Although most people associate arthritis with the aging process, it can occur in younger people and even in pets. Worse, many people whose beloved pets are suffering from this painful illness are not even aware of the problem. There are, however, a variety of specific symptoms of dog arthritis which can be identified by watchful pet owners.
The most common sign of arthritis in dogs is limping. You can observe this especially when your dog gets up, as you can notice it taking some time for your dog’s joints to get “warmed up.” You may also notice that you dog becomes hesitant to move from its resting position. This is because of the difficulty and pain that accompanies ordinary movement when uncontrolled arthritis is present. You will therefore notice that your pet loses interest in common activities such as playing, running, or jumping. You may also notice that you dog seems to sleep excessively.
As the arthritis advances, arthritic joints can become visibly swollen, and will be painful to the dog when touched. The earlier the condition is recognized by a veterinarian, the better chance there is that appropriate treatment can help to minimize the advancement of this painful condition.
