Arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the bones and joints of dogs, causing pain and reduced flexibility. It is more common in the joints of the knee, carpus, elbow, hip, and spine. Although arthritis in dogs has no cure, a healthy and natural diet can slow down the deterioration of bones and joints, relieving pain and reducing inflammation. For example, Harper & Bone’s Jumping Legs functional snacks contain essential fatty acids, glucosamine, EPA and DHA, which help strengthen joints. Although arthritis can affect any dog, it is more common in large breeds and in adult or senior dogs.
Causes of arthritis in dogs
Arthritis in dogs can be primary, without a known underlying cause, or secondary, resulting from joint diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, osteochondrosis, cruciate ligament rupture, or joint fractures. Although medium and large breeds are more susceptible, arthritis can affect dogs of any size.
Arthritis can limit the range of motion of the joints. In advanced cases, cartilage wear may expose the underlying bone, causing pain. The body tries to compensate for this pain by creating more bone around the joint, which reduces mobility and increases discomfort. The imbalance of loads due to an affected joint can also alter muscle structure and overload other joints, leading to muscle pain.
Symptoms of arthritis in dogs
Symptoms of arthritis in dogs vary. In some cases, X-rays of young dogs may show arthritis without obvious signs. Some dogs may live without issues for years despite having arthritis. The most common symptoms include:
- Lameness and stiffness: often present when getting up from rest, usually improving with muscle warm-up. However, lameness may worsen after intense exercise.
- Continuous pain: in early stages, pain may be intermittent, but over time it can become constant, even at rest.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Reluctance to play or go for walks
- Pain when touched
- Behavioral changes
- Licking of affected joints
- Fatigue
- Increased restlessness
Dogs with arthritis may show reduced willingness or ability to perform movements such as standing up, jumping, climbing stairs, or engaging in activities they once enjoyed. Understanding these aspects of arthritis in dogs is crucial to recognizing early symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment, thus improving your pet’s quality of life.
Treatment for arthritis in dogs
The goal of arthritis treatment in dogs is to reduce inflammation and pain, slow the disease’s progression, and improve joint mobility.
- Medication and exercise
To slow down the disease’s progression, medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are used. Active exercises, like gentle walks or swimming, and passive exercises through physiotherapy are also recommended.
- Weight management
A dog’s bones and joints support its body weight, and excess weight can accelerate wear and increase the risk of arthritis. Weight management is essential. If your dog suffers from overweight or obesity, a dietary program will be necessary to slow disease progression. A high percentage of overweight dogs with arthritis may stop limping simply by following a weight-loss program to achieve an ideal body condition.
- Therapeutic diet
In addition to medications and exercise, the veterinarian will likely recommend a therapeutic diet for dogs with joint problems that also helps control your dog’s weight. Special diets exist that include functional ingredients to slow joint wear and natural antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Discover the wide range of diets for dogs with arthritis formulated by veterinarians from Amanova, Harper & Bone, and Trovet Plus.
