Arthritis, as you may know, is quite prevalent in aging dogs. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This painful condition is caused by simple wear and tear in the soft tissues of Fido’s joints. All those jumps and happy dances add up! As your pet ages, those tendons and ligaments thin out and lose elasticity, causing friction, inflammation, and pain. A local Ashland WI vet lists a few things to look for in this article.

How Can You Know If A Dog Has Arthritis?

Every dog is different, so they may not all show the symptoms in the same way. That said, arthritis usually develops gradually. Symptoms may seem to come and go at first, but they will continually get worse over time.

Some symptoms of arthritis include:

Limping: Initially, Fido may only limp briefly, usually when he first gets up. Once he gets up and moves, the limp may go away. Over time, however, it will become more pronounced.

Stiff Gait: You may notice that your furry pal seems stiff when he’s moving around. This may be worse when he first gets up, or after a vigorous walk or play session.

Reduced Interest In Play: Fido may slowly lose interest in chasing balls, sticks, squirrels, and the neighbor’s cat.

Licking/Biting: Dogs often lick or nibble at sore spots. You may notice your pooch worrying at his legs or paws.

Change In Muscle Conformation: This is common with hip dysplasia. Your pet’s chest may get wider as his rear end gets smaller.

Flinching: Your canine pal may not like having sore joints touched. He may flinch or seem wary of being touched or petted in certain areas.

Difficulty Climbing: Going up and down stairs can be difficult for arthritic dogs. Fido may also have trouble getting in and out of the car. If he’s allowed on your beds and couches, that may also get harder for him.

Changes In Attitude: Pain doesn’t do much for anyone’s mood. That is true for both dogs and people! Fido may seem uncharacteristically sad or morose. He may also act withdrawn, or even a bit grumpy.

Of course, your veterinarian is the ultimate authority. If you know or suspect that your pet has arthritis, schedule an exam right away.

What Are The Causes Of Canine Arthritis?

As mentioned above, arthritis is usually caused by wear and tear. All of those playful jumps and bounces eventually take their toll on Fido’s bones and joints.

However, sometimes there are other causes. Arthritis can also develop after an injury, such as ligament damage or a broken bone. It’s also more prevalent in certain breeds. Some other possible causes include joint abnormalities, infection, nutritional imbalances, obesity, immune disorders, cartilage issues, and conformation. 

Your pet’s exercise history can also play a role. If Fido  previously got too much activity, too little activity, or the wrong kinds of activity, especially during his puppyhood, that could be a factor.

At What Age Do Most Dogs Get Arthritis?

Technically, Fido can develop arthritis at any point in his life. About 4 out of 5 dogs show signs by the age of eight. However, one in five develop symptoms at just one. 

Breed definitely plays a role here. If you have a mutt, it’s not a bad idea to get a doggy DNA test done on your canine pal. This can help determine if he is susceptible to any specific conditions. 

What Are The Main Warning Signs Of Arthritis?

Fido can’t tell you if he is hurting, so you’ll need to keep an eye out. Symptoms usually start mildly, and then worsen over time. In the early stages, you may just notice your dog starting to slow down. Your pup may be reluctant to play and/or go up the stairs, and he may seem less active out on walks. 

Obesity And Arthritis

Obesity is a very widespread problem in our canine pals. In fact, as many as 56 percent of our furry buddies are overweight or obese. This definitely can contribute to and/or exacerbate arthritis. Extra pounds put additional stress on your pet’s bones and joints. This will make it harder for Fido to run and play, and will also aggravate his already-sore joints, increasing inflammation and stiffness. 

It’s probably worth pointing out that many of our canine patients have their humans trained to share yummy morsels of their food and/or offer treats on demand. If Fido has you wrapped around his paw, you may need to steel yourself. We know, that furry face is cute, but you aren’t doing your pup any favors by allowing him to become overweight. Ask your vet for specific advice on your pet’s diet, including portion sizes. 

Keeping An Arthritic Pooch Active

Fido will always need some sort of exercise, even if he has arthritis. However, there are some do’s and don’ts to keeping an arthritic pup active. You may be advised to avoid encouraging your pooch to jump or stand on his back legs, as this can strain his bones and joints. Many pups do best with short but frequent walks. Swimming can also be a great option, assuming it’s warm enough and your furry buddy actually enjoys it. However, that isn’t going to be right for all of our canine pals. 

A few general rules of thumb? When walking or playing with Fido, try to stick to firm, flat ground. Also, avoid high-impact and strenuous activity. Be sure to get recommendations from your Ashland WI vets.

How Is Canine Arthritis Treated? 

Arthritis, unfortunately, cannot be cured. However, there are ways to slow its onset and manage Fido’s pain, both of which will help improve his overall quality of life.

If you spot any signs of arthritis, have your furry pal seen by his veterinarian right away. It’s important to get a thorough evaluation of your pup’s condition.  Early treatment can also go a long way.

All of our canine pals are different. Your vet will be able to go over specific options once Fido has been thoroughly diagnosed. As far as treatment options go, medication may very well be on the table. This may include things like anti-inflammatories and/or painkillers. You may also have options as far as how to give your pup his meds. Some of these are available as daily tablets or liquids that are given with food, while others are given by injection. Your vet may also discuss things like joint supplements or special diets.

Surgical treatment may be beneficial in some cases, though this will vary depending on both the pup and the severity of his condition. 

Caring For Your Arthritic Dog

There are also small things you can do at home. For example, a comfy orthopedic bed will help Fido sleep well at night. Your canine pal may also benefit from pet ramps or stairs. If you have slippery floors, consider getting carpet runners or mats down to prevent slips and falls. Ask your Ashland WI vet for specific advice. 

Conclusion: While arthritis is not curable, it can be managed. Be on the lookout for warning signs, such as limping, stiffness, and reduced interest in play. Contact your vet right away if you spot anything out of the ordinary. 

Make An Appointment At Your Ashland WI Veterinary Hospital

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Ashland WI animal clinic, anytime!