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Dog joint pain is one of the most common issues in older pets. It can be an invisible illness for aging pups; they may be in pain, even if they can't show or tell you.
The sooner they’re evaluated and treated, the better – quick diagnosis and treatment can relieve your pup’s pain. You’ll be enjoying walks together for years to come.
Healthy lifestyle choices can help your dog avoid joint pain altogether. Exercise, healthy diet, and regular wellness check-ups all reduce risk of developing issues.
Keep reading to learn more about causes of joint pain, symptoms, treatments, and preventative steps you can take to help your pup.
What is Joint Pain in Dogs?
Joint pain in dogs is a serious condition resulting from congenital or age-related issues in pets. As dogs age, their bodies start to weaken due to naturally occurring muscle loss and increased pressure on their joints.
Cartilage and tendons gradually wear, leading to inflammation, bone spurs, weakened joints, and skeletal or muscular issues.
Dogs may experience joint pain in the following areas:
- Hips
- Knees
- Ankles
- Shoulders
- Elbows
Most dogs show symptoms in different ways, so joint pain may not look the same on every dog.
This condition can be chronic and severe for your pet, even if they are not exhibiting clear symptoms. It’s crucial for all dogs to be evaluated for pain so that it can be caught and treated in the way that is best for their health.
Does My Dog Need an Orthopedic Evaluation?
1. Have you observed that your dog has an abnormal stance or gait?
2. Is your dog limping or favoring their leg or paw?
3. Does your dog have a history of arthritis and seems to be in pain?
4. Is your dog showing signs of lameness (constant or intermittent)?
5. Is your dog showing reluctance or the inability to stand up?
6. Is your dog reluctant or unable to jump up or climb stairs?
7. Is your dog more irritable than usual?
8. Is your dog more lethargic than usual?
9. Does your dog seem to be physically uncomfortable or in pain?
10. Does your dog’s appetite seem less than usual?
11. Has your dog gained weight recently with no explanation?
12. Is your dog more hesitant to go for walks?
13. Is your dog tilting their head more than usual?
14. Is your dog shifting their wait while standing or walking more than usual?
15. Is your dog showing signs of stiffness in legs or joints?
16. Is your dog experiencing swelling of their joints?
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Does My Dog Need an Orthopedic Evaluation?
1. Have you observed that your dog has an abnormal stance or gait?
2. Is your dog limping or favoring their leg or paw?
3. Does your dog have a history of arthritis and seems to be in pain?
4. Is your dog showing signs of lameness (constant or intermittent)?
5. Is your dog showing reluctance or the inability to stand up?
6. Is your dog reluctant or unable to jump up or climb stairs?
7. Is your dog more irritable than usual?
8. Is your dog more lethargic than usual?
9. Does your dog seem to be physically uncomfortable or in pain?
10. Does your dog’s appetite seem less than usual?
11. Has your dog gained weight recently with no explanation?
12. Is your dog more hesitant to go for walks?
13. Is your dog tilting their head more than usual?
14. Is your dog shifting their wait while standing or walking more than usual?
15. Is your dog showing signs of stiffness in legs or joints?
16. Is your dog experiencing swelling of their joints?
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Types of Dog Joint Issues
There are two main types of joint issues that may cause pain for dogs - degenerative and developmental.
Developmental Joint Issues
Dogs can be predisposed to development issues because of their breed or a congenital defect. Certain breeds may experience pain in different areas because of how their weight is distributed throughout their body and their skeletal structure.
Dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia may experience increasing joint pain as they age. Congenital issues or other conditions can be identified with testing.
Degenerative Joint Pain
Degenerative joint changes in dogs is a normal aging process that results in various levels of pain. As dogs get older, their joints, cartilage, and tendons wear down from day-to-day use. The cushion that normally surrounds their bone is worn down, so their bones scrape together when they move.
This can cause mild to severe pain for aging dogs.
Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs
There are a range of symptoms of dog joint pain, from mild to severe. It can be difficult to tell if your dog is in pain, since these symptoms are not always obvious.
Your dog may be experiencing joint pain if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty getting up or laying down
- Scratching, biting, or licking a certain area
- Fatigue or signs of depression
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in behavior, including irritability or aggression
- Cracking joints
- Swelling
- Limping
- Reduced mobility
- Trouble going up stairs or jumping
- Whining, yelping, grunting, or whimpering
- Falling or slipping
When to Seek Vet Care
Your dog's joint pain is treated best when caught early. In my practice we routinely screen for joint pain by assessing mobility and behavioral cues during an Orthopedic Consultation, so that we can catch issues before they get worse.
We're able to identify and diagnose joint pain based on even subtle cues and can implement a treatment plan to manage and reduce your dog’s pain. If you notice any escalating symptoms of joint pain in your dog, have them evaluated by a licensed veterinarian.
Diagnosis of Dog Joint Pain
Diagnosing a dog with joint pain involves a thorough veterinary checkup and testing, which may include diagnostic imaging (x-rays) and blood work.
Typically diagnosing joint issues in dogs will involve some or all of the following:
Veterinary Exam
During a standard wellness exam, we thoroughly evaluate your pup to check for mobility issues or signs that they’re in pain.
X-Rays
Veterinary x-rays are used to take a look inside your dog’s joints and assess the level of bony changes and inflammation that occur within the joint from developmental or degenerative causes.
Blood/Urine Tests
Blood tests or urinalysis can help identify other possible causes of joint pain and inflammation. These tests also help to determine a safe long-term treatment plan.
Fluid Analysis
We may draw a sample of joint fluid to test for inflammation or other conditions. As always, we take the utmost care to keep your dog feeling comfortable and safe throughout the exam and any necessary procedures.
Treatment for Dogs with Joint Issues
There are several different strategies to treat joint pain in dogs. The well-being of your pet is our highest-priority, so we typically start with less invasive treatments first before progressing to more involved procedures.
Nutrition
Incorporating a healthy diet and supplements like omega 3 fatty acids can help support joint health.
Weight Management
A healthy weight reduces pressure on your dog’s joints and can help to minimize pain.
Exercise
Regular low impact exercise promotes joint health and aids in weight loss.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy uses targeted exercises to improve mobility and strengthen joints and muscles.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent joint pain in dogs. Keeping your dog on a healthy diet and ensuring that they stay active is a great way to maintain their mobility and keep them pain-free.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Standard, low-risk medications that help treat pain by reducing inflammation.
Prescription Pain Management Drugs
Gabapentin or opioids are often used in combination with NSAIDs for dogs with moderate to severe pain to help reduce pain associated with joint inflammation.
Librela is a newly-approved, highly effective monthly injectable therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis pain.
Surgery
Sometimes a surgical intervention is the best way to correct your dog’s joint issues and return them to a normal quality of life.
Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Limps after exercise or active play.
2. Has trouble keeping up on walks.
3. Is slow to get up from sitting or lying down.
4. Has difficulty jumping up and down.
5. Seems stiff when moving around.
6. Has difficulty climbing up and going down the stairs.
7. Changes in appetite - your dog is showing less interest in food.
8. Changes in grooming - your dog is not grooming as much or is licking certain areas more than usual.
9. Personality changes - your dog is less sociable than usual or is resistant to being touched.
10. Changes in potty habits - your dog is having accidents inside the house or does not want to go outside.
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Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Limps after exercise or active play.
2. Has trouble keeping up on walks.
3. Is slow to get up from sitting or lying down.
4. Has difficulty jumping up and down.
5. Seems stiff when moving around.
6. Has difficulty climbing up and going down the stairs.
7. Changes in appetite - your dog is showing less interest in food.
8. Changes in grooming - your dog is not grooming as much or is licking certain areas more than usual.
9. Personality changes - your dog is less sociable than usual or is resistant to being touched.
10. Changes in potty habits - your dog is having accidents inside the house or does not want to go outside.
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Prognosis of Dog Joint Pain
Many pets make significant improvements once their condition is identified and addressed. Treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, and surgeries can drastically improve your pet’s quality of life.
Pups who aren’t responsive to one treatment may have their symptoms managed by another, so we always recommend a holistic approach. Dogs who implement lifestyle changes, take medications or supplements, and exercise regularly experience less pain and stay mobile longer.
In the rare event of any complications, including reactions to medication or issues regarding surgery, your veterinarian will explore all alternate options to help your pet maintain their quality of life.
Conclusion
Identifying and managing your dog’s joint pain gives them the highest quality of life possible. By staying on top of preventive care and treating symptoms where needed, we can manage or reduce your pup’s pain. If your dog is in pain, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do dogs start having joint problems?
Dogs of any age can develop joint problems and pain. Dogs who have a genetic predisposition to joint pain may develop symptoms in early years of life. Other dogs may not show symptoms until they are older and their joints begin to naturally weaken over time.
Does walking help joint pain in dogs?
Yes, walking is typically very helpful to improving joint health in dogs. Regular physical activity improves mobility, strengthens muscles and joints, and helps dogs maintain a healthy weight.
Can I give my dog human Tylenol for pain?
No, it is not recommended to give Tylenol to dogs. Tylenol is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney and liver damage. If you suspect your dog is in pain, reach out to your veterinarian to discuss safe options.
What is a good home remedy for pain for dogs?
Omega-3-fatty acids, glucosamine, and green-lipped mussel extract are a few examples of supplements you can add into your dog's daily routine to promote healthy joints. Always discuss adding supplements to your dog’s diet with your veterinarian before making any changes.
