Dog Arthritis Symptoms To Watch For

Dog Arthritis Symptoms Every Dog Owner Should Look For

Just like us, dogs are susceptible to suffering from arthritis, especially as they get older, but unlike us, they are obviously not capable of saying, ‘Excuse me…I need you to get some joint pain relief for dogs.’ They can’t tell us if they are feeling pain or discomfort. Instead, it is your job as the dog owner to look out for dog arthritis symptoms so that you can provide prompt treatment and prevent the ailment from getting worse. All dogs may develop arthritis but the ones that are at greater risk are the large breeds and those that are in their senior years. So if you are the owner of these high-risk dogs, it would really be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the common dog arthritis symptoms so that you can give your pet the best care that you can.

The bad news about dog arthritis is that it can lead to very serious health complications like crippling and extreme pain if not treated right away. But if dealt with immediately, the symptoms can be eliminated and the dog may even be able to recover completely. For this reason, it is really crucial for you, as a dog owner, to be very vigilant so that any potential problems can be averted.

Most Common Dog Arthritis Symptoms

• Slower Movements and Lack of Energy – If your dog used to love running and playing but now prefers to just lie down on the floor for the most part of the day, then there is a strong possibility that he may be suffering from arthritis. Other similar dog arthritis symptoms are refusal to climb steps or jump up and lack of interest in activities that he used to find very entertaining.

• Aggressive Dog Behavior Problems – Because of the extreme pain that they may be suffering from, dogs with arthritis tend to be more aggressive and agitated, particularly if they are touched. They may even yelp or bite when you handle their painful joints, so you also have to be careful for your own safety.

• Loss of Appetite – Another result of the pain of arthritis is the loss of appetite of the dog. This is one of the more common dog arthritis symptoms but one that people rarely associate with arthritis. Instead of eating, the dog would rather lick his joints, in an effort to get rid of the pain in the area.

Dog arthritis symptoms become harder to identify in older dogs because as these animals mature, it is actually quite normal for them to show a decrease in energy and lack of interest in moving around. So if you see even an inkling of an arthritis symptom, it would be best to take your pet to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.