Understanding Joint Health for Dogs
Joint health can become a concern for dogs as they get older. Senior dogs often don’t get around as easily as they could before, which may lead to other complications as a result. However, you don’t have to let joint issues prevent your furry friend from living their best life. With proper care and prevention, you can keep your dog’s joints in the best shape possible.
What Is Joint Health for Dogs?
Joint health for dogs refers to the condition of your dog’s joints. Healthy dog joints should provide a wide range of mobility without causing any pain. Your dog should be able to walk, run, and jump effortlessly.
Why Is Joint Health Important for Dogs?
Approximately one in five dogs (20% of dogs) experience joint issues at some point in their life. Joint problems are more common in older dogs, but they could occur as early as one year old. Certain breeds have a higher risk of developing joint pain.
Joint health is important for dogs of all ages because promoting healthy joints can reduce the risk of pain and mobility issues as dogs age. Many dog parents only focus on joint health in their dog’s senior years, but at that point, it could be too late. So, the sooner you pay attention to your dog’s joint health, the better.
What Factors Can Affect Joint Health in Dogs?
There are many aspects of your dog’s life that could affect their joint health, such as the following:
- Age - Cartilage wears away as dogs age, making senior dogs more prone to joint problems.
- Genetics - Certain breeds, such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to have joint pain. Poorly bred dogs are also at a higher risk of joint issues.
- Weight - Overweight dogs put more stress on their joints when they walk, so they’re more likely to develop joint concerns.
- Injuries - Trauma from injuries could harm your dog’s joint health, even if the accident wasn’t recent.
- Underlying Health Concerns - Certain health concerns could be harder on your dog’s joints than others. If your dog is having joint pain or mobility issues, consult a vet to ensure an underlying health condition isn’t to blame.
What Are the Signs of Joint Problems in Dogs?
If your dog is having trouble moving around or seems like they’re in pain, those are key signs that they’re experiencing joint problems. However, the symptoms may differ depending on the specific type of joint issue.
What Are the Different Types of Joint Problems in Dogs?
There are lots of joint issues dogs can experience, but some common ones are arthritis, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. All can cause severe pain and discomfort if not properly managed, so keep an eye out for symptoms and visit your vet if you suspect your dog is dealing with one of these issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis is a progressive joint disease that can cause inflammation, pain, and loss of cartilage. Proper management is crucial, so it’s important for dog parents to catch it early on. Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Limping
- Joint stiffness
- Tiredness
- Groaning when lying down or getting up
- Avoiding being touched in certain spots
- Reluctance to climb or jump
- Frequently licking or chewing certain areas
- Sudden behaviour changes, such as aggression
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a joint condition that occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. Unlike arthritis, hip dysplasia typically occurs when the dog is a puppy rather than in their senior years. Some symptoms of hip dysplasia include:
- Lameness
- Limping
- Abnormal walking
- Abnormal sitting positions
- Difficulties getting up
- Difficulties jumping
- Reluctance to climb stairs
What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs?
Elbow dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia, but it occurs in the elbow. It’s when the elbow develops incorrectly, leading to joint issues. Some symptoms of elbow dysplasia include:
- Swollen elbow
- Stiffness
- Lameness
- Leg bends weird
- Decreased range of motion
- Reluctance to run and play
- Avoiding stairs
If you notice any symptoms of arthritis, hip dysplasia, or elbow dysplasia in your dog, talk to your vet right away. While you can’t cure these conditions, you can manage them to help your dog live a normal pain-free life.
How Can Joint Health Be Maintained in Dogs?
There are lots of small things we can do throughout a dog’s life to maintain their joint health, such as:
- Keeping them a healthy weight
- Giving them joint supplements
- Providing regular exercise
- Providing a healthy diet
- Using furniture ramps and car ramps for small dogs and senior dogs
- Getting orthopaedic dog beds to cradle joints
- Scheduling vet check-ups
What Are the Best Exercises for Maintaining Joint Health in Dogs?
Regular exercise of all types is good for your dog, including walking, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, and running. However, make sure you don’t overdo it. Your dog should be using their joints regularly, but exercising their joints too much could put a strain on them and damage them.
If your dog is already developing joint issues like arthritis, it’s especially crucial to take it easy. Keep exercise sessions short, such as taking several short walks throughout the day instead of one long one. Always follow walking safety tips to prevent your dog from overworking their joints.
Going somewhere to use an underwater treadmill is a unique way to maintain joint health in an arthritic dog because it prevents them from putting too much weight on their joints while they exercise.
What Are the Best Supplements for Joint Health in Dogs?
Many dog parents give their dog joint supplements even before joint conditions occur. Look for canine supplements that include ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and omega fatty acids. These ingredients can help reduce inflammation and maintain healthy cartilage.
Even though you don’t need a prescription for dog supplements, it’s a good idea to consult your vet before giving one to your dog. Your vet can give you a personalized supplement suggestion based on your dog’s needs.
What Are the Best Foods for Joint Health in Dogs?
The beneficial ingredients found in joint supplements often appear in dog food as well. So, choosing a dog food formula with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids can help maintain good joint health throughout your pup’s life. Yet, the amount in your dog’s food may not be enough to fully support your dog’s joint health, which is why supplements are still beneficial.
What Are the Treatment Options for Joint Problems in Dogs?
With most joint conditions, there isn’t a way to treat them once they develop. Yet, there are lots of ways to manage them. While the methods mentioned above can help prevent and manage joint health, there may be more advanced ways to provide canine join relief.
What Are the Medications Available for Joint Problems in Dogs?
In most cases, supplements are enough to manage your dog’s joint health. Yet, if your dog is already experiencing severe joint pain and discomfort, it may be time to turn to your vet for a prescription.
Vets may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve your dog’s joint pain. Carprofen and meloxicam are just a few examples. However, your vet can offer a more specific prescription based on your furry friend’s needs.
What Are the Surgical Options for Joint Problems in Dogs?
Surgery is only recommended in extreme cases for dogs. If your dog doesn’t seem to have a good quality of life even as you manage their joint pain, surgery may be the only option.
Most joint-related surgeries for dogs are intense, such as a joint or hip replacement. Simpler surgeries may involve removing debris/damaged tissue or fusing certain parts of a joint together. These procedures don’t guarantee that your dog will have no more joint issues, but they can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
You need to consult your vet before choosing a surgical option. These procedures are very extreme and should only be done if your vet recommends it for your dog’s well-being.
What Are the Alternative Therapies for Joint Problems in Dogs?
If your joint management efforts don’t seem to be helping but you don’t want to put your pup through surgery, there may be other options to consider. Hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and acupuncture are all unique options that may benefit your dog. Talk to your vet to determine if any of those therapies could help your furry friend.
Joint health in dogs is crucial, so finding ways to prevent future joint pain and damage could help your dog live a longer and happier life. Yet, if your dog is already showing signs of joint issues, there are plenty of things you can do to help. When in doubt, ask your vet for specialised advice.