Arthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease (DJD), can afflict canines in the same way as people. The cartilage between the bones of the joints slowly wears away. Cartilage normally acts as a buffer, preventing the bones from coming into contact with each other. When it deteriorates, the bones touch and sometimes rub together. This causes pain, and makes it difficult for your pet to move comfortably.
Millions of canines cope with DJD and the pain it causes, even if their owners are unaware of the problem. It can develop from a number of factors. Sometimes, it stems from advanced hip or elbow dysplasia. Other times, it occurs as a result of multiple factors, such as fractures, infection, and obesity.
In this article, we'll describe common signs you'll observe in your dog that suggest he is dealing with arthritis. You'll also learn how the disorder is managed, and ways to make your pet more comfortable.
Signs Your Canine May Be Suffering From Arthritis
In its beginning stages, degenerative joint disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, however, you'll likely see your canine favoring the leg in which the cartilage has worn away. This is due to the pain. It will eventually change the way he walks and runs.
As the condition worsens, you'll notice the affected leg becoming smaller. This happens because the muscle is wasting away due to less usage. Because of the discomfort, your pet may begin to favor his leg so heavily that he doesn't place any weight upon it. As a result, the muscle deteriorates.
Many canines with advanced DJD have difficulty standing if they have been lying down for long periods. The affected limb becomes stiff. This might also impair your dog's ability to jump on furniture.
How The Condition Is Managed
In some cases, surgery can be done to replace the diseased joint. Most times, however, arthritis is managed with medications, weight control, and by making changes at home (we'll describe a few in a moment). It's worth highlighting that medications will not cure degenerative joint disease since the disorder is usually inherited. That said, certain classes, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can provide relief.
Helping Your Dog Maintain An Appropriate Weight
An important part of reducing the pain of your dog's arthritis is to manage his weight. The more your pet weighs, the more stress placed on his joints. By reducing his weight, you can relieve much of the stress, and improve his comfort.
This is the area over which owners have the most control. Millions of dogs weigh more than they should due to poor diet or lack of exercise (or both). If your pet is overweight, review the type and amount of food you are giving him, and increase the level of exercise he gets.
Exercise should place minimal stress on his joints. For example, rather than running or playing catch, take him for multiple walks each day. Or, if he enjoys water, allow him to swim. Most importantly, make sure he exercises on a daily basis.
Ideas For Improving Your Pet's Comfort
Because your dog's joint pain will increase when he is cold, help him keep warm. Move his bed away from open windows, and place blankets inside.
Also, buy one or more ramps. They'll help your canine avoid jumping when he wants to climb into your bed, access his favorite couch, or hop into your car. Jumping places stress on the joints, and can exacerbate his discomfort.
You can also perform massage therapy on your dog. This will help relax his muscles, improve his circulation, and increase the flexibility in his joints. It will also reduce his stress. If you're unsure how to properly massage your canine, ask your veterinarian to show you.
Arthritis is a progressive disease, which means your dog will increasingly rely upon you to help him stay comfortable. Learn to recognize the signs, and use the suggestions above to minimize your pet's joint pain.
Millions of canines cope with DJD and the pain it causes, even if their owners are unaware of the problem. It can develop from a number of factors. Sometimes, it stems from advanced hip or elbow dysplasia. Other times, it occurs as a result of multiple factors, such as fractures, infection, and obesity.
In this article, we'll describe common signs you'll observe in your dog that suggest he is dealing with arthritis. You'll also learn how the disorder is managed, and ways to make your pet more comfortable.
Signs Your Canine May Be Suffering From Arthritis
In its beginning stages, degenerative joint disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, however, you'll likely see your canine favoring the leg in which the cartilage has worn away. This is due to the pain. It will eventually change the way he walks and runs.
As the condition worsens, you'll notice the affected leg becoming smaller. This happens because the muscle is wasting away due to less usage. Because of the discomfort, your pet may begin to favor his leg so heavily that he doesn't place any weight upon it. As a result, the muscle deteriorates.
Many canines with advanced DJD have difficulty standing if they have been lying down for long periods. The affected limb becomes stiff. This might also impair your dog's ability to jump on furniture.
How The Condition Is Managed
In some cases, surgery can be done to replace the diseased joint. Most times, however, arthritis is managed with medications, weight control, and by making changes at home (we'll describe a few in a moment). It's worth highlighting that medications will not cure degenerative joint disease since the disorder is usually inherited. That said, certain classes, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can provide relief.
Helping Your Dog Maintain An Appropriate Weight
An important part of reducing the pain of your dog's arthritis is to manage his weight. The more your pet weighs, the more stress placed on his joints. By reducing his weight, you can relieve much of the stress, and improve his comfort.
This is the area over which owners have the most control. Millions of dogs weigh more than they should due to poor diet or lack of exercise (or both). If your pet is overweight, review the type and amount of food you are giving him, and increase the level of exercise he gets.
Exercise should place minimal stress on his joints. For example, rather than running or playing catch, take him for multiple walks each day. Or, if he enjoys water, allow him to swim. Most importantly, make sure he exercises on a daily basis.
Ideas For Improving Your Pet's Comfort
Because your dog's joint pain will increase when he is cold, help him keep warm. Move his bed away from open windows, and place blankets inside.
Also, buy one or more ramps. They'll help your canine avoid jumping when he wants to climb into your bed, access his favorite couch, or hop into your car. Jumping places stress on the joints, and can exacerbate his discomfort.
You can also perform massage therapy on your dog. This will help relax his muscles, improve his circulation, and increase the flexibility in his joints. It will also reduce his stress. If you're unsure how to properly massage your canine, ask your veterinarian to show you.
Arthritis is a progressive disease, which means your dog will increasingly rely upon you to help him stay comfortable. Learn to recognize the signs, and use the suggestions above to minimize your pet's joint pain.
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