On the list of common dog health problems, you’ll find ear infections, skin issues, parasites and diarrhea.
And then, there’s arthritis.
Pups can experience this condition, too, and it affects them the same as it does us. Their joints become inflamed and painful, and it’s mostly felt by older dogs or those that have experienced previous injuries.
Perhaps you’ve seen changes in your pooch, so you’re wondering how to tell if your dog has arthritis. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has Arthritis
Not all pets will exhibit the same symptoms when they have arthritis. That’s why it’s important to learn as many arthritis symptoms as you can so you can identify them in your four-legged friend.
1. Limping
Your pup could be showing physical signs that they’re in pain. One major hint that they have arthritis is that they’ve developed a limp.
Some dogs will constantly trot with a limp, while others will only have one until they warm up, so to speak. But if your dog regularly favors particular legs over the others, they may have arthritis.
2. Avoiding Particular Actions
Perhaps your dog used to jump on the couch all of the time. Now, though, they hesitate to hop up or paw at you to pick them up instead.
This is a red flag that they might have developed arthritis: prior moves that didn’t bother them have begun to hurt.
3. Irritability
Your happy-go-lucky may seem to snap more often than usual. Perhaps it happens when you pet them in their once-favorite spots. They snap or nibble at you, or maybe they growl to get you away.
A pet that has become irritable and acts annoyed during once-loved interactions may have arthritis. This is especially true if they act up when you pet them. You might be touching one of their tender areas inadvertently.
4. Sleepiness
You’re already jealous that your pooch gets to do whatever they want all day long. But maybe you’ve noticed that their love of naps has only gotten stronger recently — and most dogs already sleep for half of the day.
A dog that gets tired more easily might have arthritis. So, if your pet doesn’t want to walk as long or as far, they may have arthritis. And snoozing for longer could be an indicator of inflammation, too.
5. Chewing or Licking Themselves
Finally, your dog may have started to bite, chew or lick themselves in recent months. This habit could be telling you something — precisely where their arthritis has started to hurt them.
So, watch out for the repetition of these behaviors. If your pet always messes with the same spot on their skin, it could be a sign that a problem’s lingering below.
How Can I Help My Dog?
Now that you know how to tell if your dog has arthritis, you’re probably wondering, how can I help my pet feel better.
Of course, your vet can help you come up with ways to assuage the inflammatory symptoms. Lots of pet owners swear by CBD for older dogs, too. It’s up to you and your dog’s doctor to figure out what’s best for your dog.
How have you soothed your dog’s arthritis pain? Share in the comments section below.
