Ten signs that your dog could be suffering from arthritis!

Did you know that 38% of dogs over the age of 1 suffer from arthritis?  Are you sure that you’d spot the signs in your dog?

Arthritis is a gradual, degenerative disease that your dog will adapt their behaviour to slowly.  However well you know your dog, you may not notice the early signs of arthritis and it may only be when they refuse to jump into the car, or stop coming up the stairs to see you in the morning that you might start to wonder what’s up!

Whilst some consider arthritis as just an inevitable part of aging that doesn’t need to be addressed, recognising the signs early and taking action can significantly improve your dog's quality of life and potentially slow the progression of their condition.

Early signs of arthritis may be subtle but spotting them and getting them help is vital to help your pet as soon as possible!

Here are 10 top signs that your dog might have arthritis:

1. Slowing down? Has your once-energetic pup become a couch potato? If your dog seems less enthusiastic about walks or play, it could be a sign of joint discomfort.
2. Stiffness, especially after resting. Does your dog take a while to "warm up" after lying down? Difficulty getting up or moving around after rest periods, especially in the morning is a common arthritis symptom.
3. Limping or favouring certain limbs. Do you notice your dog nodding their head as they run? This is because they are shifting weight away from a painful leg.  You might also notice your dog putting less weight on one or more legs. This limping might be more pronounced after exercise or when they first get up.
4. Irritability or behaviour changes. Arthritis can be painful, which might cause your usually friendly dog to become grumpy, especially when touched in certain areas.
5. Licking, chewing, or biting specific joints. Dogs often try to soothe their aching joints by licking or chewing them. Pay attention if your dog focuses on particular areas consistently.
6. Difficulty with stairs or jumping. If your dog hesitates before climbing stairs or is reluctant to jump onto furniture they previously had no trouble with, it could indicate joint pain.
7. Changes in posture or gait. Arthritic dogs may develop an altered stance or walking pattern to alleviate pressure on painful joints.
8. Muscle atrophy. You might notice a loss of muscle mass, particularly in the legs, as your dog uses certain limbs less due to discomfort.
9. Lethargy or increased sleeping. While older dogs naturally slow down, excessive lethargy or increased sleeping could be a sign of chronic pain.
10. Panting or restlessness. Panting is the only way that dogs can regulate their body temperature down, it’s also a stress response and they may pant more or have trouble settling down, especially at night. So if your dog is panting more than normal and it’s not a warm day this may be a sign that they are in pain.

If you notice any of these signs, and if you want to be proactive to help manage your dog’s joint health then CaniFlow offers a safe, fast -acting and proven solution to help your dog and their mobility from the earliest stages of arthritis.

You should also consult your local veterinary practice since effective management of arthritis will include prescription pain relief.  They can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.

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