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What Are The Major Causes Of Joint Pain In Dogs?

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Published
04/08/2020

Joint pains in dogs are often subtle in nature, so they are not always easily detected. It’s easy for pet owners to be oblivious to the symptoms, or perhaps confuse joint pain as a natural consequence of aging.

As a pet owner, it’s essential to be vigilant and look out for signs your dog is limping. Here are some prominent, which often signal joint pain:

  • Lagging behind on walks
  • Increased irritability
  • Slow to get up in the morning
  • Sleeping more
  • Lack of enthusiasm during fun activities
  • Difficulty getting in the car
  • Excessive licking
  • Swollen joints
  • Muscle loss

 

There are many reasons your dog may be experiencing joint pain, including factors like getting older, weight gain, or a health concern that is common for their breed. In most cases, you can elect to use joint chews for dogs as a means to alleviate the pain, a simple way to get your pet back on track.

Research suggests 20% of all dogs will suffer from some form of arthritis throughout their lifetime, one of the most common links with chronic pain in dogs.

With this being said, what are some of the most common causes of joint pain in dogs?


The Main Causes of Joint Pain in Dogs

Dog joint pain is a result of either degenerative or developmental problems. The latter is brought on by a hereditary predisposition, where genetic factors inevitably lead to complications in later life. Two prime examples of this are elbow and hip dysplasia.

Degenerative problems, on the other hand, develop over time, largely caused by environmental factors. For example, when a dog reaches an advanced age or has been overworked throughout its lifetime.

Older dogs can develop conditions like osteoarthritis as a consequence of years of wear and tear on their ligaments and joints.

Another consideration is the tendency for certain breeds to experience specific joint problems. Larger breeds tend to carry excess weight on their joints, which in turn can lead to developmental or degenerative issues.

Some breeds are particularly susceptible to specific joint problems. For example, Rottweilers are known to experience knee and ankle issues, Newfoundlands cruciate ligament disease, and Bernese Mountain dogs elbow dysplasia.

Having identified some of the leading causes of joint pain, let’s now address some preferable treatment options to alleviate the discomfort your beloved pet is experiencing:


Joint Pain Treatment Options

If you’ve noticed symptoms in your dog that don’t seem to be going away, a trip to the veterinarian is highly recommended. They’ll be qualified to recommend a course of action for you to treat your dog the correct way.

After performing a physical examination, your vet will be positioned to make a well-informed decision regarding treatment. The sooner this is undertaken, the higher the chance your dog will get better.

The course of treatment recommended will largely depend on the severity and type of pain your dog is experiencing. More severe joint pain can require surgery, whereas others can be treated with simple lifestyle changes. There are some great supplements and medications which can contribute to a speedy recovery.

Your vet will likely propose either surgical or non-surgical means of recovery.


Surgical Treatment

If surgery is a recommended option, your vet may propose options like:

  • Arthroscopic cleaning of the joint
  • Tissue replacement
  • Injections
  • Joint replacement

Non-surgical Treatment

On the other hand, non-surgical treatment is usually a preferred option. Here are some of the routes which are likely to be advised. These are primarily centered on lifestyle changes:

Strengthening

Strengthening is a great way to protect your dog’s joints. Safe exercise will promote better muscle function and muscle mass.


Weight Management

Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight will reduce the strain on its joints. You can thus decrease joint inflammation caused by fat.


Medications

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) offer relief from inflammation and joint pain. Pain relievers can also be used to manage conditions, especially when pain can’t be controlled with other medications.


Food and Supplements

There is a myriad of supplements that can be used to improve joint health in dogs. For example, fish oil is great for decreasing inflammation, whereas glucosamine has regenerative properties for joints. Joint health supplements are a fantastic way to improve your dog’s functioning.

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