Musculoskeletal System
Your dog’s struggle to get out of their bed could signal osteoarthritis, a painful and irreversible joint disease. Early detection, tailored nutrition, and moderate exercise help ease symptoms and maintain mobility.
If you notice your four-legged friend has reduced mobility compared to usual, and is reluctant to move or jump, it may be due to arthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
It’s a degeneration of the joint structure that causes joint pain. It can affect all breeds and may start as early as one year of age. Unfortunately, it’s an irreversible and progressive disease that flares up in episodes. Certain factors contribute to osteoarthritis, such as excess weight, joint trauma, infectious diseases, repetitive strain, and natural aging, which also affects a dog’s bones and joints. To keep your dog healthy, it’s recommended to provide a balanced diet and, if needed, add dietary supplements in the form of tablets, powders, or capsules. Regular, moderate physical activity is also essential to help reduce the risk of developing this condition.
How to Spot Osteoarthritis and Treat It?
Dogs exhibit several symptoms, which are the same across breeds:
- Struggling to get up
- Difficulty walking due to pain, reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Stiffness
- Muscle loss
- Behavioral changes (aggression, reduced activity, loss of appetite…)
If you notice these signs, you should take your pet to see the vet who can determine the causes. While there are ways to relieve your dog’s joint pain, the condition is currently irreversible. It’s essential to maintain an appropriate daily activity level for your dog to preserve muscle mass, which supports proper joint structure. This helps prevent stiffness, strengthens bones, and can help reduce pain. To provide relief, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to target inflammation and pain, but you can help lower the dosage with supplements containing chondroprotectors, essential omega-3 fatty acids, or plant extracts that promote mobility. It’s best to monitor your pet’s health from an early age.
