How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do About It

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that affects older dog’s bones and joints. Just like humans, it affects their mobility, energy levels, and overall quality of living. The good news is that, with early detection and the right care, your furry baby can still enjoy a happy and healthy life.

We’ll be walking you through what arthritis in dogs truly means, how to spot it early in your dog, effective ways to manage the condition and some of the best dog arthritis supplements you’ll find on the market!

What is Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis in dogs is basically the breakdown of cartilage tissue, leading to progressive internal inflammation of one or more joints. The cartilage is a cushion between bones, allowing pain-free movement. When this tissue deteriorates, what flares up is pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation.

Majorly, dogs are affected by 3 types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis: It’s one of the common forms, developing with age or injury or joint abnormalities such as hip dysplasia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is comparatively less common and autoimmune.

Septic Arthritis: It is caused by bacterial or fungal infections in the joint.

Also, did you know that osteoarthritis accounts for nearly 80% of diagnosed cases of arthritis in dogs? Interesting, right? So, you know what arthritis is now, but before we jump to how to treat arthritis in dogs, we need to know what causes arthritis in dogs.

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

There are multiple factors contributing to this condition in dogs:

Older dogs are naturally more prone to arthritis.

Larger breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are at higher risk since their weight puts a lot of stress on joints during the growth stage.

Obesity in dogs puts excessive stress on joints.

Joint trauma or any kind of surgery increases the risk of joint degeneration.

Arthritis in dogs can be genetic too because of conditions like elbow or hip dysplasia.

The earlier you detect arthritis symptoms in your dog, the better it is—especially for dogs that inherit it genetically. For your dog, you should be aware of symptoms of this progressively chronic condition to treat it effectively.

What Are the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?

As sad as it sounds, dogs cannot vocalize their pain, but they show it in subtle ways. All you must do is watch out for these subtle signs:

If your pup is limping or there’s stiffness, especially after rest

If they are reluctant to climb stairs, jump, or run

If you feel any swollen or tender joints

If you notice any behavioral changes like irritability

If your dog has any difficulty getting up from lying down

If there’s muscle atrophy in affected limbs

If you observe reduced activity or interest in playing

Honestly, if you think a lot of these symptoms match with your dog’s condition, you should consult a veterinarian for a formal diagnosis and the relevant treatment based on your pup’s needs.

Clinical Exams to Diagnose Arthritis in Dogs

If you’re planning to take your dog to a vet, they might ask for any of these tests or a combination of a few depending on your dog’s diagnosis.

Physical examination for joint swelling, sensitivity, or reduced range of motion

X-rays to identify joint abnormalities or bone deformities

MRI/CT scans for a detailed look in complex cases

Joint Fluid Analysis to rule out any infection or autoimmune conditions

You now know what arthritis in dogs is and what signs to watch out for, so it’s finally time to talk about treating arthritis in dogs!

Treatment Options for Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis in dogs is a long-term, chronic condition, but it’s manageable. Some of the treatment options are mentioned below:

For pain relief, vets tend to prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen, meloxicam, or deracoxib.

To reduce joint inflammation, vets recommend anti-inflammatory treatments.

Pain modulators like gabapentin are often used in combination with NSAIDs to treat pain, anxiety, and seizures in dogs.

You should feed a balanced, portion-controlled diet to your dog. Also, low-impact exercises like swimming or leash walking help in managing the weight of your dog, leading to better mobility and reduced pain.

Hydrotherapy, acupuncture and laser therapy help in maintaining joint flexibility, reducing pain and improving mobility.

With these treatment options available, you should not ignore dog arthritis supplements in the long run. While they’re not a replacement for prescription drugs, they still support joint health, slow cartilage tissue breakdown, and improve mobility over time.

Vet-Recommended Dog Arthritis Supplements

These vet-recommended dog arthritis supplements can complement your prescription treatments and support joint health.

Arthritis Care Tablet: It is a general joint health formula, designed to reduce joint stiffness and improve your dog’s mobility.

Arthrimed Joint Supplement Powder: This one is a versatile blend suitable for both dogs and cats. This joint supplement is packed with glucosamine and green-lipped mussel.

Orthoplex Plus: This vegan, easy-to-dose joint supplement combines natural antioxidants and joint protectors for both species, dogs and cats, maintaining cartilage health.

Mobiflex Joint Supplement Tablets: These tablets are a trusted blend of MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine to support stiff joints and reduce pain and inflammation.

No matter who says what, always consult your vet before introducing your pet to any new dog supplement, especially if they are already on other treatments.

Home Modifications for Arthritic Dogs

Small changes make a big difference. These suggestive changes listed here help in reducing strain on joints and minimizing injury risk in your pooch:

Use a ramp for stairs and cars.

Provide an orthopedic dog bed.

Place rugs or non-slip mats over hardwood or tile floors.

Place your pup’s food and water bowls in an elevated place to reduce neck strain.

On a Final Note,

Now, whether you’re looking into arthritis treatment for your dog or just keeping your pup agile for years to come, the key is early detection, consistent care and guidance from your vet.