Posted on March 20, 2010 by: WayCoolDogs

• Tweet

The aging process of dogs can be seen through loss of muscle tone and strength. Tummies or abdomens begin to sag, their back begins to sway and give out, the the elbows and hips joints begin to turn out with a little bit of sagging around the elbow joint. The hair is not as smooth and shiny as when it was younger and a little gray around the muzzle gives the years away. Physical exertion in a dog with arthritis can cause the body to develop tremors and feelings of shaky weakness. The notorious age of degenerative joint disease has arrived— commonly called arthritis—and treatment will depend on the type of dog arthritic signs that occurs.

Knowing what to look for in a dog with developing arthritis is important for their health, protection and upcoming treatment before it gets too bad. Remember that aging in dogs with arthritis never goes away but pain can be controlled or eliminated.

Not all dogs with arthritis are old, but old dogs can develop arthritis.   Other conditions known to bring on arthritis in both old and young dogs are: hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, joint trauma, patella luxation, and joint conditions.  One fact remains—large and heaver dogs of all ages will experience more symptoms of arthritis because of the extra strain on joints and ligaments.

Signs and symptoms of dogs with arthritis

• Varying degrees of lameness, stiffness and joint pain

• Dogs have more pain when first getting up in the morning or after naps

• Behavioral changes and irritability, nervousness, overly aggressive, lethargic, or depression—meant to inform the dog owner they are not feeling well and something is wrong.

• Increasing disability

• Favoring one limb over another

• Difficulty when standing or sitting

• Sleeps more than normal

• Less alert

• Dropping motion of the hip

• Nodding of the head

• Decreased activity and refusal to run and play or run and climb stairs

• Much slower gait

• Weight gain due to decrease in activity

If any of these symptoms last longer than two weeks,  a veterinarian examination will need to be done. This will consist of an office visit, a physical exam and an X-ray of the joints. The best thing to do for your dog in managing his arthritis is to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible. Treating canine arthritis is similar to that of human osteoarthritis.
*****************************

* * * * *

For more dog health info, dog stories and fun stuff, subscribe to our newsletter here!

* * * * *

(Sponsored)

Related posts:

• Arthritis in Dogs During the Winter
• A Guide to Canine Arthritis
• A Short Guide to Dog Arthritis Prevention
• Signs & Symptoms of Winter Hypothermia in Dogs
• Arthritis Help for Dogs