Recently, the subject of arthritis became personal for me and my beautiful English Springer Spaniel, Rigby, who has started to limp daily. He had jumped out of the car, as he always did when we arrived home and screamed in pain. I rushed him to the vet. You know that feeling when your world comes to a stop over the complete concern of your pet. Xrays were taken of his legs which showed arthritis in his elbows. He just turned 9 years old. This was the moment I realized I needed to help Rigby for the rest of his life to help him with his arthritic joints. When he was 4, 5 and 6 years old we did agility training together. At one point, his right leg limped and we stopped the training. We transitioned to a therapy dog team at our local school. Rigby loves people and engaging in activity. All this to say, that it became heartbreaking to see him start to limit himself because he was in pain from arthritis. I started to research answers to my questions about the scope of arthritis in dogs to be able to create a protocol for Rigby medically and holistically, to help him for the rest of his life to have his best life. Rigby is now on a series of methods and is walking well and we are back to play, walks and partnering in our daily adventures, with caring observations to keep him safe and not in pain. The following questions and answers is an brief outline on many of the aspects of arthritis to share with you to be prepared for this common stage of life for our precious dogs. Janet Marlow, Founder and CEO of Pet Acoustics.

How to help dogs with arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly in older dogs or those with a genetic predisposition. The condition can cause stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. However, there are several ways you can help dogs with arthritis:

Consult a veterinarian: If you suspect that your dog has arthritis, it's essential to consult a veterinarian. They can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment options.
Weight management: Overweight dogs are more susceptible to arthritis, so it's important to manage their weight. Feeding them a balanced diet and providing regular exercise can help them maintain a healthy weight.
Provide comfortable bedding: Provide your dog with comfortable bedding that supports their joints. An orthopedic bed can help to reduce pressure on their joints and provide a more comfortable sleeping surface.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. Your veterinarian can recommend exercises and activities that can help to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation.
Medication: Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation in your dog. Some commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and pain relievers.
Supplements: Certain supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may help to reduce inflammation and support joint health in dogs with arthritis.
Gentle exercise: Gentle exercise, such as short walks or swimming, can help to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness in dogs with arthritis. However, it's important not to overdo it and to avoid activities that put too much strain on their joints.
Relaxed rest: Help your dog release muscle tension from imbalanced physical stresses using Pet Acoustics® science music to regenerate muscle movement.

How many dogs suffer from arthritis?

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of dogs that suffer from arthritis, as it is a common condition that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. However, it is more commonly seen in older dogs and larger breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is estimated that one in five dogs in the United States suffers from arthritis, which equates to approximately 20% of the dog population. However, this number may vary depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used.

What is the cause of arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, and it can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. The causes of arthritis in dogs can vary and may include:

Age: As dogs age, their joints can become less flexible and more susceptible to wear and tear, which can lead to arthritis.
Genetics: Certain breeds are more prone to developing arthritis, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Genetics can play a role in the development of arthritis, as certain genes may increase a dog's susceptibility to the condition.
Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on a dog's joints, which can lead to inflammation and damage over time, increasing the likelihood of developing arthritis.
Joint injuries: Trauma or injury to a joint can cause damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to arthritis.
Infections: Certain infections, such as Lyme disease, can cause joint inflammation and lead to arthritis.
Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, a dog's immune system may attack its own joint tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

In summary, arthritis can have several causes, and identifying the underlying cause can help in managing the condition and improving the dog's quality of life.

Can you cure arthritis?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis in dogs or humans. However, there are several treatments and management strategies that can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments can help to improve a dog's quality of life and allow them to live comfortably with arthritis.

What causes arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis in dogs is caused by inflammation and damage to the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The causes of arthritis in dogs can vary and may include:

Is this a disease of modern dogs or has this been true of canine life even 10,000 years ago

Arthritis is not a disease of modern dogs, and it has likely been present in canines for thousands of years. In fact, arthritis has been found in the remains of ancient dogs, indicating that it is not a new condition.

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs as a result of wear and tear on the joints over time. As dogs age, their joints can become less flexible and more susceptible to damage and inflammation, leading to arthritis. This is true for both modern and ancient dogs.

In addition to age-related changes, other factors such as genetics, injury, and infection can also contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs. It is likely that these factors have been present in canine populations for thousands of years, and the prevalence of arthritis in dogs today may be influenced by a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors.

In conclusion, arthritis is not a new condition in dogs and has likely been present in canine populations for thousands of years.

Can canine arthritis be prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis in dogs, there are several steps that pet owners can take to reduce their dog's risk of developing the condition or to slow its progression. Some prevention strategies for canine arthritis include:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity puts extra stress on a dog's joints and can increase the risk of arthritis. By maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, pet owners can help reduce this risk.
Providing proper nutrition: Feeding a well-balanced diet that includes joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help keep a dog's joints mobile and reduce the risk of arthritis. However, it is important to avoid high-impact activities that can put too much stress on the joints, especially in dogs that are predisposed to developing arthritis.
Providing joint support: Providing joint support in the form of supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, or orthopedic beds or other supportive devices, can help to reduce stress on a dog's joints and support joint health.
Early diagnosis and treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions such as hip dysplasia or other joint injuries can help to prevent or slow the progression of arthritis.

While these strategies can help to reduce a dog's risk of developing arthritis, there is no guaranteed way to prevent the condition entirely. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to develop a plan to support a dog's joint health and manage arthritis if it does develop.

At what age of a dog do we as pet parents have to pay attention to potential arthritis issues in our young dog?

While arthritis is more commonly seen in older dogs, it can also occur in younger dogs, especially in those with certain risk factors. As such, it is important for pet owners to pay attention to potential arthritis issues in young dogs as well.

Some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of arthritis in young dogs include:

Breed: Certain breeds are more prone to developing joint problems and arthritis, such as larger breeds like Great Danes, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds.
Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on a dog's joints, which can increase the risk of arthritis at any age.
Joint injuries: Trauma or injury to a joint can cause damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to arthritis.
Developmental abnormalities: Conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia can increase the risk of arthritis in young dogs.

As a general guideline, pet owners should begin paying attention to potential arthritis issues in their dogs around the age of 5-7 years, depending on the breed and other risk factors. However, it is important to note that arthritis can occur in dogs of any age, and pet owners should always be aware of any signs of joint pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, regardless of their dog's age. If you notice any of these signs in your young dog, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

When Your Dog Has Arthritis