Arthritis is a condition that leads to pain and progressive degeneration of the joint. It can affect many aspects of a dog’s life including causing reduced mobility, painful joints and a poor quality of life. Signs can often be subtle and many dogs won’t yelp, cry or vocalise the pain they are experiencing.

It is therefore important to look out for signs like limping, slowing down on walks, being slow to rise or having difficulty jumping. While many cases of arthritis occur in older, overweight and larger breed dogs, the condition can affect dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds.

Many cases go undiagnosed because of the common misconception that slowing down is a natural symptom of getting older.
Dogs don’t have to suffer from the pain of arthritis

Dogs of all types may be affected by Arthritis Pain

• Arthritis pain is often caused by hip dysplasia or various other physical conditions
• Excess weight can often contribute to arthritis and make it worse
• Dogs age faster than humans and arthritis pain will affect them much earlier in life than is often recognised
• Both large and small dogs should be screened for arthritis
• Small dogs are often not diagnosed because physical changes can be more difficult to recognise

Around 4 out of every 10 dogs have signs of arthritis pain
— do you know how to recognise the symptoms?

Could your dog have arthritis?

Any dog can develop arthritis. Knowing the signs will help you determine when your dog may need veterinary attention.
This checklist will help identify your dog’s activities and behaviours that might be signs of arthritis, which can be painful.
Think about your dog’s activity in the past month.

Access the check list quiz below. There you can check all of the signs that you’ve observed in your dog.

If you noticed any of these behaviours in your dog, it’s possible your dog is suffering from arthritis pain.

The sooner your dog is examined and diagnosed, the sooner your dog can be treated and return to a more comfortable life.

Speak with a veterinarian today Call 6455 7800 or book online here

Many dogs are suffering in silence…

…and while we can’t completely stop the disease, we can manage the pain and give dogs a good quality of life.

• Treating pain can help maintain muscle, reduce weight, and improve quality of life—for all dogs with arthritis
• Recognising and treating pain can help restore the important bond between you and your dog

Arthritis is a potentially life-threating disease, but the good news is that your veterinarian can recommend treatments and a long-term plan to ensure your dog lives a more comfortable life.
Your dog loves you unconditionally, show them you care too by helping them manage their arthritis pain and discomfort so they can live their best life.

Starting an arthritis management plan? Check out our resources here…

References:

1. Johnston SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology and pathobiology. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract 1997;27:699-723.
2. Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, Lascelles BDX, Pavlock AM. Diagnosis and treatment rates of osteoarthritis in dogs using a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) or Health Questionnaire for Osteoarthritis in general veterinary practice. ISPOR. 2019.

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