Watching a dog you love suffer with joint pain can be difficult and finding ways to alleviate symptoms is part of responsible, caring pet ownership. As there are many reasons a canine might have joint pain, discovering the root cause is important for determining which type of treatment best suits your dog's situation.
What are the Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs?
Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not exempt from pain. In fact, renowned educator and dog expert, Stanley Coren, says that dogs not only feel pain, but also may feel more than we know. Coren's study of dogs has left him to note that their natural instincts of hiding pain to avert predators may lead to lessened symptoms, but not lesser damage to the animal's body and mind. With this in mind, if your dog suffers from joint pain, he or she may not show many visible outward signs, but keep an eye out for:
• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Panting, howling, or whimpering without reason
• Walking with an abnormal posture or stiff legs
• Easily Irritated
• Shows an aversion to petting and interaction with humans and other animals
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet as soon as possible for diagnosis. Although these are common ways in which canine's express pain, there could be something more serious going on.
What Causes Joint Pain in Dogs?
Much like humans, a dog's body is not exempt from illness. Everyday wear and tear from aging, injury, and disease can take a toll on our joints and theirs. Getting a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian is the best way to find out what is causing your dog's joint pain, but here are a few of the most common reasons:
• Arthritis: The number one cause of joint pain in older dogs and according to a recent article from the Arthritis Foundation, one in five adult dogs are treated for the condition each year.
• Injury: Often brought about by over-extension of tendons and ligaments during normal play or exercise, but can be due to blunt trauma or attack.
• Dislocation: Typically either from genetic anomaly or blunt force directly to the joint. Most often occurs in the hip region of older dogs.
• Disease: Other than arthritis, serious illness such as cancer and Lyme disease will often cause inflammation and chronic pain in a canine's joints.
What Treatment Options are Available?
Veterinary medicine has made great strides towards diagnosis and treatment of joint pain within the past decade. Surgical procedures to repair injured and dislocated joints, as well as advanced medicines designed to target joint inflammation and infection are two of the most widely used treatment options available. However, your vet may recommend that you do the following at home to reduce symptoms and prevent repeat occurrences of injury:
• Put your pet on a recommended diet
• Encourage regular, non-strenuous exercise
• Limit your dog's activities
• Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date
• Make routine preventative appointments with your vet
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