Signs of arthritis in dogs:

Arthritis is a very common and highly prevalent joint disease in dogs, both elderly and young dogs. It is an inflammation and degeneration of the joints. The most affected joints are the knee joint, stifle joint, carpal joint, etc. Depending upon the causes of arthritis and susceptibility of dogs, this disease affects both aged and adult dogs. There are cartilages and lubricating fluids between the bones at joints. Due to repeated movement and other reasons, cartilage degenerates, and at the same time, lubrication is impaired due to a deficiency of lubricating fluid, thus causing arthritis and other joint issues.

7 signs of arthritis in dogs:

Due to arthritis, dogs may exhibit many signs and symptoms that are helpful in early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the breeds of dogs, causative agents of arthritis, and severity level. Here we will explore 7 signs of arthritis that are commonly shown by arthritic dogs, which assist pet owners to early detect arthritis and accordingly take care to prevent further deterioration.

Limping and staggering:

Chronic arthritis causes limping and lameness in dogs. Depending upon the affected joint, the limping pattern can vary. For example, if the left hind leg is affected, your dog will prefer to walk with the help of the right hind leg to mitigate pain associated with the arthritic leg. If the vertebral column is affected, both or one of the hind legs may be affected, and this results in limping. Whenever you notice such signs, pay complete heed to discover more about the dog's health and make arrangements to free your dog from this debilitating health problem.

Change in routine activities:

Arthritis causes heavy pain if it is of severe nature; due to pain and psychological pressure, dogs cut off all the activities and interactions, spend time in solitude, avoid routine activities, and show disinterest in activities that were favorites. In such situations you must dedicate your time observing other signs that are diagnostic of arthritis.

Avoiding movement:

Due to pain and inflammation at joints that are crucial for moving, walking, and playing, your dogs may avoid movement, exercise, and walking. Arthritis at the leg joints and spine is the most disgusting problem that limits and restricts your dog from movement. Arthritis causes swelling of joints and joint aching, due to which dogs want to keep joints in place without moving. For such symptoms you must take your canine partners to the veterinary doctor for an examination in order to prevent further health complications.

Muscle degeneration:

As a result of the aging process, muscle atrophy means loss or wasting of muscle is a common phenomenon in older dogs, but this is not for all dogs. Older dogs feed on balanced and good-quality feeds don't demonstrate any signs of aging if they are stress-free and without any psychological problems. Arthritis causes muscle wasting and atrophy due to inactivity and resting of muscle mass; hind legs are most commonly affected by atrophy, appearing one leg thinner and slimmer than the other, or both may sometimes be affected. When you observe any signs of muscle atrophy in your pet, you must go straight for an appointment with a pet doctor, especially an arthritis specialist, to confirm and diagnose exactly what is bothering your dog. Though arthritis is not curable, detecting it early can ward off other associated complications.

Irritation and aggression:

Arthritic dogs may show signs of irritation and aggression when they are disturbed, which causes an increase in pain. Due to pain, they exhibit aggression towards humans and other dogs, which interferes with them. If something causes an increase in pain, they growl, hiss, and bite to alleviate the pain. If you notice that your presence or caressing increases their pain and discomfort, you should avoid doing so; otherwise, dogs attack and bite you irrespective of your emotional attachment. So, it is not to do anything that causes an increase in dogs discomfort and pain. In such cases they should be separated from other pets, which might be a source of discomfort for them.

Showing unusual responses to touch and affection:

You are familiar with dogs behavior and response, which they show during caress and affection; they are loving creatures, and they love their owners too. They show their affection and love by numerous means. But under abnormal conditions they behave strangely and sometimes become dangerous for owners and other family members. When you touch the dogs, they yelp, growl, and start barking. This means that you have touched the arthritis-affected part. You should immediately withdraw from doing so. Because touching increases the pain, they respond in such a manner.

Difficulty going upstairs or downstairs:

When you observe that your dog doesn't want to go upstairs or downstairs and do other easy activities that were not difficult to do previously. They also avoid small walks, jumping, and playing with you and other dogs. These are due to pain in joints, which dogs utilize to move, jump, and climb stairs.

Some common causes of arthritis in dogs:

There are numerous causes of arthritis that are responsible for showing such behaviors by dogs. Some of them are listed here for the kind information of pet owners.

• Obesity and overweight.

• Joint displacement or abnormal joint development.

• Poor-quality diets and bad eating habits.

• History of arthritis in parents and genetics.

• Injuries to the joints, ligaments, or muscle surrounding the joint.

Conclusion:

We have discussed 7 signs of arthritis above; apart from these, there may be other signs and symptoms that are indicative of arthritis in dogs. So, it is advised to observe the whole body to detect such problems. Arthritis shows multiple symptoms that depend on the causes and triggers of this issue. As a pet owner, you must know basic physiological processes and abnormal behaviors they demonstrate under abnormal conditions.