How to Detect and Treat Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis isn't just a human ailment, your dog can suffer from the autoimmune disease as well but how will you know if your dog has arthritis? Unless your dog talks to you - verbally, that is - you'll have to play detective and look for some clues. By now you should know how your dog normally behaves, walks, interacts, and eats, so look for anything out of the ordinary.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog
• Veterinarian
• Excellent Observation Skills

1. SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
   
   Your dog starts to sleep more.
   
   Your dog has a hesitancy to jump, climb stairs or run.
   
   Weight gain without you providing more food.
   
   A decrease in play or other activities.
   
   Your dog's joints seem more stiff to you.
   
   Your dog starts to favor walking on or avoids walking on a particular limb.
   
   Any behavioral or attitude changes.
   
   You notice that your dog is less alert than usual.

2. If your dog has any of these symptoms for more than two weeks then it's time to take your dog to see a licenses veterinarian for an evaluation.
   
   Ask for an X-ray to determine if your dog's joints are OK.
   
   If your dog does have arthritis it's important to treat it right away.

3. ARTHRITIS THERAPY:
   
   Similar to humans, it's important for your dog to maintain his weight.
   
   If your dog is overweight and cannot exercise, then switch his food and portions.
   
   Avoid giving table scraps no matter how much he begs.
   
   There are over-the-counter pills made specifically for dogs that contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and Omega fatty acids. These ingredients have been shown to relieve the symptoms but should not be used without consulting a veterinarian first.
   
   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common drug used to treat arthritis both in humans and in dogs.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Arthritis Foundation for more information.

Resources

• Arthritis Foundation