No matter how young or old, if your dog starts showing signs of arthritis for the first time you should take him or her to the vet. Common first symptoms to look out for include limping and stiffness after first getting up or starting to exercise.
Arthritis is a long-term condition that needs life-long management. Arthritis slowly worsens over time, but if well managed, most dogs can live happily for many years after diagnosis. Let your vet know if you think your dog's pain isn't well controlled or you see symptoms returning.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a cornerstone in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. These medications are very effective and act by blocking inflammatory pathways that lead to the production of destructive molecules (prostaglandins) and subsequent pain.
Arthritic dogs will benefit from controlled exercise. Gentle regular lead walks are better than an hour spent running around after a ball or with another dog.
Similarly to humans, arthritis in dogs causes changes in the affected joints that can be incredibly painful for your pet. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees.
People with arthritis know firsthand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness. The same is true for dogs as cold weather can make a dog's arthritis symptoms worse.
Since the degeneration of the joints and increase in joint inflammation tend to be progressive over time, dogs may go through various stages of osteoarthritis. Sometimes arthritis progresses quickly and other times that progression may take years.
Dogs can start to show signs of arthritis as early as 1 year of age. According to the Vet Times (pdf), the degenerative joint condition can be found in 20% of dogs before their first year and 80% of more senior dogs at or over age 8.
Arthritis symptoms include stiffness, lameness, or limping after rest; appetite loss or unusual weight gain; inactivity and sleeping more; reluctance to walk, run or climb stairs; unusual urinating in the house; and irritability and other behavioral changes.
Arthritis in dogs can be difficult to deal with because it makes running, jumping, and even walking or sitting very painful. However, over 75% of dogs who suffer from arthritis or severe dysplasia can live comfortable and happy lives with the proper management and vet services.
Tiredness. Your pet will get tired from all the worrying about his arthritis or osteoarthritis pain. That's why dogs with this condition will often end up sleeping all the time.
Some of the signs of arthritis in dogs include: Stiffness and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Limping, trembling, or tenderness when walking. Trouble climbing stairs or jumping up on couches and chairs.
Costs associated with treating canine arthritis can vary. Because it is the most common chronic condition that affects dogs, it can be quite costly, most likely amounting to a couple of hundred dollars. However, if the dog is covered by pet insurance, pet owners may be able to reduce costs.
Low-impact exercises — like short walks and swimming — are great for dogs with arthritis. These exercises help keep your dog's muscles strong and improve their joint health. And they can even increase energy levels and interest in activities. Frequent, short walks throughout the day are more ideal than long ones.
Dogs can develop arthritis gradually as a result of aging, or they can exhibit arthritislike symptoms suddenly, usually due to injury. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the condition and make your dog more comfortable.
Most commonly, arthritis affects older dogs and is caused by wear and tear on the joints. But it can also be the result of: an injury such as ligament damage or broken bones. hip dysplasia, which is a deformity of the joints, often caused by bad breeding.
In summary, the best medical recommendation for dogs with arthritis is that they should exercise regularly, ideally 30-60 minutes every day, and not engage in high-impact activities such as running, jumping and rough play.
It's best to feed skinless, boneless, cooked salmon. Canned fish in water is a good choice because the bones are cooked until they're soft enough to eat. You can also try senior dog food that contains fish meal, salmon, or sardines, all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For less mess, try a fish oil supplement.
Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
Your pet cries out – This is an obvious sign of discomfort. If he cries out or whimpers when moving around or when you pet him, your pet could be suffering from arthritis.
Signs to look for include:
Swelling in affected joints; if a joint appears swollen or feels hot to the touch. This will often be associated with pain and they may react when you touch the area. Joint infection can also cause similar signs so if you notice this, you should always contact your vet.