Our Ruckersville vets often see dogs in their office due to symptoms of joint pain. Although a common reason for joint pain is aging, there are effective treatments available to relieve discomfort in dogs of any age or activity level.

Causes of Joint Pain in Dogs

Dogs of all breeds and ages can experience joint pain, although it is more commonly observed in senior, large breed dogs.

Many dog owners may mistake their aging animal friend's decrease in activity as a natural result of getting older, when in reality, it could be a sign of joint pain rather than simply the aging process. Failure to address this condition can often result in more serious injuries or conditions in the future. Continue reading to find out what our veterinarians have to say about the various types of joint pain in dogs, what causes it, the symptoms to look out for, and the available treatments.

Your dog may experience joint pain due to two types of conditions: developmental and degenerative.

Developmental Joint Conditions

Improper joint development in puppies is known as 'developmental' joint conditions. Genetics frequently play a role in this medical condition, which can result in more severe injuries like hip or elbow dysplasia. Your dog has had these issues from the start.

Painful joint issues are common in many large and giant dog breeds, including:

  • Rottweilers: prone to developing knee and ankle joint problems
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs: commonly develop elbow dysplasia
  • Newfoundlands: prone to developing issues in their cruciate ligament.
If you are getting a dog from a breeder, you should ask them about any predispositions their breed or lineage might have to joint issues. A good breeder will provide you with that information unprompted, but it never hurts to ask!

Degenerative Joint Conditions

Your dog's joints, like humans', degenerate over time as a result of repeated use. Conditions such as cartilage deterioration or tendon injuries may occur. These types of joint issues frequently involve problems with the cruciate ligament, which can cause pain as tissues degenerate over time. As a result, your beloved pet may suffer from increasingly serious problems and extreme discomfort.

Degenerative joint issues can have various root causes, ranging from stress fractures to injuries or osteoarthritis. Larger dogs often develop these issues due to the increased stress on their joints caused by their weight.

Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs

Dogs thrive on activity and enjoyment, which makes it difficult to detect any signs of joint pain. Dogs in their youth and middle age who are experiencing initial joint pain frequently continue to engage in activities with great enthusiasm, even if it causes them discomfort or worsens their condition.

Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of joint discomfort to prevent their pain from worsening. Look out for early indicators such as:

  • Limping and stiffness
  • Irritability
  • Frequent slipping while moving
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression
  • Licking, chewing, or biting at the painful area
  • Lethargy

If you notice any of these behaviors in your dog without an obvious cause, it's a good idea to book an appointment with your vet, to have your dog examined for joint pain and its underlying conditions.

Is joint pain in dogs ever considered an emergency?

Joint pain in dogs can be considered an emergency if it is sudden and severe, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as limping, swelling, or reluctance to move. In these cases, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care to rule out serious conditions like fractures, infections, or autoimmune diseases that could be causing the joint pain.

Treatments For Your Dog

The severity of a dog's joint pain and the underlying cause determine the appropriate treatment. Surgical intervention is required to correct conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, whereas a combination of nutrition, rehabilitation, and exercise can be used to treat other degenerative joint conditions that are detected early.

During your dog's wellness exam, we will assess their weight based on their breed and size. Being overweight puts extra strain on the joints, so a diet might be recommended to alleviate this pressure.

Helping your dog regain their regular mobility and activities, pain-free, is the main focus of joint pain treatment. It is crucial to note that strong muscles surrounding your dog's joints can effectively minimize the pressure and tension exerted on their joints. A healthy dog is an active dog!

Note: The advice provided in this post is for informational purposes and is not to be considered medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your dog is showing signs of joint pain, contact our Ruckersville vets today to book an examination. Our vets can help your dog to move more comfortably again.