When an older dog takes a little longer to get up from bed or hesitates before hopping into the car, many owners shrug it off as old age. Sometimes it is. But often, those small changes are signs of osteoarthritis, a common and painful joint condition that can be managed in many cases.
September is recognized by many veterinary groups as a time to raise awareness about pain in animals, which makes it a good moment to take a closer look at how your dog moves.
What Osteoarthritis Is
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down, and the joint becomes inflamed and painful. It can develop with age, after an injury, or as a result of joint problems that began earlier in life, such as hip or elbow dysplasia. Extra body weight places added strain on joints and can make symptoms worse.
While it is often associated with senior dogs, arthritis can affect younger dogs too, especially large breeds and very active dogs.
Signs to Watch For
Dogs rarely cry out from arthritis pain. Instead, they adapt. Signs may include:
- Stiffness after resting, which often improves after moving around
- Reluctance to climb stairs, jump on furniture or get into the car
- Lagging behind on walks or wanting to turn back sooner
- Limping, or shifting weight between legs
- Difficulty sitting or lying down, or circling longer before settling
- Licking at a particular joint
- Loss of muscle in the hind legs
- Irritability when touched, or less interest in play
Behavior changes are easy to miss. A dog who has become grumpy with other pets or children may be uncomfortable.
Why a Vet Visit Helps
Stiffness and limping can have causes other than arthritis, including injuries, ligament problems, neurological conditions and, less commonly, bone disease. Your veterinarian can examine your dog, assess the joints and may recommend X-rays or other tests to understand what is going on.
Videos are particularly helpful. Record your dog getting up, walking and using stairs at home, since many dogs move differently at the clinic.
How Arthritis Is Often Managed
There is no single cure for osteoarthritis, but there are many ways to help. Veterinarians commonly use a combination of approaches, which may include:
- Weight management to reduce strain on joints
- Controlled, regular exercise suited to the dog
- Prescription pain medications
- Rehabilitation therapy or physical therapy
- Joint-support diets or supplements, if your vet recommends them
- Home changes such as rugs, ramps and supportive bedding
Never give your dog human pain medications. Several common ones can be dangerous to dogs. Always ask your veterinarian before starting any medication or supplement.
The important message is that arthritis pain is not something your dog simply has to live with. Many dogs become noticeably more comfortable with the right plan, and some owners are surprised by how much of their dog’s personality returns.
