What is Canine arthritis and what are the symptoms to look out for?

Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common health problem in older dogs. It is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dog’s joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur. In other words, the joints just wear out.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
Dogs suffering from arthritis experience pain resulting from the damage within the joint. The symptoms
experienced are a direct result of the pain but may be subtle, especially in the early stages.

Commonly seen signs of arthritis in dogs include:
1) Limping
You may see your pet limping or favoring one or more of his legs, depending on which legs and which joints are arthritic. In some cases, the limp may seem worse when your pet first rises and become less noticeable as your pet “warms up” by moving around

2) Reluctance or difficulty to rise

3) Reluctance or difficulty to go up and down stairs or jump onto furniture or into the car

4) Stiffness

5) Abnormal behaviors such as irritability, withdrawal or aggression
Arthritic dogs may become irritable. They may snap and/or bite when approached or handled, particularly if the petting or handling takes place in a manner that increases their pain.

6) Licking or chewing at the painful joint
Dogs affected with arthritis may also begin to lick at, chew or bite at body areas that are painful. This may even reach the point of causing inflamed skin and hair loss over affected areas. Licking is their way of massaging themselves.

7) Spinal issues
Arthritic changes can occur not only in the legs but also in the various parts of the spine. These changes may result in a sore neck, an abnormal posture with a “hunch” in the back, or lameness of one or both hind legs.

8) Tiredness
Your dog may tire more easily. This may mean that walks become shorter and more painful for him/her.

9) Muscle Atrophy
Arthritic dogs often develop muscle atrophy (dying off of the muscle tissue due to inactivity and decreased use of the muscles). A dog with atrophied muscles in their legs will have a leg which looks thinner than a normal leg.