For many of us, we take our dogs out for their usual walk, hike, romp, or run and feel totally confident that we’re in sync with their favorite routes and physical capabilities. Then something changes. It might be subtle at first… they lag behind a little or aren’t their usual excitable self when you dangle their leash. In fact, they may retreat when they realize you want to head out on a walk. Like most dog parents, you want to believe it’s a blip. Temporary. They’re too young to be showing signs of old age, and yet they are. So now what?
Early Signs of Joint Problems in Dogs
What are the first signs of joint problems in dogs? It’s a question that comes up often among dog parents.
Spotting the early signs of mobility issues in dogs is about more than just noticing your pup limping or taking their walks at a slower pace. Just like humans, physical pain can also result in a change in behavior and a reluctance to engage in what might previously have been favorite activities. By catching subtle changes at the onset rather than writing them off as your dog simply being tired, you can address joint issues before they progress to the point of compromising your dog’s quality of life. And this is where connecting the dots between your dog’s physical activity, general mood, and any change in behavior can start to paint a picture.
So, how do you know if it’s a prelude to something more serious? Moreover, how do you ensure that any type of early intervention to help improve your dog’s joint health will net positive results?
Let’s start with recognizing those tell-tale changes to your dog’s daily routine.
- Do they now seem hesitant to use the stairs – either up or down?
- Do they struggle as they try to get up from a sleeping position?
- When they are about to sit down, do they hesitate and then seem to flop down into it?
- When lying down, do they seem restless and unable to find the “right” position?
- If they love to snuggle on the sofa, are they now reluctant to jump up?
Now we’ll take a peek at this physical activity. Have you noticed:
- Limping that’s no longer a one-off but continual?
- Is your dog tiring sooner than usual when on their regular walk?
- Licking their paws more than usual?
- A hunched back or slight “drag” in their hind legs as if they’re not quite keeping up?
- Pronounced head bobbing when they walk that indicates they are favoring one of their front legs or shoulders?
Dog parents who notice any of these symptoms need to begin tracking how often they occur and if there is a contributing factor. Are mobility changes normal as dogs age? Sure, they could be, but there could be another explanation. If your dog doesn’t want to go out for a walk, could it be the weather? If they limp, do they need their nails trimmed? If they are reluctant to tackle the stairs, have they had a fall recently? In short, is it mobility-related, or could there be other factors at play?
Is My Dog Predisposed to Joint Issues?
Understanding your dog’s propensity for joint-related issues can help you tailor their care and activity levels to match both current and future health needs.
Most of us have noticed that larger breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd dogs, are prone to a classic hindquarter slope that can signal hip or elbow dysplasia. Others, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis, have long, low backs that make them vulnerable to something called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Those are just a few of the more obvious breeds that we expect will experience early mobility issues due to their unique physical anomalies. But did you know that there are several less obvious triggers that can impact your dog’s joint health?
They include:
- Is your dog a senior? Regardless of their breed, natural wear and tear on joints can result in a decline in mobility as they age.
- Is your dog overweight, with extra pounds stressing his joints?
- Has your dog had previous joint injuries, such as a CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) injury, that can result in hindquarter lameness?
- Do you own a smaller dog breed? They can be prone to something called a luxating patella, where the front leg kneecap slips out of place.
- Living with a larger, heavier dog? The weight of breeds such as the Newfoundland, Great Dane, and Saint Bernard puts significant strain on vulnerable joints, making these breeds particularly prone to osteoarthritis (OA).
But joint issues are not just restricted to certain breeds. If you’ve adopted a rescue with an unknown history, it’s likely you have no record regarding past injuries, poor nutrition, or whether their bloodline includes breeds that are susceptible to joint issues. So, monitoring their behavioral patterns and activity levels from day one is going to be important.
How Can I Help Alleviate Joint Pain?
So, you eliminated the earlier-mentioned potential factors for his change in behavior and/or activity levels. That now leaves your dog’s joints as the likely culprit – and that’s going to necessitate quick action on your part. This now leaves you with the question, “What can I do if my dog is starting to move differently?”
Early intervention for dog joint health is not only important for relieving discomfort but is also quite easy to introduce into your day-to-day routine. Simple steps such as keeping your dog’s weight in check, moderating his activity, adding a dog ramp to your vehicle’s exit/entry point, and including daily supplements like Bernie’s Marvelous Mobility treats with Omega-3s, anti-inflammatories, and antioxidants, are all great starts.
Simply being alert to indications of early mobility issues in dogs allows us to take action and offset how quickly they progress.
However, when caught late and his quality of life is now seriously compromised, it’s time to involve the guidance of your veterinarian. There are several prescription options, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and newer injectable therapies, designed to help manage pain and inflammation.
In my own experience with two senior dogs, a vet-recommended monthly injection has improved mobility, but responses to these medications can vary widely between dogs. What works well for mine may not be appropriate for another, which is why finding the right balance of pain support is something you should do in close collaboration with your veterinarian, carefully monitoring over time. In some cases, surgical intervention may also be considered and can produce positive, meaningful improvements in comfort and mobility, and overall quality of life.
The End Goal? An Active, Pain-Free Dog
Finding the right solution to mobility decline in your dog may be as simple as adjusting their activity levels and food consumption. Or as complex as working with your veterinarian to find another route – surgery, medication, or a major lifestyle modification. What’s key is that we understand our individual dog’s vulnerability, recognize the early signs of joint pain, and be pre-emptive in arriving at the right level of care for our furry companion. Because in the end, we want them walking by our side for as long as possible.
