Osteoarthritis in dogs: Protecting your pet from pain

Many dog owners often notice their canine friends “slowing down” as they age. However, a change in movement and aches may be signs of something more serious than simply getting older: osteoarthritis. Luckily, the pain associated with this joint disease is treatable with the right expert help, lifestyle changes and medication.

What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common disease in older dogs. While arthritis refers to any swelling of the joints, osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammation, or swelling, of the joint cartilage, whether at the knees, hips, spine, shoulders or elbow. It’s sometimes called degenerative joint disease.

The impact can range from your dog simply appearing stiff to limping and even lameness, when osteoarthritis is more severe. Treating the pain that comes with osteoarthritis is important because aside from having an impact on your dog’s quality of life, untreated pain may lead to other conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia and even immunosuppression.

Does my dog have osteoarthritis?
As with humans, whether a dog develops osteoarthritis comes down to a number of factors. The first is age – as dogs age, their likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases. Obesity, genetics and trauma or injury may also boost their risk. Large breeds of dogs are also typically more susceptible to bone diseases, including osteoarthritis.

Animals have a nervous system very similar to humans and feel pain in much the same way. Unlike humans, dogs cannot easily tell us where or how much it hurts. Many dogs instinctively hide their pain. In the wild, it was advantageous from a survival point of view to withdraw and suffer quietly so as not to attract the attention of predators.

Dogs in pain often alter their behaviour in some way. Learning to recognize these subtle signs will enable you to manage pain to provide relief and comfort.

You know your dog best, so if you notice changes in their behaviour and think they may be experiencing pain, trust your instincts and seek help from a professional. A veterinarian can give your dog a physical exam and, if appropriate, diagnosis osteoarthritis.

If you notice your dog seems to be in pain when you touch them, or they aren’t playing or doing the same activities they normally do with ease, it’s a good idea to take them to a vet and have them assessed for osteoarthritis.

Limping, an unusual stance, stiffness, heavy panting, frequent whimpering and decrease in appetite all also may be signs your dog is experiencing the pain that comes with osteoarthritis. Look at their face, too. An anxious look may be an indication that your dog is experiencing pain.

If you do suspect your dog is in pain, act quickly and speak to your vet.

Pain management for your dog
If your dog does have osteoarthritis, your veterinarian can recommend treatment for pain management, to maintain their quality of life, even as they age.

First, there are plenty of ways to adapt your dog’s lifestyle to manage their pain effectively. Pets with osteoarthritis will need adequate rest to help decrease inflammation and keep their joints strong. Avoid overexertion and strenuous exercise. Your vet can help you determine how much exercise and rest is best for your pet.

That said, controlled exercise may help maintain joint flexibility and muscle tone. Short, leashed walks and swimming are usually good options. Using exercise to help manage pain will depend on the stage of osteoarthritis in a dog, so discuss your plan with your vet.

If obesity is a factor in your dog’s osteoarthritis, work with your vet on weight management. Nutritional supplements may also help.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are a common option for managing pain in dogs, especially those with osteoarthritis. These drugs effectively help manage pain and inflammation, so your dog can get back to their usual activities. If you’re concerned about osteoarthritis, discuss it with your vet to see if NSAIDs are the right choice.

Finally, surgery – specifically, a fusion of the joints or adding a prosthetic device – may help relieve pain, but this typically only happens in very select cases.

Even if your dog is getting up there in years, the most important thing to recognize is that pain, including from osteoarthritis, is treatable.