Could your spunky, athletic, play-loving dog have arthritis? Is he missing some of his former bounce? Arthritis in dogs is very common, so it's entirely possible that your dog may be feeling a bit old before his time.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a joint condition where the cartilage that normally lines the ends of bones in a joint is damaged or worn away, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Different forms of arthritis have different root causes, with the most common being degenerative joint disease where the cartilage is worn away over time, as is typically the case in older dogs. Some even describe this degenerative condition as being plain old wear and tear. Other forms of arthritis include autoimmune or infectious (septic arthritis) causes.
As the joint cartilage that normally allows for smooth, painless joint movement wears away, the ends of the bones can directly touch. The ends of bones rubbing together causes considerable pain, which is a hallmark sign of arthritis. In severe cases, arthritis can become a troublesome cycle in which a dog begins to avoid using certain muscles to engage in some activities, resulting in weakening of such muscles, which in turn makes it even harder for to perform such activities.
Signs That a Dog Has Arthritis
Signs of arthritis in dogs may be obvious or subtle, depending on its advancement and the disposition of an individual dog. Signs include general body stiffness, limping or favoring of a specific leg, and apparent lethargy. Dogs may display difficulty getting up after lying down, begin to dislike climbing stairs, may not want to be touched in certain areas or may become more aloof towards their owners. Many dogs are very stoic and attempt to hide any signs of pain until their condition is fairly advanced. It can be difficult to pick up on some of these changes at home, as arthritis is a gradual degenerative process for most dogs.
Is Prevention Possible?
Unfortunately, arthritis is a disease that is essentially impossible to predict or prevent. Some dogs may have a predisposition to the condition simply due to genetics or as a result of their lifestyle. Large or giant breeds, overweight dogs and senior dogs are more prone to developing arthritis. Still, dog owners can put their dog's best foot forward by helping them avoid joint injuries, maintaining a healthy weight and maintaining a consistent yet moderate exercise regime throughout their life. Consistency is important to keep joints moving, but avoid overworking them. Weight management is a critical aspect both in minimizing the risk of arthritis as well as its treatment. In addition to other health ramifications, overweight and obese pets have a considerable amount of additional strain placed on their joints, which can exacerbate the signs of arthritis.
Treating Arthritis
There are no definitive cures for arthritis. However, experts agree that the best management of arthritis in dogs involves a 'multimodal' approach where a number of different treatments are used concurrently. Such treatments may include varying combinations of prescription pain relieving medications (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), joint supplements, dietary management, physical therapy or acupuncture. There are several steps that dog owners can take to aid in arthritis management at home:
- If a veterinarian has determined that your dog is overweight, work together to create a plan to help your dog reach a healthier weight.
- A high-quality dog bed, especially an orthopedic dog bed, can go a long way toward keeping your dog comfortable. Memory foam mattresses are sometimes recommended for the highest comfort, as they can be effective at eliminating pressure points while your dog sleeps.
- Sometimes a chilly and/or damp environment can make your dog's arthritis flare up more than usual. When the cold winter months come around, consider moving your dog's bed to a warmer location in your home or turn up the heat in your dog's usual hangout to keep the temperature more comfortable.
- Help your dog maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Light exercise is usually best. Avoid vigorous play sessions that could increase acute pain. Swimming is a popular recommendation for dogs with arthritis, as it allows for muscle exercise without the normal accompanying joint impact strain of walking or running. Not to mention that many dogs love swimming, which makes it a win-win situation.
As with any health concern, the advice and guidance from a veterinarian is critical. Never give a dog any medication or supplement without direct input from a veterinarian, as many human over the counter pain relievers are toxic to dogs. In any case, the goal is to relieve pain and limit the advancement of arthritis so a dog can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.