The bond with your dog is unique, and many pet parents will agree that it’s difficult when you notice the first patch of gray fur turning into a white muzzle as your four-legged companion approaches their golden years. Fortunately, veterinary medicine and canine nutrition advances have resulted in dogs living longer, healthier lives. Like people, your dog’s body will show signs of wear and tear over time. Some activities, like rigorous games of fetch, may become more difficult for pets to enjoy.
Aging pets are prone to developing a variety of ailments, including painful arthritis, which can make previously enjoyed activities challenging. More than 20% of dogs will experience joint problems during their lifetime, and breeds with genetic predispositions, like German shepherds, have an increased incidence of joint diseases, like osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Dog owners must understand canine arthritis risk factors and ways to support their furry best friend to ensure their overall well-being and quality of life through all life stages.
What is arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis is a common progressive, degenerative, and irreversible joint disease that more commonly affects middle-aged and senior dogs. Also referred to as osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is characterized by inflammation, loss of cartilage, which serves to prevent bone-on-bone rubbing, a thickened joint capsule, new bone growth around an affected joint, and joint pain.
Arthritis is categorized as primary OA and secondary OA. Primary arthritis results from wear and tear that occurs with aging, and secondary arthritis can result from external causes, including trauma or poor joint alignment. Any age, breed, or sex can be affected; however, large and giant breed dogs, including Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, and Bernese mountain dogs, have a genetic predisposition for the disease. Common causes and risk factors for canine OA include:
- Obesity and poor body condition, excess weight can lead to added joint stress
- Body conformation
- Genetically-caused poor joint development (e.g., hip dysplasia, luxating patella, elbow dysplasia)
- Trauma or joint injury (e.g., cruciate ligament tear)
- Previous bone or joint surgery
- Excessive activity or dog athletes (e.g., agility or hunting dogs)
- Poor nutrition during growth phases and beyond
What are canine arthritis signs?
It can be challenging for dog owners to recognize OA signs, especially during the early disease stages. Dogs are experts at masking illness signs and adjusting their movement and body when something hurts. Additionally, arthritis signs may mimic other diseases or problems, making it difficult to determine the underlying problem by observing your dog’s gait. Although OA is more common as a dog ages, some younger pets will have subtle signs, such as stiffness after vigorous exercise.
Common symptoms of arthritis may include:
- Lames in one or more limbs
- Limping that becomes progressively worse
- Limping after exercise or rigorous play
- Difficulty, or slow to stand after resting
- Increased panting, or panting when at rest
- Behavior changes, or attempting to bite when touched
- Vocalization or wincing when touched
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive grooming around one body location,
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Loss of stamina or reluctance to play or exercise
- Stiff gait
- Pain or swelling around joints
- Muscle wasting (atrophy)
- Hunched posture
How is arthritis diagnosed in dogs?
Bring your pup for a veterinary examination if they are showing any arthritis signs. Ensure to provide your DVM with a history of your dog’s recent activity, behavior, or any subtle changes in their routine or movement. A nose-to-tail examination will be performed in addition to an orthopedic examination. Your veterinarian will check for any joint swelling or associated arthritis pain, observe your dog’s gait, and feel their joints and bones to determine overall function and range of motion. Arthritis, especially advanced forms of the disease, is painful, so some dogs may require light sedation to evaluate their joints fully.
Diagnostic testing may include X-rays to assess bone structure, joint swelling, and inflammation. Advanced imaging, like computed tomography (CT), may also be recommended to evaluate joint health further. Additionally, blood tests may be recommended to rule out underlying illness and check overall organ health. Blood tests are critical to ensure your pet’s organs can safely process veterinary prescription medications to treat arthritis pain.
Common treatments for canine arthritis
There is no cure for canine OA; however, numerous traditional and non-traditional treatment options are available to help ease your dog’s discomfort, maintain their quality of life, and help slow disease progression. Common dog arthritis treatments may include:
- Weight management –– Research has shown a direct link between canine obesity and OA, leading to excess pain and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight will help decrease your dog’s pain and disease progression. Your veterinarian may also recommend a prescription dog food promoting a healthy body weight or a diet specifically formulated for dogs with OA.
- Pain medications—Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like carprofen, help decrease joint inflammation and pain. Other pain medications, like gabapentin, may also be prescribed to address associated nerve pain. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions provided by your DVM to prevent potential adverse side effects.
- Surgery –– Dogs with severe arthritis associated with joint dysplasia may benefit from surgical intervention to alleviate the pain. Surgeries, including total hip replacements or femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO) to address hip dysplasia, have proven successful in pain relief.
- Low-impact exercise — High-impact exercise is not advised for pets who are diagnosed with OA. However, low-impact activities, including walking or swimming, can prevent joint stiffness while promoting healthy weight management.
Alternative therapies to help treat canine arthritis
Like people with joint disease and pain, numerous alternative therapies are available to supplement traditional medications and treatments. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes or additions to your dog’s arthritis treatment because some may worsen the condition. Other arthritis therapies and treatments include:
- Acupuncture –– Some studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce OA pain. Always consult a certified veterinary acupuncturist to determine if your dog can tolerate this treatment.
- Physical therapy –– A board-certified veterinary rehabilitation and physical therapy specialist can tailor a plan to help improve your dog’s joint mobility and comfort. Therapies may include a range of motion exercises, hydrotherapy, canine massage, or chiropractic adjustments.
- Other therapies –– Stem cell injections, platelet-rich plasma, and cold laser therapy treatments have also been shown to help slow cartilage degradation and decrease inflammation in dogs with joint disease.
Nutraceuticals and supplements for canine arthritis
Proper nutrition is essential for arthritis management. In addition to therapeutic diets, some dietary supplements and ingredients have proven to help reduce inflammation and support overall joint health. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids significantly improve pain and inflammation caused by canine arthritis. Incorporating veterinary-approved supplements, like Native Pet Omega Oil, can help improve your pup’s joint health.
Research has also shown that Green-lipped mussels improve the mobility of dogs with arthritis. Adding veterinary-approved supplements with this ingredient, like Native Pet Relief Chews, can help support a dog’s overall joint health. Other joint supplements containing chondroprotective agents, like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, can also help slow cartilage breakdown and arthritis progression.
However, supplements should never replace proper veterinary care, and always consult with your DVM to determine the amount and type of supplements you should be giving your dog with OA.
Prevention and supporting your arthritic dog at home
There is no cure for arthritis; in some cases, it is not preventable because some dogs are genetically predisposed to it. However, there are numerous ways you can support your arthritis pup, such as slowing disease progression and ensuring they remain comfortable at home with a good quality of life.
Ways to support your dog with OA include:
- Bring your dog for two or more yearly veterinary examinations to ensure adequate OA management and monitor disease progression.
- Keep a notebook or journal of symptoms to track disease progression, and inform your DVM of any changes or modifications that may be needed.
- Provide orthopedic dog beds in areas where your dog enjoys resting or sleeping.
- Provide stairs or ramps to areas where your dog jumps (e.g., bed, couch).
- Place carpeting or non-slip booties on your dog so they can more easily gain traction on slick surfaces like tile or wooden floors.
- Under the guidance of your DVM, apply cool packs to inflamed joints or warm compresses to sore muscles. Never put ice, heat packs, or heating pads directly against your dog’s body.
- Adjust your dog’s exercise routine so that it is low-impact but provides them with mental and physical enrichment.
Canine arthritis treatment should be a multimodal approach in consultation with your veterinarian. Slowing disease progression and providing your dog adequate pain relief will ensure their overall well-being and comfort.
For more information and tips on your dog’s health, check out the Native Pet blog.
