One of the most common diseases for aging dogs is joint pain. Joint pain develops from normal wear and tear that ultimately leads to arthritis and other joint-related injuries. Like in humans, arthritis in dogs involves the progressive degeneration of the joint caused by cartilage deterioration. Unfortunately, any dog can develop arthritis - especially as they age.
When it comes to dog arthritis, the biggest issue that pet parents have is that it’s often difficult to spot. The best course of action to take is to pay attention to the signs that point to joint degeneration and take the necessary preventative measures to treat the symptoms. If you’re unsure about how to treat dog joint pain, then you clicked the right article! In this blog post, we’ll talk about the different signs to look out for and tips on how to treat dog joint pain. Read on to find out more!
How to know if my dog has joint pain?
While it’s true that arthritis in dogs can be difficult to detect, it’s important for you - as a responsible pet parent - to familiarize yourself with the different signs to pay attention to. Here are some of the most common symptoms of joint pain in dogs:
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Lethargy - As dogs develop joint problems, they would be more reluctant to move as it’s possible that they experience excruciating pain whenever they try to run, jump, or play with you.
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Tiredness/Fatigue - It takes a great deal for your dog to move especially when they are feeling pain. Don’t be surprised if your dog suddenly prefers to rest or sleep rather than go outside or play with you.
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Limping - One of the clearest signs that your dog is experiencing some sort of discomfort is when they are limping. If you notice that your dog is limping or favoring one leg over the other, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What are the causes of dog joint pain?
According to Fetch by WebMD, the “two major categories of joint problems are developmental and degenerative problems. With developmental problems, you have things like hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joint does not develop correctly in several different ways. Degenerative problems cover a number of areas. But the most common, and the most common cause of arthritis in dogs, is cruciate ligament problems, where the ligament is degenerating over time and causing instability and secondary osteoarthritis.”
Tips on How to Treat Dog Joint Pain
Consult your veterinarian. One of the first things that you should do is to talk to your veterinarian about the treatments you could administer depending on your pup’s unique condition. Your vet should be able to prescribe the necessary medications that would help decrease inflammation in the joints. If your dog’s condition worsens, your vet could also suggest surgical intervention that can moderate and, in some cases, totally remove arthritis.
Take a look into adding glucosamine to your dog’s diet.
Look for oral supplements that contain glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These ingredients promote the lubrication of joints and the development of new cartilage. MSM also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that address common mobility issues such as stiffness, pain, and arthritis.
Give your dog plenty of exercise.
Another method that you can try is to give your dog plenty of regular exercise. However, make sure to ease your dog into the exercise routine to reduce the risk of further injury. Daily moderate exercise for about 15-30 minutes will help loosen your dog’s stiff joints and muscles while also strengthening their ligaments.
Pay attention to your dog’s weight.
As mentioned earlier, dogs with arthritis are more reluctant to move. This could lead to obesity and, due to them gaining weight, could put a lot more pressure on your dog’s already painful joints. To combat this, the best thing to do is to pay attention to your dog’s weight. Consult your veterinarian about the best diet and exercise routine to give your dog to make sure that their weight is at an optimal level.
Wrapping Up: Is there a one-size-fits-all solution to treating joint pain in dogs?
Unfortunately, there is no all-encompassing answer to treat dog joint pain. As a pet parent, make sure to pay close attention to the most common signs and symptoms and consult your veterinarian about the best treatments for your pet. Arthritis is a painful condition. As with other degenerative diseases, the key is early medical intervention.
Disclaimer: This blog post should not be used as an alternative to professional advice. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only.
