Arthritis is a common ailment among dogs, especially senior ones. There are two types: degenerative joint disease—also known as osteoarthritis— and inflammatory joint disease. The former is more common and causes the cartilage around a joint to deteriorate; when this happens, this eliminates the cushion that makes movement possible and comfortable. While a professional diagnosis at a pet hospital is necessary, there are a few warning signs your canine companion may have this issue.

Common Symptoms

Physical

If your dog is limping, slowing down on walks, or unable to move as easily as they did before, they likely have arthritis. Since the cartilage is deteriorating, it makes basic movements challenging and painful for them, as well as hinders their mobility. You should visit the pet hospital to confirm if these symptoms are due to arthritis or other injuries.

Behavioral 

Aside from physical symptoms, you may see a shift in their behavior and personality. Your dog may seem more aggressive or irritable. Much like humans, they can lash out when they're in pain, especially if they don't understand the source of it. A more subtle example of this is if they seem more tired than usual. If you aren't extending your daily walks or being more active with them, their fatigue may be due to aching joints.

Treatment

Weight Loss & Exercise

Weight gain causes and worsens a significant amount of canine arthritis cases. When a dog is heavier than the average weight range of their species, it adds stress to their joints. If this is true of your dog, a veterinarian will likely recommend diet and exercise. Furthermore, even if they don't have arthritis, being overweight can increase the likelihood that it could develop, or cause other problems like canine heart disease.

Medication & Surgery 

For more severe cases of canine arthritis, pharmaceutical drugs may be necessary. They range from anti-inflammatory pills to routine injections once or twice a year at a pet hospital. Depending on the extent and spread of arthritis, your dog may benefit from surgery. The exact procedure will vary depending on the case, but standard options include replacing a joint with an artificial one or fusing the damaged joints.

If you're worried that your dog has arthritis, make an appointment with Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital in Southgate, KY. For more than 60 years, people throughout northern Kentucky and Downtown Cincinnati have been trusting this pet hospital for everything from basic wellness testing to soft tissue surgery. For information on all the veterinary services they offer, visit their website or call (859)781-1800.