Everything You Need to Know About Joint Pain in Dogs

Everything You Need to Know About Joint Pain in Dogs

A common belief among dog parents is that joint pains and the accompanying stiffness in dogs natural and part of a dog’s aging process. But that’s not necessarily true. Joint pains in dogs can be due to osteoarthritis, arthritis, or spinal disease.

Joint problems usually manifest in form of hip dysplasia, knee dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella. They can be caused by hereditary issues, poor diet among other reasons. We recommend that you visit the vet to get the exact analysis of what is ailing your dog.

Some Dogs are More Prone to Joint Problems Than Others

All dogs can get joint pains but some such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk than others due to genetics and hereditary issues. Here are more breed types with higher chances of developing joint complications.

  • Golden Retrievers
  • Dachshunds
  • Rottweilers
  • New Found lands
  • Great Danes
  • Saint Bernard’s
  • Old English Sheep Dogs
  • Poodles
  • Pugs
  • Shetland Sheep Dogs
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
  • Greyhounds
  • Basset Hounds
  • Bulldogs
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Bloodhounds
  • Samoyeds
  • Pit Bull-type dogs
  • Chow Chows
  • Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • Boxers
  • Otterhound, Catahoula Cur Dogs
  • Miniature and Toy Poodles
  • Clumber Spaniels
  • English Setters
  • Swiss and Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Maltese Dogs
  • Jack Russel Terriers
  • Yorkshire Terriers
  • Pomeranians
  • Chihuahuas
  • Boston Terriers
  • Papillons
  • Boykins
  • Cocker Spaniels

Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs

A dog suffering from arthritis and other diseases affecting the joints will most likely undergo a behavioral change. Here is what to watch out for:

  • Difficulty moving around
  • Stiff legs
  • Peeing inside the house
  • Uncharacteristic shyness, nervousness, or aggression
  • Lethargy
  • Sleeping too much
  • Weight loss/weight gain
  • Reacts painfully when touched

Common Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

  • Old age
  • Overweight
  • Malnutrition
  • Diabetes
  • Bacterial infections
  • Overexertion
  • Injury
  • Congenital disorder
  • Tick-borne disease
  • Cartilage, bone, and ligament issues
  • Cushing’s disease

When Will My Dog Start Experiencing Joint Pain?

If your dog is not among the listed breeds, chances are they will start having joint complications as the age. However, if your dog is among the ‘more-prone’ you’d better talk to your vet. He will help come up with a timeline for when they could start developing mobility complications and also advice on steps you can take to de-escalate the issue.

Back to blog