If your dog is having trouble laying down and getting up, you
may think you're seeing the inevitable signs of aging. While to
an extent the degeneration of joints that comes with aging
can't be avoided, much like for humans, research into arthritis treatments has made many
arthritic dogs far more comfortable as they mature into their
golden years. Here's how you can help dogs with arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
There are two types of arthritisโa degenerative form that can occur during
the normal aging process and an infectious form that can be
caused by an infection or immune
system disorder. In degenerative arthritis, which may affect
one or two joints, the cartilage that protects the bones in the
joints wears away. In inflammatory joint arthritis, which
typically affects several joints throughout the body, the cause
of the inflammation can be a bacterial infection such as that
from a tick borne-disease like
Rocky Mountain spotted fever or an immune-system disorder like
lupus.
Signs of Arthritis
Much like for humans, the signs of
arthritis in dogs include difficulty in laying down or
getting up, lameness or stiff gait, slowing down on walks, and
reluctance to play. Other signs include personality changes or
cringing/flinching when being touched.
Treatment for Arthritis
For dogs with infectious arthritis, the root cause of the issue
needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian to determine treatment.
For degenerative arthritis, several treatments are available to give dogs
greater comfort such as painkilling medication or a program of
exercise and rest. Swimming is often recommended by vets as a
good form of exercise that takes pressure off the joints.
Many dog owners also report seeing benefits with adding
supplements containing glucosamine
and chondroitin, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), and/or
hyaluronic acid to a dogโs diet. A few prime examples are
Dasuquin and Cosequin.
Other options for degenerative arthritis include prescription
medication such as carprofen (trade name: Rimadyl), polysulfated
glycosaminoglycan (trade name: Adequan), firoxoxib (trade name:
Previcox for dogs), and meloxicam (trade name:
Metacam). Surgery or laser
therapy may also be an option. Your veterinarian can help you
weigh your dogโs options.
Diet and Arthritis
The risk of developing arthritis is increased when a dog faces
particular stresses on his joints. One way to help prevent
arthritis is to ensure that your dog is fed a complete,
balanced and healthy diet. If youโre unsure of what that means,
talk with your veterinarian. If your dog is overweight, they
are at greater risk of developing arthritis, and if they are
already arthritic, the extra weight puts a greater burden on
already overtaxed joints.
Quality of Life
Like people, dogs with arthritis canโt often do the things they
could before. Arthritic dogs have more difficulty getting up
into cars or onto a couch or bed. Products like pet stairs can
help both you and your dog by allowing them the access to those
favorite places while also helping you by not having to lift
them.
Your dogโs sleeping place should be warm, dry, and comfortable.
Orthopedic and heated or thermo-regulating pet beds can provide
more comfort to arthritic dogs.
The Complete Guide To Dog Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most
commonly diagnosed sources of pain in older dogs. Itโs estimated that as many
as one in five adult dogs will be affected by canine arthritis. Here weโll help you
understand the warning signs for dog arthritis and offer basic
treatments and lifestyle changes that will help your dog life a
more comfortable, happy life.
What is Dog Arthritis?
Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative
joint disease characterized by inflammation and pain in your
dogโs joints. Itโs caused by the cartilage that cushions your
dogโs joint bones breaking down, which leads to wearing on the
exposed bone. Although itโs possible for arthritis in dogs to
be caused by an immune disorder, that is much rarer than
osteoarthritis.
Arthritis can be caused by many things, including just natural
aging and joint wear from a lifetime of play. But there are
risk factors. Animals with hip
dysplasia can be at an increased risk for arthritis,
so itโs important to monitor your dogโs health, exercise,
and weight. A large
percentage of arthritic cases develop from injuries or sprains
obtained during a young dogโs growth period. So in many cases,
responsibility for helping prevent arthritis rests in your
hands.
But some factors are beyond your control. Large dogs, for instance, will always be
at more risk of arthritis because of the heavier stress put on
their joints.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
- Favoring a limb or limping
- Walking stiffly
- Difficulty or stiffness standing or sitting
- Swollen or sore joints that seem painful to the touch
- Behavioral changes, such as hesitancy to play or climb
stairs
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms of joint pain for
more than a week, your veterinarian may recommend an arthritis
evaluation. A physical examination and diagnostic tests like
x-rays will help diagnose arthritis. Your vet may also look
into your dogโs medical history for evidence of possible
genetic predispositions or previous injuries that might have
led to the disease.
Treatments for Arthritis in Dogs
Unfortunately, degenerative joint disease does not have a cure
-- rather, treatments are geared toward improving or
maintaining joint mobility and reducing pain. Your veterinarian
will work with you on a treatment plan to make your dog
comfortable. This may include:
-
Supplements or a special
diet to promote joint health and maximize cartilage
production, like Glyco-Flex and Dasuquin for Dogs
- Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications, such
as Novox, Metacam, or Previcox for
dogs.
- A low-impact exercise regimen or physical therapy (water
therapies have shown great promise)
-
Weight loss, if your dog is
over the recommended guidelines for the breed
-
Holistic treatments such
as acupuncture and massage that may help alleviate symptoms
of pain
- Surgical intervention is usually a last resort for
treatment and may involve hip replacements or fusing joints
How to Make an Arthritic Dog More Comfortable
Once you have an arthritis diagnosis and treatment plan, there
are some environmental and routine changes you can make at home
for your dogโs comfort:
- Switch to gentle play sessions and slower, leashed walks.
- Provide soft bedding or consider purchasing an orthopedic
foam dog bed
- Raise feeding and water bowls off the ground, to avoid neck
strain
- Some places on your dog may be difficult for them to groom
โ help keep their coat healthy with regular brushing sessions
to compensate for decreased flexibility
- Use a portable ramp to help your dog access the car, sofa,
or any other place theyโd normally climb or jump to reach
By diagnosing arthritis early and creating a treatment and
lifestyle plan, you can make your dog comfortable and content
for years to come.
More on Dog Care
Nutrition for Your Senior
Dog
Nutrition for Arthritic
Cats and Dogs
All About Aging
Dog Care
This information is for informational purposes only
and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice
of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with
respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a
licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
