Did you know that 38% of dogs over the age of 1 have radiographic signs of arthritis? Are you sure that you’d spot the signs developing in your dog? Arthritis is a gradual, degenerative disease that your dog will adapt their behaviour to deal with over time.
However well you know them, you may not notice the early signs of arthritis in dogs, and it may only be when they refuse to jump into the car, or stop coming up the stairs to see you in the morning, that you might start to wonder what’s up! So, what are some of the most common signs of arthritis to be on the lookout for?
As one of the most common joint problems in dogs, key signs of arthritis to look out for include:
- Reduced movement
- Stiffness
- Limping
- Behavioural changes
- Biting or licking joints
- Difficulty with stairs
- Postural changes
- Muscle atrophy
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common early signs of arthritis in dogs.
How can I tell if my dog has arthritis?
Whilst some consider arthritis as just an inevitable part of ageing that doesn’t need to be addressed, recognising the signs early and taking action can significantly improve your dog's quality of life and potentially slow the progression of their condition.
Here are 10 top signs that your dog might have arthritis:
1. Slowing down?
Has your once-energetic pup become a couch potato? If your dog seems less enthusiastic about walks or play, it could be a sign of joint discomfort.
2. Stiffness, especially after resting.
Does your dog take a while to "warm up" after lying down? Difficulty getting up or moving around after rest periods, especially in the morning is a common arthritis symptom.
3. Limping or favouring certain limbs.
Do you notice your dog nodding their head as they run? This is because they are shifting weight away from a painful leg. You might also notice your dog putting less weight on one or more legs. This limping might be more pronounced after exercise or when they first get up.
4. Irritability or behaviour changes.
Arthritis can be painful, which might cause your usually friendly dog to become grumpy, especially when touched in certain areas.
5. Licking, chewing, or biting specific joints.
Dogs often try to soothe their aching joints by licking or chewing them. Pay attention if your dog focuses on particular areas consistently.
6. Difficulty with stairs or jumping.
If your dog hesitates before climbing stairs or is reluctant to jump onto furniture they previously had no trouble with, it could indicate joint pain.
7. Changes in posture or gait.
Arthritic dogs may develop an altered stance or walking pattern to alleviate pressure on painful joints.
8. Muscle atrophy.
You might notice a loss of muscle mass, particularly in the legs, as your dog uses certain limbs less due to discomfort.
9. Lethargy or increased sleeping.
While older dogs naturally slow down, excessive lethargy or increased sleeping could be a sign of chronic pain.
10. Panting or restlessness.
Panting is the only way that dogs can regulate their body temperature down. It’s also a stress response, and they may pant more or have trouble settling down, especially at night. So, if your dog is panting more than normal and it’s not a warm day this may be a sign that they are in pain.
Expert advice - Early signs of arthritis may be subtle, but spotting them and getting them help is vital to help your pet as soon as possible!
What to do if you spot arthritis symptoms in your dog
If you notice any of these signs, you should also consult your local veterinary practice since effective management of arthritis will include prescription pain relief. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
If you’d like to be proactive to help manage your dog’s joint health, then Zooomy offers a safe, fast-acting solution to help your dog and their mobility.
Learn more about how to alleviate discomfort for arthritic dogs by reading our blog: 10 top ways to help your dog with arthritis at home
In summary:
- Arthritis is one of the most common joint problems in dogs
- Identifying early signs of arthritis in dogs will help to prevent long-term discomfort
- Providing a joint supplement like Zooomy can help to support healthy joints and improve mobility
Support healthy joints with hyaluronic acid supplements from Zooomy
At Zooomy, our long-chain hyaluronic acid joint supplement for dogs is designed to help encourage healthy joints by replenishing hyaluronic acid in joint fluid which nourishes cartilage, lubricates joint surfaces and absorbs shocks. Contact us to learn more about how hyaluronic acid could help your dog, and place an order online today.