Dog Joint Problems

While dog joint problems usually develop in older dogs, younger dogs can also suffer from them.



They are usually the result of some problem in the nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones around a joint. Joint problems are not only painful for your pets, but they also lower the quality of life, and prevent them from enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like playing or going for walks.

Dog Joint Problems Causes, Symptoms

The problems are sometimes caused by localized infections of the joint, or trauma to that area, and sometimes due to a degenerative disease. The symptoms of such joint problems in dogs are varied such as reddening of the area, swelling and pain.



The specific area may feel warmer to the touch. The area could become rigid, leading to reduced control over body movements. Your dog may limp, show reluctance in climbing stairs or walking, find it difficult to rise from a sitting position, or whimper in pain.

Dog joint problems could also be the result of ‘synovitis’.



In this, the synovial fluid in the capsule covering the joint becomes inflamed. This problem can get aggravated when a dog has fever due to distemper, or also if it suffers from diseases like osteoarthritis. It can even lead to secondary infections like necrosis, dysplasia or arthritis.

Older dogs are more prone to getting arthritis, just like humans, because the joints undergo a lot of wear and tear with age. This degenerative disease can cause severe stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints. Sometimes younger dogs too can get dog arthritis, especially if they have sustained some accidents, injuries or damage to those specific joints. Some other diseases or infections can also lead to dog arthritis.

Treatment: Joint problems can be very painful, and while there is no complete cure for arthritis, you can treat other joint problems, and also reduce the pain and stiffness of dog arthritis or other joint problems with proper and regular treatment.  

• Dog arthritis treatment and remedy for any other joint problem would first include alleviating the inflammation and pain. While over the counter medications are available, it is best to take medical advice. Your vet will be the best person to prescribe the right medicines and dosage, which will suit your pet. Reducing the inflammation and pain will allow your pet to resume some of its normal physical activities.
• Do not stop all exercises for your pet. Even a little exercise will be beneficial in maintaining movement in the joints. Swimming is particularly helpful.
• Nutrition can also help alleviate symptoms to some extent. Adding Omega-3 fatty acids dog supplements to the diet will help lubrication of the joints.