Signs of joint pain in dogs

As you look at your dog you think that there is something that is just not right about the way that they are moving. There is a good probability that it is joint pain of some sort, after all, just like with us humans our pets can develop joint issues that can be extremely painful. Is it joint pain? There are a few things to look for that can help their human tell.

Joint Problems Among Dogs

Joint issues are fairly common with dogs, especially older dogs. Those joints have taken a beating over the years playing fetch, frolicking in the back yard or just running up and down the steps to greet you when you come home. There are two different types of joint issues, developmental and degenerative that they can suffer from just like with humans. Developmental problems come when a joint does not develop correctly like with elbow and hip dysplasia. Degenerative occurs over time as the body takes a beating and is the most common cause of arthritis and ligament diseases in dogs.

The most obvious sign that there is an issue with your dog’s joints is that they are taking longer to do things. They might have more problems getting up onto the couch or into the car to come to get groomed at Doggie DoLittle. They may not be as active in the backyard or at the park and may spend more time sitting with you than playing. Larger dogs are more susceptible to joint issues owing to them being more active and carrying more weight. Rottweilers tend to have more knee and ankle issues and Newfoundlands develop more ligament issues. If you think that your dog is suffering from a joint issue it is best to limit their activity and consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Proper veterinary care can also help to detect these issues before they pop up and cause a problem.

Treatment

There is no one-sized-fits-all treatment for joint issues. It may be necessary to surgically clean out a joint or even replace it but that may not even fix every issue. Weight management is important and dogs that keep an ideal weight suffer less joint issues. Fat is a source of inflammation so the less fat and more muscle a dog has the better it is for their joints. Many companies are now developing foods specifically aimed at joint health using natural additives like fish oils that help to deal with inflammation. We carry some of these at Doggie DoLittle so check them out the next time that you visit us. Medications can be used like anti-inflammatories, analgesics and pain relievers to help treat the pain but the underlying issue will still be present.

Additional Treatment Options

Another non-surgical option that is becoming extremely popular is physical therapy. This uses underwater treadmills, electric stimulation and ultrasound therapy to help your dog move pain free. While this can be helpful it can only do so much and in the end nature will always win. Just ask any of your older relatives! It can also be harder to find in smaller communities so it may not be an option available to everyone. Joint pain can be extremely painful. You may not need for us to tell you that and you may certainly be able to emphasize with your pooch. It does not have to be the end and with proper treatment and veterinary care you dog can continue to live a long and happy life even after a joint issue hits them.

Reference Articles:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2084&aid=231
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-joint-health-pain-osteoarthritis-and-other-joint-problems#1
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/7-signs-of-arthritis-in-dogs-cats
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/8-ways-to-treat-dog-joint-pain/1403
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/arthritis-in-dogs/

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. –Roger Caras