It can be frustrating and mentally distressing (for both pet and owner!) trying to figure out what’s wrong with your beloved companion. They can’t talk to you in words, so they must rely on your ability to decipher the physical signs they’re giving you. Fortunately there are typically clear indicators that can help you detect arthritis in your dog, or at least to pick up on warning signs so that your veterinarian can make a certain diagnosis.
(Please always consult your veterinarian if you suspect anything is wrong with your pet.)
Warning Signs of Canine Arthritis
Stiffness and lameness: this sign typically begins as a mild level of stiffness after periods of rest. The dog may have trouble getting up, particularly if they were engaging in active play or a vigorous walk before the rest period.
As their DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease) – commonly in the form of osteoarthritis – worsens, the stiffness will become more pronounced and last for longer periods of time. For example, rather than taking just a few seconds to get up and going after coming up from a laying position, your pup could need a few minutes to walk out the stiffness.
Swollen joints: when a dog has a joint problem, scar tissue usually forms around the troublesome area and causes the joint to enlarge. You may notice that your pet has one knee that is noticeably bigger than the other, or the two sides may swell concurrently. It is this scar tissue that causes the dog to have issues with range of movement and pain.
Grating joints: otherwise known as crepitus, this grating sound is the same as the one that humans hear in their joints when they begin to lose cartilage and experience signs of joint problems. Audible sounds from your dog’s joints don’t always mean they have osteoarthritis, but if severe, it’s a good indicator and may mean they’re in a fair amount of pain.
If your dog is experiencing problems in his spine, he may have a hunched back or hold his neck in a strange posture. You may also notice your normally friendly pooch getting cranky and snappy, especially if you pet or touch him in a specific spot.
How Does It Happen?
Osteoarthritis in dogs is often related to a previous injury or health issue. The pain and stiffness will frequently start in a joint that is near another problem area, like a damaged ligament or a hip or elbow affected by dysplasia. While this prior lameness may have ceased to cause symptoms long before, it could still cause joint problems down the road.
What Can You Do?
The first thing you should do is consult your veterinarian if you notice any issues with stiffness or swelling in your pet’s joints. Your vet will examine the dog for heat, fluid, and other signs of a problem around the joint.
If your vet determines that your dog does have osteoarthritis or another form of DJD, he or she may recommend medications, lifestyle adjustments, or other treatments to help ease the pup’s discomfort and slow the damage.
At home you should provide soft, comfortable bedding for your dog to minimize the impact on his body. You can also put steps or a ramp in front of furniture that he’s allowed on, especially if your dog is a smaller breed.
It may come as a surprise, but keeping Rover active is also important even if he suffers from arthritis. The level of activity you encourage your dog to partake in should be commensurate with his age and severity of his joint problems, but in general, all dogs should participate in some sort of physical activity to keep their joints mobile.
By paying attention to your dog’s cues and seeking diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, you can help your precious pup live a longer, more comfortable life. To learn more, check out the video series here.
