Arthritis is a common and often debilitating condition in senior dogs, characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints. Early detection and management are crucial to maintaining your dog's quality of life as they age. 

Recognizing the signs of arthritis and implementing an effective treatment plan as early as possible can make a significant difference. 

With specifically designed products to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and improve joint health, like Super Snouts Hemp Company at The Fetching Dog, your pup could experience happier, healthy, pain-free years. 

Learn more about causes and symptoms of arthritis, and how you can help improve your dog’s joint health. 

Causes of Arthritis in Senior Dogs

Understanding the factors that contribute to arthritis can help you take proactive steps to prevent or manage the condition in your senior dog. Here are a few common causes: 

  1. Age-Related Wear and Tear on Joints: As dogs age, the cartilage that cushions their joints gradually wears down, leading to osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis.
  2. Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds seem more likely to develop arthritis than others, especially large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. These dogs are also predisposed to other elbow, hip, and joint-related conditions.
  3. Obesity as a Contributing Factor: Excess weight puts additional stress on your dog's joints, exacerbating the wear and tear and accelerating the onset of arthritis.
  4. Previous or repetitive joint trauma: If your dog suffered a severe injury early in life, or if they’ve had repeated injuries over the course of their life, this can lead to joint damage and arthritis as they age.
  5. Bacteria: Another type of arthritis, infectious arthritis, is caused by a bacteria or other infectious agent, and it’s typically isolated to only one or a few joints.
  6. Immune-mediated disease: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition caused by the dog’s immune system mistakenly attacking joint cells.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Senior Dogs

The earlier you can recognize the symptoms of arthritis in your dog, the sooner you can find an effective treatment plan. Look out for the following signs in your senior dog: 

  • Decreased Activity Levels: Dogs with arthritis may become less active and reluctant to engage in activities they once enjoyed, like running, jumping, or playing. You may also notice your dog moving slower than they used to.
  • Stiffness in Joints: You may notice your dog moving more slowly, especially after periods of rest.
  • Difficulty Rising or Climbing Stairs: Dogs with arthritis often struggle to get up from lying down or walking up and down steps.
  • Noticeable Lameness or Limping: Limping or favoring one leg over another can be a clear indication of joint pain.
  • Unexpected aggression: If your dog becomes defensive when you try to touch certain parts of their body, or you notice them becoming uncharacteristically aggressive towards other dogs or people, this could be a sign of joint pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital for managing arthritis in senior dogs. Here are a few diagnosis and treatment options: 

Veterinary Examination and Diagnostic Tests

Before you can start a treatment plan for your dog, you’ll need a thorough examination by a veterinarian, including X-rays or other imaging tests. These tests can confirm the presence of arthritis and its severity, so you can figure out what management plan is right for your dog. 

In many cases, once arthritis has been established, there is no cure, but there are many ways to manage your dog’s arthritis, minimize their pain, and get them moving like they used to. 

Anti-inflammatories and Supplements

One of the main ways that you can help improve your dog’s joint health and relieve arthritis pain is by reducing inflammation in your dog’s joints. There are variety of supplements and natural remedies that you can use for this, including: 

  • CBD: Cannabidiol (CBD) products, like those from Austin & Kat, CBDDog Health, and Super Snouts Hemp Company, can alleviate pain and inflammation.
  • Joint Supplements: Supplements specially-tailored with vitamins like glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce inflammation in your dog’s joints. The Fetching Dog carries a variety of joint supplements, like those from Ark Naturals.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, like Ultra Oil and fish oil supplements, can also help naturally reduce inflammation in your dog’s joints. They also have the added benefit of improving your dog’s skin and coat.

Lifestyle Changes for Joint Health

A variety of lifestyle factors can affect your dog’s joint health and make arthritis symptoms worse. Making a few changes to your dog’s normal routine, you can help ease their pain and reduce joint inflammation. 

  1. Regular Low-Impact Exercise

If your dog has developed arthritis, changing the types of exercise and activity your pup engages in can help reduce stress to their joints. While running, hiking, and other intense exercise can be too much for your dog, low-impact activities like swimming and gentle walks can help maintain joint mobility without causing additional stress. 

In many cases, your vet may recommend physical therapy for your dog. Similar to human physical therapy, this often involves low-impact exercises, stretches, and other techniques that promote joint mobility. Hydrotherapy, which involves an underwater treadmill, is a popular option. 

  1. Weight Management Strategies

When your dog is overweight, it adds additional stress to their joints, making arthritis pain worse. Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise is crucial to keeping your pup happy and healthy. 

Your vet or veterinary nutritionist can help walk you through what diet is best for your dog based on their age, breed, size, activity levels, and other factors. The Fetching Dog also provides nutritional counseling services to help with weight management. 

  1. Comfortable Bedding and Warm Environments

Hard surfaces like hardwood floors, firm beds, and steep stairs can be tough on dogs with arthritis. Provide your dog with a soft, supportive bed that is gentle on their joints for added comfort. 

Hardwood and tile floors can be tough on dogs with joint pain. Use rugs, yoga mats, or other soft surfaces to create pathways through your home to make it easier for your dog to move around. Similarly, adding ramps to their beloved spots around the house where they can no longer jump, like couches and beds, can help keep them as comfortable as possible. 

Reduce Your Dog’s Joint Pain and Inflammation with Help from The Fetching Dog

Regular veterinary check-ups and proactive care are essential in managing arthritis in senior dogs. Early detection and a comprehensive management plan can significantly improve your dog's quality of life. 

The Fetching Dog is your one-stop-shop for treats, supplements, and other necessities to help manage your dog’s arthritis. Stop by our Scottsdale location and talk with our helpful staff today! We can help your senior dog stay active, comfortable, and happy in their golden years.