Watching an arthritic dog try to get around can be heartbreaking. Stiff joints make it difficult for him to rise from a prone position, climb stairs, or get into a vehicle. Dogs cannot tell us when they hurt so dog owners must watch for signs. A dog with arthritis may be reluctant to walk or he may walk with a stiff or hobbling gait. The pain of getting around may cause him to become inactive, sleep more, and gain weight which can aggravate arthritis even more. He may also lick the aching joints.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can cause joint stiffness and pain. The word, arthritis, means ‘inflammation of the joint.’ There are two major types of arthritis,
- The most common is Osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease, where the cartilage cushion in the joints slowly breaks down, usually due to age and wear and tear, until bone grinds painfully against bone.
- The other is Inflammatory Joint Disease and may be the result of infections causing fluids and white blood cells to collect in the joints and cause them to become inflamed.
Is My Dog at Risk for Arthritis?
Any dog can get arthritis but some dogs may be more prone than others.
- Large breed dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with hereditary joint problems such as dysplasia
- Dogs with a joint injury
- Dogs not on tick preventative and therefore at risk of tick-borne diseases
- Dogs not vaccinated against diseases that cause inflammation
Treating a Dog with Arthritis
Although arthritis gets progressively worse, many dogs respond well to treatment. There are a few measures that can slow the progression of arthritis and keep your dog more comfortable.
- Surgery, such as hip replacement, is sometimes an option
- Exercise that is not stressful to the joints, such as swimming
- Joint supplements, prescribed by your veterinarian, to reduce inflammation and plump up cartilage.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your vet
- Pain relief drugs prescribed by your vet
Keeping an Arthritic Dog Comfortable
Aside from the treatments prescribed by a veterinarian there are measures a dog owner can take at home to keep an arthritic dog more comfortable.
- Maintain proper weight
- Provide ramps to assist the dog up to the bed, vehicle, etc
- Soft, supportive bed in a warm area
- Sweater to warm stiff joints in cold weather
- Elevated food bowl
Arthritis is most successfully treated early before extensive damage has occurred in the joints. At the first sign of arthritis, dogs should be under the care of a veterinarian.
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