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Arthritis is a common condition among senior dogs, which many dog owners need to deal with at one point in time. As such, it is vital for pet owners to know what signs indicate their dog is developing the disease, and the manner for effectively managing all symptoms. This can help ensure that your dog does not suffer badly from the ailment, and can enjoy an active lifestyle for a longer time, which in turn, can help control it better. Here we explore how common arthritis is in dogs and ways to identify and manage it.
What percentage of senior dogs develop arthritis?
Arthritis in dogs is such a common challenge which about 80% of senior dogs develop and suffer from it. In fact, some research has shown that roughly 20% of dogs can develop this issue soon after they cross one year of age. The term senior here means dogs who are over seven years of age.
So, if you are wondering whether your dog has developed arthritis, consider their age, and look for signs and symptoms of the ailment to determine whether it is a possibility. Considering the high percentage of dogs who can develop it, there is a good chance that your dog too is suffering from it. However, getting a confirmed diagnosis from a vet is essential to ensure you identify correctly and understand an appropriate course of action.
But, in addition to age, what percentage of senior dogs develop arthritis is also dependent on their breed, size of the dog, genetics, and overall health. Certain breeds like golden retrievers, labradors, and some others are more prone to develop this ailment.
Does my senior dog have arthritis?
If you are wondering whether your dog has arthritis or not, it is essential to notice some of its tell-tale signs. Should you find your dog exhibiting any of the following symptoms, there is a high chance that they have arthritis. So, look out for the following indicators:
- Change Of Movement: Has your dog’s walk or gait changed? Are they walking in a limping movement? These changes could be a sign of arthritis. Make a note of these variations, and look for whether the dog is favoring one leg over the other, as a critical sign.
- Swelling: If your dog’s body is swollen in certain areas, joints to be specific, or these areas are hotter than their overall body temperature, it could be a sign of arthritis in your dog. Make sure you often check for these signs, particularly for older dogs.
- Inability to Move: Another straightforward sign of your dog having developed arthritis is that they are hesitant or reluctant to move as much as before. This arises from a fear of pain and discomfort which the activities cause, and agony they are already experiencing.
- Changes In Behavior: Has your dog been more irritated recently? Are they more aggressive and behaving unlike themselves? In such cases, check for other signs and symptoms of arthritis to find out whether the reason behind these changes is onset or severe development of the issue.
If you suspect your dog has arthritis, make sure to remember to consult with a vet to get a confirmed diagnosis. This will not only help in being sure of whether or not your dog has it, but will also lead you to get impactful information about ways in which it can be managed. A vet will help you understand the severity, and in what ways you can best manage it, what you should expect, what to do and what to avoid, how its progression will go, and what remedies or treatment of arthritis in dogs can be tried to help alleviate their regular suffering.
With detailed information provided by the vet, it will be possible to help your dog gain all the advantages that they can, and live as comfortable a life as possible for them.
At what age can a dog develop arthritis?
While senior dogs, over 7 years of age are most at risk of developing arthritis, in general dogs can also develop the issue at a younger age. A range of factors, mentioned above, including their level of activity and fitness level can also go into determining whether and when they develop the condition.
For instance, a young or middle-aged dog can still develop arthritis, despite it not being a common occurrence. In these situations, the ailment usually develops because of some kind of challenges with normal development like dysplasia. Nevertheless, by addressing these issues in time, its outset can be delayed or prevented.
In senior dogs, arthritis typically appears because of natural deterioration of bones, particularly joints as a result of age. In such cases, breeds prone to arthritis are bigger in size are more susceptible to develop the issue.
Can you stop arthritis in dogs?
Stopping arthritis in dogs is not possible. However, preventive steps can be taken in order to delay its emergence and slow down its progression. Some helpful measures include the following:
- Manage their weight from an early age. Do not let your dog become overweight because that causes significant strain on their joints.
- Keep them physically active with regular exercise, which will help make their dog joints and bones strong and help delay or prevent the development of arthritis.
- Provide them with a balanced diet at all times from the beginning, ensuring that they receive all the nutrients they need to keep healthy and fit for a long time.
Conclusion
Arthritis in dogs is an incredibly common challenge. Therefore, it is essential to know when your dog has started developing it and consult with a vet at the earliest to seek treatment as needed. In severe cases, your dog might need physical therapy, pain management medications, or other treatments in order to stay relatively comfortable. To ensure your dog lives a happy and healthy life, pay attention to their health from the beginning, and this will allow them to remain disease-free for a long time.
