Understanding Arthritis in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Do you know the leading cause of accelerated ageing, serious illnesses, and premature death in our beloved four-legged companions?

Most people assume it's obesity, heart complications, cancer, or even kidney failure. But the real underlying cause is joint issues. Joint problems in dogs can lead to accelerated ageing, serious illnesses, and even premature death. Surprisingly, the majority of dogs are already suffering from it.

This is why, looking after your beloved pet’s joint is the most important when it comes to extending and giving our pets the best quality of life

How Common is Arthritis in Dogs?

The older your dog is, the greater the chances that their sudden lack of appetite, slow movement or fatigue are due to arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 20% of all adult dogs have arthritis, or about 1 in 5. If, however, your dog is more than 7 years of age, there's a 65% chance they are suffering from the disease. In other words, more than half of all older dogs have arthritis.

Arthritis for Dogs?

Dogs with arthritis are suffering from one of two different ailments. The first is called degenerative joint disease (or osteoarthritis). This type of arthritis occurs due to the gradual loss of the cartilage which provides a cushion to the bones. As the cartilage wears away, the bones rub against one another, which causes your dogs pain.

The second type is called inflammatory joint disease. This is caused not by the destruction of cartilage, but typically by bacterial or fungal infections. It can also be the result of certain tick-borne diseases (for example, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) or genetic deficiencies that attack the immune system.

Are There Red Flags Which Signal Arthritis in Its Early Stages?

Dogs in the early stages of arthritis tend to present a set of common symptoms. If you notice any of the following 4 behaviours, it's probably time to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

1. He/she's limping. Dogs limp for all sorts of reasons, but if limping is frequent and extends over a long period of time, the cause could be arthritis. You might notice that your dog is favouring one or more legs over the others. You might also notice that your dog limps more when they first get up in the morning, and limping then dissipates throughout the day as they "warm up."

2. He/she can't do some of the things they used to do. If your dog is a "couch potato," but they suddenly seem reluctant to jump up or down from their favourite resting place, the cause could be arthritis. Other changed behaviours may be increased difficulty getting into the car, going up and down stairs, or running in the backyard or on their daily walks.

3. He/she's becoming more irritable. Dogs are not that different from people when it comes to managing pain. Both tend to become more irritable in response to increased pain. If you see your dog snapping at you or others when you try to put on their leash, groom, or pet them, it could be their way of telling you that they're in pain, and that pain could be the result of arthritis.

4. His/her legs are becoming thinner. When a dog has arthritis, they begin moving less, and this can lead to atrophy of their muscles. If you notice that your dog's legs seem thinner than they used to be, it could be from the muscle atrophy associated with arthritis.

Prevention and Treatments

1. Massage: Many arthritic dogs appreciate muscle massages, which stimulate blood flow to atrophying muscles. Certified canine massage therapists are available to demonstrate techniques to owners. Warm compresses over sore joints can be soothing, but care must be used to avoid injury from excess heat.

2. Supplementation: Countless joint supplements are available to promote healthy cartilage and joint health. These contain varying combinations of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel and other chondroprotective substances.

When choosing supplements for arthritis, it is best to make this decision with your veterinarian, taking into consideration factors such as diet and genetics/conformation. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) have also been documented to support in dog's joint health. These are included in some canine arthritis diets, but to be effective, higher levels via separate supplements may be needed.

3. Exercise: Maintaining mobility through reasonable exercise is important regardless of a dog’s age and the extent of their arthritis. A dog with mild, early arthritis can and should get more exercise than an ancient pooch with severe cartilage erosion.

Non-weight-bearing exercise—swimming, for example—is excellent unless restricted by other medical conditions. Look for a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) for help with designing an appropriate exercise program.

4. Steroid Injection: You can try steroids for its anti-inflammatory effect. The caveat with steroids, of course, is that over time, they have a “breakdown” effect on body tissues, including joints. Also, if used for any length of time, they may contribute to the development of diabetes, medically caused Cushing’s disease, liver inflammation, immune suppression or other problems. 

In order to prevent gastric erosion or ulceration, vets will often prescribe medications such as histamine blockers (famotidine, cimetidine), proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole) or gastrointestinal protectants (sucralfate). If ulcer symptoms develop, steroids should be discontinued. All this having been said, many old dogs with advanced arthritis can get four to eight weeks of benefit from a long-lasting steroid injection.

While arthritis is common in dogs, it can be a manageable condition. By understanding the different types of arthritis, recognising early symptoms such as stiffness, limping, or reluctance to move, and exploring treatment and prevention options, you can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.

Early intervention with proper care, including joint supplements, weight management, and appropriate exercise, can help slow the progression of arthritis and keep your furry friend active and comfortable for years to come. Regular vet check-ups and a proactive approach are key to managing this condition effectively.