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.
Dogs usually get arthritis from the age of 8 years onwards. These are seniors and arthritis around this age is not uncommon. However, some dogs can experience arthritis from an incredibly young age. With some dogs showing signs of arthritis from as young as one year old.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a major role in controlling dog joint pain and inflammation. Prescription medications such Galliprant, Carprofen, and Meloxicam are the safest options for controlling pain and inflammation compared to over-the-counter, non-veterinary products.
Neuropathy is often mistaken for arthritis, however, both conditions can be present at the same time. Weakness in the hind legs is a common sign of neuropathies. Medications can be powerful.
Pre-Osteoarthritis (STAGE 0-1)
In contrast, stage 1 dogs are clinically normal (not showing any signs of OA), but at risk due to the presence of one or more risk factors, e.g. breed disposition, joint injury, intense activity, and/or radiographic signs of dysplasia or joint trauma.
A degenerative disease, arthritis most often results from everyday wear and tear on the joints. In order to preserve your pet's quality of life, visit the veterinarian to receive advice and arthritis therapy. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
A minute or two of walking or gentle playing before initiating low-impact exercise activities will help pets with arthritis move easier. It also helps reduce sprains, cramps, and muscle injuries as well as gradually increases their heart rate.
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.
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.
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.
The First Time You Notice Symptoms, Take Your Dog to the Vet. 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.
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.
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.
Attaining and maintaining a lean body conformation through proper nutrition and feeding practices is the most important cornerstone of effective osteoarthritis management and prevention. It has been shown that skinny dogs have less arthritis and a longer life expectancy!
Can arthritis be cured? Unfortunately not. Once cartilage in your dog's joint(s) has been damaged it rarely repairs itself completely. But many pets can successfully be made pain free by appropriate long-term use of medication and sensible management to control further deterioration.
The severity of the lameness is often exacerbated during the night. This happens because of the soreness that builds up from too much activity during the day. This is why it is important to monitor your dog after exercise to determine how much is too much. Stiffness from inactivity during the day is another culprit.
Walking is a great way to strengthen your dog's back legs. If you're walking your pet, keep it slow and short. After all, a long walk could end up doing more harm than good. You could take your dog for a swim or try stretching your pet's hind legs for more strength.
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.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
Causes of Inflammation of the Joints in Dogs
Inflammation of the joints in dogs occurs when the cartilage within a joint has undergone a change or is damaged. This joint becomes rough and the bone surfaces of the joint rub together, causing inflammation.
Paracetamol, while safe for humans, can be extremely toxic for your dog (particularly if the wrong dosage is given), and can result in serious liver damage or problems with their red blood cells.
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.