How to Detect Arthritis in Your Dog

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 speaks to you in your native tongue, you'll have to play detective and look for some clues. Since you know your dog best, you know how your dog normally climbs, runs, walks, interacts, and eats. Look for behavioral changes as the first step in determining if your dog has arthritis.

Signs That Your Dog Might Have Arthritis

Your dog starts to sleep more.

Your dog develops a hesitancy to jump, climb stairs, or run.

Weight gain without you (or your family) 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.

Arthritis Therapy in Dogs

Similar to humans, it's important for your dog to maintain his weight. To learn about dog obesity, click here.

If your dog is overweight and cannot exercise, switch his food to a brand that contains fewer calories and reduce his portion size. Avoid giving table scraps no matter how much he begs.

Give your dog an over-the-counter pill made specifically for dogs that contain ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega fatty acids. Be sure to ask your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common drug used to treat arthritis - both in humans and in dogs. Again, consult with your dog's veterinarian for dosing instructions.

If your dog has any of the above symptoms for more than two weeks, take him to see a licensed traditional or holistic 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.

To read more of Bobbi Leder's articles on Associated Content, click here.