“Arthritis” is a general term for changes in the joint caused by normal or abnormal wear and tear. Because your dog’s joint pain directly impacts his mobility and how well he’s able to get around, it can have a serious effect on his quality of life.
For dogs who have arthritis, the cartilage (the tissue that “cushions” the joint between the bones) is worn away faster than it is replaced. For example, when the cartilage in a dog’s hip joint wears away, mobility decreases, while pain and disability progressively develop. Although stiff joints are not curable, it is possible to improve joint health in your dog with nutrition and exercise.
There are many reasons why your dog could be experiencing joint pain associated with arthritis.
As dogs get older, joint cartilage will progressively wear away. While it is much more common in senior dogs, younger dogs can suffer from arthritis, too.
Certain breeds are more prone to developing arthritis. “At-risk” dog breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers.
Excess weight puts extra stress on your dog’s joints and cartilage, and increases the risk of pain and arthritis.
Trauma to cartilage may lead to arthritis later in life, and adversely affect mobility.
Some breeds may have congenital or hereditary conditions that make them more prone to developing arthritis later in life.
If you notice any of the following warning signs of joint pain in your dog, then he may be suffering from arthritis, and you should consider scheduling a consultation with your veterinarian.
Gentle exercise is extremely good for your dog. Not only will it help keep his joints moving freely, but it will help him stay at a healthy weight and keep excess stress off his joints, which are important to his overall joint health.
The key is to control the amount of exercise, so your dog does not overexert his joints. Given an open space, your dog will usually happily run and run until he can’t any more, due to energy or the way his joints feel, and he may pay the price in terms of discomfort and limping. But by allowing a little bit of running and then putting him back on his leash for a while and taking a gentle stroll, you can control the exercise and let your dog get enough of a workout to burn off energy and keep joints mobile without causing damage.
Always remember, if you’re worried about your dog getting more exercise than is beneficial, your veterinarian will be happy to advise you on a sensible canine exercise regime.
The food your dog eats can also influence his joint health and mobility. If you’re concerned about your dog’s joint health, consult with your veterinarian and discuss the mobility range of foods.
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