Arthritis is one of the most prevalent orthopaedic issues in canines. A study mentions that approximately 200,000 dogs in the UK are afflicted by this condition every year.
Whilst this degenerative joint disease rarely results in fatalities, it is an incurable disease that can gradually lower a pet’s quality of life if not given proper medical attention.
In this article, we will talk about the signs of arthritis in dogs, its causes, and various at-home remedies that you can use to help your beloved pooch.
Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
How do you know if your dog has canine arthritis? This health condition does not only affect senior dogs, but it can also occur in younger pets. If you observe all or the majority of the following signs in your pooch, he may be afflicted by arthritis:
- Abnormal posture: The spine can also be affected by arthritis in dogs. As such, afflicted canines may have humped backs and aching necks.
- Limping: The wear and tear caused by arthritis triggers joint pain and inflammation. Hence, affected pets may limp and avoid walking on the affected legs. As such, they will have difficulty moving, particularly in rising from a lying or a sitting position.However, when already up and moving, the awkward movement gradually lessens as the limbs are warmed up more by movement. Also, the arthritic-affected pet may have more difficulty doing tasks that previously were not a problem for him.
- Irritability: Because of the pain, the pet may snap or even bite when touched or approached. This is especially true when the painful areas are stroked.
- Licking or chewing the affected areas: To soothe the discomfort, the dog may start licking, biting, or chewing the affected areas. In turn, the said spots become inflamed or lose hair.
- Lethargy: One of the early symptoms of arthritis in dogs is altered energy level. The pain caused by inflammation in the joints makes affected pets reluctant to move around and stay active.
- A decrease in muscle mass: With prolonged inactivity, the dog with arthritis will experience muscle wasting. The muscle tissue decreases with the disuse, resulting in uneven muscle mass distribution. Some legs may seem thinner than normal.
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Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
- Early-onset joint issues: In some cases, arthritis inflammation may be triggered by an unnatural amount of rubbing of the joints. This can be triggered by joint instability or damaged ligaments, fractures, or abnormal cartilage development.
- Chronic low-grade inflammation: The immune system generates proteins that can damage the joints.
The said proteins can also attach to the cells that produce cartilage. As a result, more of the destructive proteins are produced. When this occurs for a lengthy period, it triggers low-grade joint inflammation.
4 Risk Factors of Arthritis in Dogs
All dogs are not immune to developing arthritis, but some are more at risk than others. Here are some of the factors linked to the disease:
1. Genetic Conditions
Canine arthritis is often a health complication resulting from developmental diseases certain dogs are predisposed to. For instance, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia commonly cause undue strain on the joints, causing damage.
2. Breed
According to research, some breeds like German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have higher chances of developing canine arthritis. Their body conformation combined with their susceptibility to joint issues is identified as the catalyst for the health issue.
3. Weight
In the same study mentioned before, sporting a higher body weight was found to make dogs more susceptible to arthritis. Gaining extra pounds puts more pressure on the limbs, resulting in joint issues. Arthritis worsens over time if affected canines do not maintain a healthy weight.
4. Age
There is conflicting evidence about claims that older dogs are more prone to arthritis than younger ones. However, a study observed that old age is consistently linked to an increased risk of arthritis in dogs.
Managing Arthritis in Dogs at Home
How can I help my dog with arthritis pain? University of Montreal’s Dr. Eric Troncy said that canine pets with painful conditions can get relief without side effects.
In a study, Dr. Troncy found that a plant-based approach can have positive results amongst dogs. He recommends the following two formulas.
- Arthritis treatment. The formula that Dr Troncy used contained holistic medicine, including curcumin, blackcurrant, willow bark, devil’s claw, chamomile, Indian frankincense, and pineapple bromelain. However, the amount was not specified.
- Joint regeneration therapy. The arthritis treatment formula was used, plus canine arthritis supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine, and chondroitin.
Home treatment options for natural pain relief in arthritic dogs include:
- A hot compress or a warm bath.
- Small ramps or steps – This allows your dog to reach high but necessary places with more ease.
- Raised feeders and toys – Putting your pet’s toys, water bowl, and/or food bowl slightly raised above the ground will lessen neck strain.
- Glucosamine supplement – Check with the vet before using this joint pain home remedy to be on the safe side.
- Bone broth – This can also be used to soften your dog’s food a little.
- Good quality, soft, and comfortable bed for dogs.
- Weight management – The heavier the canine, the more uncomfortable his joints will feel when moving around. Thus, weight-controlled dogs are less likely to have bouts of arthritic pains.
- Additive-free diet – A part of canine arthritis management is cutting out processed food and grains in your dog’s diet to reduce inflammation. Sugary treats and dairy food should also be withheld. Avoid giving omega-6-rich food; opt for omega-3-rich ingredients instead. Give your pet antioxidant-rich food such as herbs (ginger, basil, and parsley), wild blueberries, and turmeric.
- Exercise – This should be based on the severity of arthritis symptoms. The milder it is, the more exercise is required. If your dog is in pain, it would be best to stick to less-intensive physical activities. However, no matter the severity, regular exercise is essential to keep the health issue from worsening. Swimming or water-based exercise, as mentioned earlier, is recommended for dogs experiencing considerable joint pain.
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FAQs About How Should You Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis at Home?
1. Can Dog Arthritis Be Cured?
Dog arthritis is a life-long orthopaedic disease that has no definitive cure yet.
On the brighter side of things, it is not a fatal condition and can be managed through long-term treatments, such as medications, diet changes, controlled exercise, and weight management.
2. How Can I Help My Arthritic Dog Get Up?
You can help your arthritic dog get up with the help of lifting aids, such as a sling or a supportive harness. This equipment makes it easier for him to climb the stairs and other elevated areas. To improve his mobility, consider investing in a doggy wheelchair or a cart.
Keep your canine companion safe from accidentally skidding in your home by placing anti-skid mats on areas he frequents. Placing non-slip stair treads on hardwood staircases is recommended as well.
3. Is Massage Good for Dogs With Arthritis?
Massage is good for dogs with arthritis. It promotes better blood flow to the affected joints, which helps relieve inflammation and reduce joint pain and stiffness.
When massaging your dog, use gentle pressure and avoid directly applying it on the affected joints. Gingerly knead on the muscles surrounding the inflamed area. For deep-tissue massages, it would be best to let a veterinary therapist carry it out.
4. Is Dog Arthritis Worse at Night?
Dog arthritis can be worse at night, especially during sleep time because the affected joints are held in one position, which causes them to stiffen. The coldness of the night may also trigger arthritic pains.
For this reason, we recommend investing in a high-quality orthopaedic dog bed that combats joint pains when your pooch is lying down. Some products come with a heating system to keep his joints from getting chilly at night.
Conclusion
Although dog arthritis is an incurable disease, canines affected by this orthopaedic issue can still live long and happy lives.
A vast range of therapeutic treatments are available for canines living with arthritis to manage joint pain and stiffness. These include strict weight management, intake of joint supplements, exercise restriction, and having a tailored diet amongst anything else.