What are the causes of joint pain in dogs?
Joint pain in dogs is a symptom of an underlying cause. It can be caused by overloading, a lack of nutrients or obesity and can even become chronic. If the joint pain persists, you should investigate the cause.
Causes of joint problems in dogs
- Inflammation (arthritis)
- Wear and tear (arthrosis)
- fractures
- Muscle injuries
- Stretched ligaments
- Bacterial infections
- Hip joint dysplasia
- Elbow joint dysplasia
- Overloading
- Nutrient deficiency
- Overweight
How does joint pain in dogs manifest itself?
Dogs hide their pain quite well, so we humans usually realize too late that our four-legged friend is suffering in silence. However, there are a few signs that can reveal painful dog joints. A lame or limping gait, stiff posture or refusal to move are the first signs that should make dog owners sit up and take notice.
Depending on the cause of the pain, a combination of several symptoms may occur.
Other symptoms of joint pain:
- Dogs bite their joints
- refuse to move and often withdraw
- do not put weight on their legs
- avoid jumping on higher objects
- back away when touched
- have difficulty getting up after lying down
- Fever (e.g. with infections)
- fatigue
- Swollen joints
- restlessness
- Apathy
How can joint pain in dogs be treated?
The treatment of joint pain depends on the cause. For example, if the four-legged friend suffers from osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease in dogs, the dog's daily routine must be adjusted first and foremost. Overweight, stress and nutritional deficiencies should be re-examined and adjusted.
In osteoarthritis patients, the joints must be relieved and the muscles built up. Physiotherapeutic measures such as exercise therapy and alternative methods such as acupuncture can help here.
Conventional medical therapy recommends that pet owners use synthetic painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to treat the dog's joint pain. As a rule, there is nothing to be said against this, as painkillers work quickly and the four-legged friend's suffering is reduced. However, the pain returns without the medication because the cause has not been remedied. If the pain is inhibited too much, the body does not realize that it needs to take it easy, which can lead to further damage due to overexertion.
In addition, these drugs can attack the gastrointestinal mucosa in the long term and cause further discomfort. It is not uncommon for dogs to be prescribed additional stomach protection medication. That's quite a lot of chemicals that your four-legged friend has to take.
At a glance: Therapeutic measures for joint pain in dogs
- Pain-relieving medication
- Massages and protection of the joints
- For inflammation, infections & nutrient deficiencies: anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, natural food supplements such as Green-lipped mussel powder
- for degenerative joint diseases (e.g. osteoarthritis): Physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, acupuncture, surgery
- Patellar luxation(dislocation of the kneecap): depending on severity, surgical intervention
Do you have any questions about the right support or treatment for your dog's joint problems? Then contact our veterinary practitioners - they will be happy to advise you free of charge.
