Arthritis in Dogs

Jan 25, 2012
Joy Butler

Arthritis Early Treatment is Best - JButler

Most dogs respond well to early treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint disease. Recognize the symptoms and seek early diagnosis.

Watching an arthritic dog try to get around can be heartbreaking. Stiff joints make it difficult for him to rise from a prone position, climb stairs, or get into a vehicle. Dogs cannot tell us when they hurt so dog owners must watch for signs. A dog with arthritis may be reluctant to walk or he may walk with a stiff or hobbling gait. The pain of getting around may cause him to become inactive, sleep more, and gain weight which can aggravate arthritis even more. He may also lick the aching joints.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can cause joint stiffness and pain. The word, arthritis, means ‘inflammation of the joint.’ There are two major types of arthritis,

The most common is Osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease, where the cartilage cushion in the joints slowly breaks down, usually due to age and wear and tear, until bone grinds painfully against bone.
The other is Inflammatory Joint Disease and may be the result of infections causing fluids and white blood cells to collect in the joints and cause them to become inflamed.

Is My Dog at Risk for Arthritis?

Any dog can get arthritis but some dogs may be more prone than others.

Large breed dogs
Overweight dogs
Dogs with hereditary joint problems such as dysplasia
Dogs with a joint injury
Dogs not on tick preventative and therefore at risk of tick-borne diseases
Dogs not vaccinated against diseases that cause inflammation

Treating a Dog with Arthritis

Although arthritis gets progressively worse, many dogs respond well to treatment. There are a few measures that can slow the progression of arthritis and keep your dog more comfortable.

Surgery, such as hip replacement, is sometimes an option
Exercise that is not stressful to the joints, such as swimming
Joint supplements, prescribed by your veterinarian, to reduce inflammation and plump up cartilage.
Anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your vet
Pain relief drugs prescribed by your vet

Keeping an Arthritic Dog Comfortable

Aside from the treatments prescribed by a veterinarian there are measures a dog owner can take at home to keep an arthritic dog more comfortable.

Maintain proper weight
Provide ramps to assist the dog up to the bed, vehicle, etc
Soft, supportive bed in a warm area
Sweater to warm stiff joints in cold weather
Elevated food bowl

Arthritis is most successfully treated early before extensive damage has occurred in the joints. At the first sign of arthritis, dogs should be under the care of a veterinarian.