What is Dog Osteoarthritis? Signs and Treatment Options
There are not always great comparisons between the health conditions faced by humans and those encountered by our beloved pets. In fact, that is part of what can make caring for a dog so difficult – it’s not always easy for the average pet owner to understand what they are going through.
With osteoarthritis in dogs, however, the comparison is rather direct. As in humans, osteoarthritis is a common condition in dogs that impacts the cartilage in the joints. Often brought on by age, dog osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, and while it doesn’t have a cure, it can be effectively managed and there is every reason to believe that an affected dog can continue to have a comfortable, happy life for years to come.
Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
If you pay attention to your dog’s health from day to day, you will likely start to notice that some things are changing as osteoarthritis sets in. Usually, these changes won’t be dramatic or sudden, but rather they will come on gradually over time. Signs can include the following –
Stiffness. The natural, easy movements that your dog normally exhibits may start to seem restricted and difficult. This kind of stiffness is common with osteoarthritis, especially after a period of resting.
Limping. When your dog walks or attempts to run, a noticeable limp may start to develop depending on where in the body the osteoarthritis is being experienced.
Behavior changes. Just as it does for people, pain can cause dogs to change their attitude and behavior. Your normally happy and friendly dog may start to become more irritable or withdrawn while dealing with osteoarthritis.
Licking or chewing at joints. This is a direct sign that your dog is having joint pain, as they may try to self-soothe by licking or chewing right at the site of the discomfort.
Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Without a doubt, age is the single biggest determining factor in developing dog osteoarthritis. As dogs get older, they are more and more likely to have this condition affect their mobility on a daily basis.
There are other factors to watch, however. Weight is an important one, as carrying excess weight puts more strain on the joints, which accelerates the rate of cartilage wear in the joints.
Breed also plays a role, with large dogs like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers being some of the breeds that are more likely to develop arthritis issues.
Finally, past injuries can cause dogs to wind up facing more problems with osteoarthritis in the future. Something like a fracture or ligament tear in the past may lead to joint instability and arthritis down the line.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in Dogs
It’s important to use dog osteoarthritis treatment options proactively to help your dog manage the pain they are experiencing. Maintaining an excellent quality of life for your dog is absolutely possible with the right steps.
Treatment often starts with medication. Two standard options include using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs – to manage inflammation and pain, and using joint supplements with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe stronger pain relief medication.
You can also use weight management to help deal with the discomfort of arthritis. If your dog is overweight currently based on their size and breed, bringing that weight down into a healthy range will reduce the strain on the joints and cut down on pain at the same time.
It may also be necessary to adjust lifestyle patterns to avoid painful situations, at least temporarily. For example, consider adding a ramp or stairs to help your dog deal with particular parts of your home, and consider replacing high-impact activities with forms of exercise that are gentler.
Depending on severity of the situation, visiting a veterinarian for the development of a personalized multimodal treatment plan, which will include rehab, could be an excellent step to take. In some cases, surgery may become an option to create a better path forward for your dog, although this will only be on the table after other, less-invasive interventions have proven unsuccessful.
The Role of Canine Rehabilitation in Managing Osteoarthritis
Don’t overlook the value of canine rehabilitation when managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis in your dog.
Having your dog engage in a treatment plan with a certified canine rehabilitation therapist can do wonders to strengthen muscles, promote flexibility, and support the joints that have been affected.
If you’d like to see more about what we can do at Austin Canine Rehab to address the challenges that your pet is facing, visit our Dog Arthritis Treatment page.
At Austin Canine Rehab, We Are Here for Your Dog
Austin Canine Rehab is proud to provide functional care for dogs at all stages of life, including those facing challenges with canine osteoarthritis. Whether you already know what types of treatments you are seeking, or you simply want to chat about the situation and learn more about what we can offer, the first step is to get in touch today – we would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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You may start to notice that your dog is having difficulty standing up from a sitting or lying position, and they may be reluctant to jump or climb stairs. The discomfort could also lead to behavioral changes like irritability and decreased enthusiasm.
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There is no sure way to prevent osteoarthritis, but you can manage risk factors to make it less likely. Things like keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing plenty of regular, low-impact exercise, and using joint supplement products can all help.
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Effective treatment options can include using medications like NSAIDs and joint supplements, physical therapy, and weight management. Working with a qualified canine rehab therapy provider like Austin Canine Rehab can also help to provide you dog with the care they need to thrive.
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Creating a comfortable environment can be helpful, including an orthopedic bed and offering ramps to reduce joint strain. Also, maintaining a consistent, low-impact exercise routine can go a long way toward supporting your pet’s health. Shorter, but regular, bouts of activity are better than long and challenging sustained exercise sessions.
