What causes arthritis in dogs?

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Arthritis?

Recognizing arthritis in dogs can be challenging since they may not always show obvious signs of discomfort. However, there are common symptoms and behavioral changes to watch for that may indicate your dog is suffering from arthritis:

1. Limping or Lameness

Sign: Your dog may limp, favor one leg, or have an uneven gait, especially after rest or activity. Limping tends to be more noticeable in the morning or after your dog gets up from lying down.
What to Watch: Increased limping after exercise or long periods of inactivity.

2. Difficulty Moving or Stiffness

Sign: Dogs with arthritis may have trouble with movements that require joint flexibility, such as climbing stairs, jumping into a car, or getting up from a lying position.
What to Watch: Hesitation or reluctance to perform previously easy tasks, like going for walks or playing.

3. Decreased Activity and Exercise

Sign: Your dog may become less active, avoid playing, or seem tired more often. This can be a sign of joint pain making it difficult for them to engage in physical activity.
What to Watch: Reduced interest in walks, games, or running, and preferring to lie down more frequently.

4. Difficulty Rising or Sitting

Sign: You may notice that your dog has trouble standing up after resting or sitting down. They may struggle or take longer to rise from a sitting or lying position.
What to Watch: Slower movements or signs of stiffness when getting up.

5. Swollen or Painful Joints

Sign: Swelling around the joints can be a symptom of arthritis. Your dog may also react with discomfort when their joints are touched.
What to Watch: Swollen joints, excessive licking of joints, or visible discomfort when you touch or move their legs.

6. Behavioral Changes

Sign: Dogs with arthritis may become more irritable, aggressive, or withdrawn due to chronic pain. They might avoid being touched, especially around sensitive joints.
What to Watch: Changes in temperament, including snapping or growling when being petted or approached.

7. Muscle Loss (Atrophy)

Sign: Due to reduced activity, your dog may lose muscle mass in the legs or around the affected joints.
What to Watch: Noticeable thinning of the legs or reduced muscle tone, particularly in the hind legs.

8. Licking or Chewing the Joints

Sign: Dogs with arthritis may excessively lick or chew at their joints, often as a response to pain or discomfort.
What to Watch: Repetitive licking or chewing of a specific area, particularly the legs or hips.

9. Change in Posture

Sign: Arthritis can affect a dog’s posture, making them stand or sit awkwardly to reduce pressure on painful joints.
What to Watch: An arched back, shifting weight onto different legs, or avoiding putting weight on certain limbs.

10. Whining, Yelping, or Other Vocalizations
Sign: Dogs may vocalize their discomfort by whining, whimpering, or yelping, especially during movement or when touched.

What causes arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis in dogs is primarily caused by the gradual degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs:

1. Age: Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in dogs, is often age-related. As dogs get older, the wear and tear on their joints can cause cartilage to break down, leading to arthritis.

2. Genetics: Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to arthritis and joint problems, especially larger breeds such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Breeds prone to hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia may develop arthritis earlier in life.

3. Joint Injuries: Dogs that have suffered joint injuries (e.g., ligament tears or fractures) are at an increased risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint. Even after healing, the joint may not function properly, leading to long-term inflammation and damage.

4. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, accelerating the breakdown of cartilage and worsening arthritis symptoms. Obesity is a significant factor in the development and progression of arthritis in dogs.

5. Joint Abnormalities: Dogs with congenital joint abnormalities, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, are more likely to develop arthritis as the abnormal joint structure increases wear and tear on the cartilage.

6. Inflammatory or Autoimmune Conditions: Some dogs can develop immune-mediated arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. This is less common but can affect dogs of any age.

7. Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections in the joints (known as septic arthritis) can cause inflammation and damage, leading to arthritis if left untreated.

8. Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, can lead to weakened joint health over time, increasing the risk of arthritis.

9. Overuse or High Activity: Dogs that engage in excessive high-impact activities, such as running, jumping, or working dogs, can wear down their joints faster than less active dogs, leading to earlier development of arthritis.

How can arthritis be treated?

Arthritis in dogs can be managed with a combination of treatments aimed at reducing pain, inflammation, and improving joint function. While there is no cure for arthritis, the following treatments can help slow its progression and improve your dog’s quality of life:

1. Weight Management

Why It Helps: Excess weight puts additional stress on your dog’s joints, worsening arthritis symptoms. Managing your dog’s weight through a proper diet and exercise can reduce the load on their joints.
What You Can Do: Work with your vet to create a weight-loss plan if your dog is overweight. Use high-quality, low-calorie dog food, and provide appropriate exercise.

2. Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain in dogs with arthritis. Examples include carprofen (Rimadyl) and meloxicam (Metacam).
Opioids: For more severe pain, opioids like tramadol may be prescribed.
Corticosteroids: In some cases, vets may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, but these are usually for short-term use due to potential side effects.
Consult Your Vet: Always consult your vet before giving your dog any medications, as long-term use of NSAIDs or steroids can have side effects on the liver, kidneys, and digestive system.

3. Joint Supplements

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These are popular supplements that help protect cartilage, promote joint repair, and reduce inflammation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil supplements, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritis symptoms.
Hyaluronic Acid: This supplement may improve joint lubrication and reduce discomfort.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Often included in joint supplements, MSM helps with pain relief and joint flexibility.

4. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Hydrotherapy: Swimming or walking in water can help improve mobility without putting stress on your dog’s joints. Water therapy supports your dog’s weight while allowing for gentle movement.
Range-of-Motion Exercises: Gentle, controlled exercises guided by a veterinary physical therapist can help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and provide pain relief.
Massage Therapy: Regular massages can help relax stiff muscles, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort.

5. Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

How It Helps: Red light and near-infrared light therapy stimulate cellular activity and promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation around affected joints. This non-invasive treatment is increasingly used for managing arthritis pain and stiffness in dogs.
Frequency: Regular sessions, either at a veterinary clinic or at home using red light therapy devices, can provide relief over time.

6. Prescription Diets

Joint-Supporting Formulas: Certain dog food formulas are designed specifically for dogs with arthritis. These diets often contain ingredients like glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants to support joint health.
Weight Management Diets: If your dog is overweight, switching to a vet-recommended weight-loss diet can help alleviate arthritis symptoms by reducing joint strain.

7. Adequate, Controlled Exercise

Why It Helps: While it may seem counterintuitive, regular, low-impact exercise can help maintain your dog’s joint flexibility and muscle strength. The key is to avoid high-impact activities that can stress the joints.
What You Can Do: Stick to short walks, gentle play sessions, and swimming. Avoid activities like running, jumping, or rough play, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.

8. Orthopedic Dog Beds and Home Adjustments

Why It Helps: A supportive, cushioned bed can help relieve pressure on your dog’s joints while they rest. Providing ramps to help your dog avoid stairs or getting on and off furniture can also reduce strain on their joints.
What You Can Do: Invest in orthopedic dog beds, pet ramps, and non-slip floor surfaces to make movement around the house easier for your dog.

9. Surgery

Joint Surgery: In advanced cases of arthritis where other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be an option. Procedures like joint replacement or joint fusion can improve mobility and reduce pain.
Stem Cell Therapy: In some cases, vets may suggest regenerative treatments such as stem cell therapy to promote joint repair and reduce inflammation.

10. Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been used to help manage pain and improve joint function in arthritic dogs. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Chiropractic Care: Some pet owners explore chiropractic adjustments for their dogs to address joint pain and stiffness, though results can vary.
CBD Oil: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has been gaining popularity for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in managing arthritis in dogs. However, it’s important to consult your vet for proper dosing and product recommendations.

Red Light Therapy Devices to Support Dogs with Arthritis at Home

There are many ways to make life more comfortable for your dog with arthritis at home. Here are some of our top-rated products, highly recommended for their excellent results and positive feedback from pet owners. [Link]