As our furry companions start to age, they experience different health challenges and issues that can cause pain, reduce mobility, and sadly, shorten their lifespan. Arthritis is a common issue in older dogs, and it can have a big impact on your pup’s quality of life.
But what are the signs your dog has arthritis? It’s important to learn how to recognize dog arthritis symptoms early, because starting your dog on arthritis treatments can make a big difference in how the disease affects your pup and how comfortable they are.
Here, we’ll explain how to know if your dog has arthritis and explore the most common signs of dog arthritis. If you do suspect arthritis in your dog, you can keep your furry friend pain-free and mobile with natural, potent dog joint supplements from Mighty Munch. Shop today for a healthier, happier pup!
Overview of Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage surrounding the joints. Over time, this condition leads to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort, making mobility difficult for your dog. Before we talk about dog arthritis symptoms, here’s an overview of arthritis in dogs.
Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
There are a few different potential causes of arthritis in dogs, including:
- Age - older dogs are more susceptible to arthritis due to normal joint wear and tear
- Injury - fractures or ligament tears can lead to inflammation and arthritis later in life
- Genetics - some dogs are predisposed to arthritis due to their bone and joint structure
- Obesity - carrying extra weight puts excessive strain on a dog's joints
Also, conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia, which cause improper joint alignment, can lead to early-onset arthritis in dogs. You can follow this guide to understand how to tell if your dog has hip dysplasia, and this one for tips on dog hip dysplasia home treatments.
Breeds Prone to Arthritis
While any dog can develop arthritis, some breeds are more prone to this condition due to their size, genetics, or joint structure. Larger breeds, in particular, tend to have higher rates of arthritis due to the stress their body weight places on their joints. Breeds known to be at a higher risk include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Rottweilers
- Great Danes
- Boxers
Some smaller breeds, such as Dachshunds and Pugs, are also susceptible due to genetic predispositions or structural issues in their joints.
How Arthritis Progresses Over Time
Arthritis in dogs typically develops gradually and worsens over time. When you first identify how to know if your dog has arthritis, your dog may show mild and early signs of dog arthritis like stiffness after rest or reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
As the disease progresses, inflammation increases and the cartilage continues to break down, leading to more significant pain and reduced mobility. In advanced cases of senior dog arthritis, the joint may lose most of its cushioning, causing severe pain and difficulty walking.
How long can a dog live with arthritis? Without proper management, arthritis can severely impact your dog's quality of life, which is why recognizing early symptoms and seeking veterinary care is crucial to slowing the progression of the disease and managing the pain effectively.
How Do I Know if My Dog Has Arthritis? Early and Advanced Dog Arthritis Symptoms to Watch Out For
So, how do I know if my dog has arthritis? Arthritis in dogs can be challenging to detect in its early stages, as symptoms often appear gradually. Here are some of the key signs of dog arthritis to look out for.
Stiffness After Rest or Sleep
One of the earliest dog arthritis symptoms is stiffness after periods of rest, such as after a long nap or sleeping through the night. You might notice that your dog struggles to get up in the morning or seems slow and stiff for the first few minutes of movement before loosening up as the day progresses.
Limping or Favoring a Limb
Dogs often begin to limp or favour one limb over the others. This happens because the affected joint is causing discomfort, and your dog will try to reduce the weight or pressure on it. The limp may be more pronounced after exercise or physical activity, but it can also become noticeable at rest.
Reluctance to Jump or Climb Stairs
Arthritic dogs often become hesitant to jump onto furniture, get into the car, or climb stairs. If your dog previously had no trouble with these activities but now seems reluctant or avoids them altogether, it could be one of the signs your dog has arthritis.
Decreased Enthusiasm for Walks or Play
One of the telltale signs of dog arthritis is a pup that no longer loves its walks. Dogs with joint pain may be less interested in running, chasing, or playing fetch because these activities make their pain worse. They may also become more fatigued or rest more frequently during walks.
Subtle Behavioral Changes
As well as the physical dog arthritis symptoms and dog joint pain symptoms, you might also notice changes in your dog’s behaviour. One of the signs of dog arthritis is your dog becoming more irritable or withdrawn, especially if they are in pain.
Some dogs may avoid being touched or become less tolerant of other pets or family members due to the discomfort they’re in. A once-social dog may start to seek more alone time or spend more hours quietly resting.
Swollen or Warm Joints
Wondering how to know if your dog has arthritis by touching their joints? Sometimes you can actually feel swelling or warmth around the affected joints, like the dog hock joint. This is due to inflammation caused by arthritis, and it can make the joints more sensitive to the touch.
Swollen joints are often accompanied by other symptoms of dog arthritis like stiffness and pain, and you might notice your dog licking or biting the area in an attempt to soothe the discomfort.
Painful Response to Touch
Still not sure how to know if your dog has arthritis? If your dog shows signs of pain when you touch or move their joints, this could be a strong indicator of arthritis. Dogs may flinch, whine, or pull away when you handle the affected area, especially if the arthritis is more advanced.
This painful response is one of the most telltale signs of dog arthritis, and how many pet owners discover the condition. You might notice this when you're grooming or petting your dog or when they’re being examined by the vet.
Changes in Posture or Gait
As arthritis worsens, your dog's posture or gait may change noticeably. They may hunch their back or walk with a stiff, altered gait as a way to minimize joint pain. In some cases, dogs with arthritis will stand or sit differently, or you might notice your dogs joints clicking as they walk.
Significant Decrease in Mobility
In the more advanced stages of arthritis, dogs may find it hard to walk or move at all They may struggle to stand or even lie down without discomfort. You may notice your dog moving much slower than usual or becoming reluctant to move at all.
In severe cases, your dog may need assistance to get up or move around, and they may spend most of their time resting. This likely won’t be one of the first dog arthritis symptoms you notice, because it usually comes after a dog’s been in considerable pain for some time.
What to Do If You Notice the Signs of Dog Arthritis
So, we’ve talked about the most common signs your dog has arthritis, but what should you actually do when you notice any of these signs? The key is to act quickly - treating your dog’s arthritis as soon as possible can help them live a longer, more comfortable life.
Schedule a Veterinary Visit for a Professional Diagnosis
You might understand how to know if your dog has arthritis, but it’s still important to get a proper diagnosis from a vet. Your vet can confirm whether your dog has arthritis or another condition with similar symptoms, such as a joint injury or infection. Then, you can move on to treating your dog’s arthritis symptoms.
Treatment Options for Dog Arthritis
Once your vet has confirmed your dog arthritis symptoms, it’s time to focus on dog joint care. So, what's good for dogs joints and managing those symptoms of dog arthritis? The main goal is to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and improve mobility.
Common treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, long-term use of NSAIDs and other canine pain medications can damage your dog’s kidneys and liver.
In some cases, vets may recommend corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce inflammation or improve joint lubrication, and for severe arthritis, surgery might be recommended to repair damaged joints or remove affected tissue.
Home Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
As well as medication, there’s also a lot you can do around the home for dog joint pain relief. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces pressure on their joints, which can slow the progression of arthritis. Short walks or even swimming can keep your dog’s muscles strong without straining their joints.
If you’re wondering how to help dogs joints on top of exercise, use ramps in your home to help your dog get onto your couch, bed, or just to skip any stairs in your home. Comfortable bedding, like our top rated orthopedic dog beds Australia, can also support your dog’s joints while they rest.
Supplements That Can Help
What can I give my dog for joint pain at home that’s safer than pain medications? Certain supplements can dramatically improve dog joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. So what are the best joint supplement for dogs?
Some of the most effective supplements for older dogs with arthritis include MSM for dogs, chondroitin, and glucosamine. In Mighty Munch’s hip and joint meal topper, you’ll find all three! Our hip and joint meal toppers for dogs brings improved mobility and soothing pain relief for dogs suffering from arthritis.
Mighty Munch doesn’t just have the best dog supplements in Australia for joint health, either. We also have a potent dog probiotic for digestive and immune health, collagen for dogs, and a dog fish oil that’s amazing for your dog’s overall wellbeing.
All our supplements are formulated by vets, trusted by pet parents all over Australia, made here, 100% safe for all breeds and ages, and exceed the country’s pet safety standards. Plus, our hip and joint meal topper is all-natural, free from fillers, and so delicious your dog won’t be able to resist it!
Alternative Therapies
As well as learning how to help a dog with arthritis at home, you might like to explore alternative therapies like physical therapy, hydrotherapy, or acupuncture. Especially when combined with supplements, these therapies can noticeably improve the symptoms of dog arthritis.
Life Expectancy of Dogs With Arthritis
When you first notice dog arthritis signs, it’s important not to panic. Arthritis isn’t a death sentence, but if you don’t treat it properly, it can severely impact your dog’s quality of life. They won’t be able to do the activities they once loved, and they’ll find themselves in constant pain.
With proper treatment, including the best dog supplements Australia, exercise, weight management, and potentially medications, you can help your dog live a long, comfortable, mobile life as you navigate the dog arthritis signs and symptoms together.
Final Thoughts on How to Know if Dog Has Arthritis
So, that wraps up our guide on how to know if your dog has arthritis. It’s essential to treat the symptoms of arthritis as quickly as you can, to reduce your dog’s pain and discomfort. With the right treatments, like joint supplements and gentle exercise, you can make a big difference to your dog’s health and happiness.
At Mighty Munch, we have the best joint supplements for dogs with arthritis. Made with natural ingredients, and free from artificial additives or fillers, our supplements are just what your dog needs to live happily and actively for years to come, even with arthritis.
Keep your dog pain-free with premium supplements from Mighty Munch! And for other pet care tips, check out our guides on dog degenerative joint disease, homemade toppers for dog food, and the best dog food for arthritis Australia.
