What are the symptoms?
Here are three symptoms to look out for in order to recognize arthritis in dogs and tips on how to act quickly:
- Stiffness and difficulty moving: If your dog has difficulty standing up, stretching or carrying out their normal activities;
- Decreased muscle mass: If you notice that your dog has suddenly lost muscle mass around a particular joint;
- Changed behavior: Arthritis can also lead to changed behavior in dogs, such as inexplicable aggression or withdrawn behavior.
If your dog suddenly starts behaving differently or seems to have inexplicable pain, it is important to contact the veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis. The veterinarian can prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy to treat the condition. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
Max was a lively six-year-old golden retriever and he loved to get up early to go for a walk. But today was different. Instead of wagging his tail and running around, he followed Lisa around and seemed to have difficulty standing up.
How does arthritis develop in dogs?
But how does arthritis actually develop in dogs? There are various reasons why dogs can get arthritis. One of them is old age. The cartilage in the joints can wear out over time, which is more common in older dogs. In addition, overloading the joints, such as in dogs that move intensively or weigh too much, can lead to arthritis. Hereditary factors can also play a role, as some dogs are naturally at higher risk of arthritis. Furthermore, injury to the joints, such as a fracture or sprain, can lead to arthritis. Finally, abnormalities of the joints, such as hip dysplasia, can also cause arthritis.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose arthritis in dogs, the veterinarian may conduct a physical examination, for example, observing and palpating the dog to see if there are signs of arthritis. In addition, the veterinarian may take X-rays or an MRI to assess the condition of the joints. This can help to identify abnormalities such as cartilage wear. The veterinarian may also conduct blood or urine tests to look for other conditions that may lead to arthritis. Based on the results of these tests, the veterinarian can make a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment. It is important to diagnose arthritis in dogs in a timely manner and treat it, as this can help improve the dog’s quality of life and prevent further complications.
How can I prevent or manage arthritis in dogs?
There are several ways to make a dog’s life with arthritis more comfortable. One of the most important things is to ensure that the dog gets enough rest. This may mean that the dog does not move too much or that it does not spend too much time on hard surfaces. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints.
Using a dog pram can also be an extremely suitable solution to make a dog’s life with arthritis more comfortable. A dog stroller is a special type of pushchair in which the dog can sit when it is tired or has too much pain to walk. The stroller gives the dog the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and movement without having to endure too much strain on the joints.
It can also be helpful to feed the dog a diet that is tailored to the needs of dogs with arthritis. This may mean that the dog is given food with extra nutrients that can help to keep the joints healthy, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. It is also important to allow the dog to exercise in a way that does not put too much strain on the joints, such as swimming instead of running.
Finally, it may sometimes be helpful to give the dog painkillers or other medications prescribed by the veterinarian to reduce pain and stiffness. It is important to always consult the veterinarian before giving medications or other treatments to your dog. The veterinarian can help you find the best solution to make your dog’s life with arthritis more comfortable.