6 Symptoms of Dog Arthritis

Do you have an older dog? Are you worried that they might have arthritis? Dogs who have arthritis are typically good at hiding their symptoms, but as the condition progresses, you may notice more telling signs that something isn’t quite right with your canine companion.

In the article below, you’ll find more information about arthritis in dogs. You can use this guide to learn how to recognize symptoms of dog arthritis early. From there, you can plan to take your dog to the veterinarian before the problem worsens, and you can help your pet find the best course of action for managing the problem, too. Read on to find out more.

1. Guarding and Hiding

Guarding is a sign of pain in most dogs. If your dog is hurting in a specific location on their body, they may be very protective of that body part. For example, if your dog’s back leg hurts, they may growl or snap if you try to pet that leg or examine it in any way.

Hiding behaviors are also associated with pain in dogs. Dogs who are in a lot of pain may be prone to hiding under or behind furniture, or you may find them tucked into a closet or an out-of-the-way room instead.

2. Whimpering

Some dogs may show signs of pain by whimpering or whining when they hurt. Although other dogs may hide their pain and refuse to whimper, your dog may be the type who is more vocal about their pain.

If your dog seems to whimper or whine when walking, running, jumping, or playing, this may be a sign they are dealing with joint pain. Take your dog to the vet to find out for sure what could be causing this sign of pain in your pet.

3. Limping or Dragging Legs

If your dog is dealing with arthritis, they may be unable to put full weight on one or more of their legs. Your dog may limp because their leg is hurting or may drag one of their legs when walking. Both of these signs can be associated with other health problems too, but they are most commonly found in dogs with arthritis.

4. Difficulty Jumping and Climbing Stairs

One of the most common and earliest signs of arthritis in dogs is an inability or unwillingness to jump or climb stairs. If your dog used to be the type to run and jump frequently but has started to slow down in older age, arthritis could be the cause. And if your pet has trouble getting up the steps in your home when this was not a problem before, they could have arthritis as well.

Watch your aging dog closely for signs that they might be having more trouble moving than before. By catching these signs early, you can help your pet combat arthritis more effectively.

5. Stiffness When Waking Up

Dogs who have arthritis—just like humans with this condition—are often stiffer when they first wake up. They may take a long time to get up out of bed. Your dog, who once sprang out of bed for breakfast every day, may now need several minutes to get to their food dish.

Although it can be difficult to see your dog aging in this way, there are many options for pets with arthritis. Your vet can help you figure out the best way to manage your dog’s pain and help them live a normal life as they get older.

6. Slower Walking

As your dog gets older, it may be normal for them to slow down a little bit on the daily walks. However, if you find that your dog has slowed down significantly and doesn’t seem to be interested in walking much anymore, this could be due to arthritis.

While it is important to let your pet rest more frequently if dealing with arthritis, you should still try to keep up with walking them a little bit every day, unless otherwise directed by your vet.

Boston Veterinary Clinic Can Help Manage Your Dogs Arthritis

Now that you’ve had a chance to read up on this information, you can better recognize when your pet may be dealing with arthritis. Although arthritis is not a curable condition, it is a treatable one, and your pet can continue living a fulfilling and happy life even after an arthritis diagnosis.

Make sure you work with your trusted Boston Veterinary Clinic team to help you plan the right treatment and management for your dog’s condition. With the right plan in mind, you can help your pet stay mobile and comfortable for as long as possible.

To talk with a your vet at Boston Veterinary Clinic about your dog’s arthritis book an appointment online today!