If your dog could talk, understanding his/her needs would be a lot easier. But since dogs cannot speak, they can't tell you that their knees stiffen up after he plays too long – or that their hips hurt when they goes up or down the stairs. Your dog is counting on you to recognize the signs of pain and decreased mobility and to have your veterinarian diagnose and treat the condition. To provide the best care for your best friend, take a few minutes to learn the facts, the signs and how your dog can find relief from painful arthritis. If your dog could talk, he'd thank you for it.
Know the Facts
Arthritis is a painful, degenerative joint disease that affects approximately one in five adult dogs – or more than 8 million dogs in the United States. Arthritis is even more common among older dogs. Unfortunately, many of the cases go undiagnosed because owners attribute the subtle changes in their dogs to old age or slowing down.
More Dog Arthritis Facts
Know the Signs Any dog can develop arthritis, and knowing the signs and symptoms of pain will help you determine when your dog may need veterinary attention. Could your dog have arthritis? Ask yourself these simple questions:
- Does your dog tire easily or lag behind during long walks?
- Does your dog limp or appear stiff after activity?
- Is your dog reluctant to climb steps or jump up?
- Is your dog slow to rise from a resting position?
If you answered yes to even one of these questions, it's possible that your dog is suffering from painful arthritis. We recommend that you ask your veterinarian to examine your dog for arthritis. The sooner your dog is properly diagnosed and treated, the sooner he or she can overcome the pain and become an active member of your family again.