Arthritis and Dogs

Arthritis doesn’t discriminate. It affects not only people of all ages -- including children -- but also strikes our dogs, too. In fact, arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the U.S. and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.

How do you know if it’s arthritis? Your dog can’t explain what’s wrong with him, so it’s important to watch his behavior closely and take even subtle changes seriously.

Signs that your dog may have arthritis include:

Favoring a limb
Difficulty sitting or standing
Sleeping more
Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
Weight gain
Decreased activity or less interest in play
Attitude or behavior changes
Being less alert

If your dog seems to have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks take him to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. 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 your dog's arthritis is similar to treating that of human arthritis. Therapies may include:

Healthy diet and exercise to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs. You can also use over-the-counter pet treatments with your dog, such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both have shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Your veterinarian may prescribe both an NSAID and an over-the-counter treatment that together may help decrease pain and disease progression.
But never give your dog human medication without checking first with your veterinarian. Certain medications can be toxic to dogs -- such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

No matter how you decide to treat your dog’s arthritis, make sure you work with your veterinarian to make sure that you select a program that helps your best friend.

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