Some dogs develop arthritis at a young age but may not receive a diagnosis until later in life. At this point, the arthritis might be at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the condition.
Arthritis in dogs is common, and it often starts at a young age. The condition can develop quickly and cannot be reversed.
Receiving an early diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment can help slow the progression of arthritis and improve your pet’s overall quality of life by reducing discomfort and pain.
If your dog has received an arthritis diagnosis, you can take several steps to help them feel better and manage the condition.
What’s the best combination of therapies for treating arthritis in dogs?
Lupe Rodríguez/Stocksy United
A 2019 report based on medical data from 2.5 million dogs in the United States revealed that 52% of dogs with arthritis are overweight, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Making some changes to your dog’s diet and managing their weight can help lessen the strain on their joints, reduce pain, and lower inflammation. Daily physical exercise can promote weight loss and improve joint mobility.
Along with changes to your dog’s diet and habits, a combination of therapies can help manage arthritis and reduce your pet’s discomfort. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Other options may include:
supplements
acupuncture
physical therapy
water treadmill therapy
laser therapy
These options can help manage your dog’s pain levels. A veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate combination of therapies for treating your dog’s arthritis.
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What forms of arthritis are the most common in dogs?
Millions of dogs develop arthritis at some point in their life. According to a 2018 study, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis that vets diagnose in dogs in the United Kingdom. And, citing the 2019 report mentioned earlier, the AAHA suggests that 66% of dogs in the United States have osteoarthritis.
That said, arthritis is not the only condition that can affect a dog’s joints. Other types of joint conditions may include:
joint incongruity, like irregularly developed elbows
osteochondrosis, where the blood supply to the bones is affected
trauma and fractures in the joint
Are any breeds more susceptible to arthritis than others?
Any dog can develop arthritis, regardless of their size, breed, or weight. Yet certain breeds may have a higher risk of developing arthritis than others, particularly if they are selectively bred to be heavy and large.
A 2018 study found that certain breeds usually have a higher chance of developing this chronic condition, including:
golden retrievers
Labrador retrievers
rottweilers
German shepherds
border collies
Is keeping them active important, or will it make it worse?
Keeping your pet active is very important. Daily exercise can help improve mobility and reduce inflammation. It is important to avoid high impact activities to prevent joint trauma and injuries. Short walks and slow, gentle, controlled movements can help improve the range of motion in your dog’s joints.
Physical therapy can significantly help your dog’s arthritis because it promotes joint mobility. Hydrotherapy, also called water therapy, can have similar benefits to physical therapy while also easing joint pressure and having a soothing effect.
A veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate types of exercise and intensity levels for your dog while taking into consideration the severity of their arthritis and overall symptoms.
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Which medications are most effective for canine arthritis?
After performing a blood test to check whether your dog can tolerate prescription medications, a veterinarian may recommend some drugs to help manage arthritis pain.
alternative pain medications, like Amantadine and Gabapentin
injections into the joints, also known as intra-articular treatments, like corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy in dogs
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is popular among humans for pain management, but experts have not been able to confirm the same benefits in veterinary medicine, and study results have proven mixed or unfavorable. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of CBD-based treatments in dogs.
Acetaminophen and aspirin
Medications like acetaminophen and aspirin have high risks of toxicity when used in the long term, and they are not as effective as the drugs listed above.
Opioids
Opioids are no longer given to dogs for long-term pain management to avoid the risk of human misuse.
Human NSAIDs
Keep in mind that NSAIDs for human use, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, are toxic to dogs. You should never give medications intended for humans to your dog to relieve their pain, as this can cause some serious side effects, including some that may lead to death.
You should always consult a vet before giving your dog any medication.
Having regular check-ups with a vet and treating your dog in accordance with their advice can help keep their arthritis under control and reduce the risk of long-term side effects that specific, long term medications may cause.
If your dog takes medications and has any side effects, or if they appear to be in discomfort, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.
The vet will be able to perform relevant tests to determine the cause of your dog’s symptoms. They also check whether their arthritis is progressing and whether they need to make any changes to your dog’s treatment plan.
Summary
Arthritis is a common health condition in many dog breeds. Veterinarians often diagnose the condition when it is in an advanced stage, but dogs may start developing arthritis at a younger age. The condition can occur in any dog, at any age, but it is more common in breeds characterized by a greater size and weight.
An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help slow arthritis progression. A combination of medications, dietary changes, and physical activity can help reduce your dog’s inflammation and effectively manage their discomfort.
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