is key for protecting your pup’s joints.
If you notice arthritis in dogs symptoms, start taking some preventative action to reduce the risk of those symptoms worsening. It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet too so they can give you personalized advice based on your dog’s needs. Arthritis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for dogs, so it’s important to stay on top of your dog’s condition to keep them as comfortable as possible.