Have you noticed your dog showing less interest in leash walks, or running and playing? Does he/she appear to be a little slower these days? Don’t assume that age is the reason. Your dog may be suffering needlessly from joint pain and lack of mobility issues. Arthritis for dogs affects over 12 million dogs annually. They can’t tell you their problem, but you, as a pet owner, need to become aware of your dog’s needs and take steps to see that appropriate treatment is followed so your dog can lead a less painful and more enjoyable life. Arthritis is not just a condition, but a chronic disease. It does not go away, but it can be managed and requires life long treatment.

Like people, pets can get arthritis in their joints. Knees, hips and ankles seem to be the most vulnerable and common areas for pets who get arthritis. Between the bones in the joint area is a spongy material called cartilage. This cartilage acts as a buffer agent so the bones do not grate against each other, and motion is easy, smooth and painless. In arthritis, that cartilage begins to wear away, reducing mobility, causing stiffness and eventually pain. Without that soft buffer, the bones begin to wear against each other, which is the source of the problem.

In the absence of a dialog with your pet, your observance of your pet’s behavior is critical to determining whether or not he/she may be suffering from stiffness, lack of mobility or joint pain. Before taking your dog to the veterinarian, see if your dog has any of the following, common symptoms of a possible arthritic condition:

* Reluctance to go up or down stairs

* Avoids jumping up on furniture or into the car

* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks

* Moving stiffly and slowly after rising

* Prefers lying to sitting or standing

* Favoring a limb

In addition to these, your pet may be gaining extra weight, sleeping more than usual, being less alert and less enthusiastic about play and exercise. These could all be pointing to a decrease in joint mobility. If your pet is displaying a few of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, make an appointment with the vet to have your dog evaluated for arthritis. Tell your veterinarian which symptoms and behavior changes you have observed. A timely diagnosis means timely treatment for your pet, and your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a management plan of arthritis treatment for dogs that will be customized for your pet’s condition.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are commonly prescribed as a pain medication for dogs. Pain medication will only mask the problem, however, so treatment may expand to include special foods and over the counter products that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which works to support the cartilage in the joints. Omega fatty acids are also known to increase cartilage health. Your dog may have to go on a diet to decrease the extra pounds that are causing unnecessary stress on already sore joints. Adding fiber to you dog’s diet should help your pet lose those extra pounds. There are even topical treatments available to relieve joint and muscle soreness.

Exercise is also a prescribed treatment in arthritis for dogs. Low impact exercises will keep the joints mobile and build muscle without causing undue strain on the joints themselves. The key is ‘motion’. Your dog has to be kept mobile to stay healthy. Daily, low impact exercises, like leash walking and swimming, will provide range of movement activities to help prevent the joints from becoming stiff from lack of use. Like people, your pet should have a muscle warm up before more strenuous exercise. If the weather is cold and damp, which can cause muscles to be stiff, give him/her a warm up inside before out of doors exercises. And always provide your pet with a warm, dry and comfortable place to sleep and rest.

Depending on your dog’s condition, physical therapy or massage may be part of your pet’s arthritic treatment. Massage can be relaxing for both you and your pet. It is time you can spend together in a relaxed and warm environment, when healing can take place. Begin by petting the joint area that is affected with arthritis and gradually use your fingertips in a small, circular motion. From there, continue the massage out to the general area. This may relax your pet for a good night’s sleep or could warm up the muscles sufficiently for daily outdoor exercise. Take any new treatment slowly at first. You want to build trust with your pet, so he/she accepts this new type of treatment to derive benefit from it. Massage has proven to reduce stiffness in muscles and promotes better range of motion.

Overall, you want to work closely with your veterinarian to manage your dog’s arthritic condition. Your goal is to provide the best treatment and supportive lifestyle that will decrease the degeneration of the cartilage between joints, alleviate joint pain, and keep your pet as healthy as possible. Remember, arthritis doesn’t go away, but effective, managed arthritis treatment for dogs can ensure that you will both enjoy the coming years together.

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