What are the first signs of arthritis in dogs?
Sheridan Wiegand
2025-08-08 11:10:07
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Arthritis is a progressive disease with symptoms that gradually develop and worsen over time. In the early stages you may notice your dog starting to slow down. They may be reluctant to play, go up the stairs or be less active out on walks. Other symptoms of arthritis include: limping or lameness a stiff gait, usually worse after exercise and when first waking up groaning or caution when laying down or getting back up wary of you touching the joints affected muscle wasting tiredness irritability licking or chewing on areas that may be painful. Book your dog in for a vet check-up if you notice a change in your dog's behaviour.
Gustave Carroll
2025-07-29 17:46:15
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Dogs with arthritis related pain will usually show much more subtle and gradual changes, particularly if the dog has learnt coping mechanisms for example being less interactive, or adverse to handling, or moving slowly and carefully. In the case of chronic pain, subtle behavioural changes suggesting anxiety, fear and lack of tolerance may precede a physical indicator such as a change in posture due to weight shifting, or a change in gait due to pain and associated weakness. Many people don’t recognise pain until their dog is limping-unfortunately by this time the dog may be in significant pain. Take note, many dogs present with arthritis in both forelimbs or both hind-limbs, which will prevent them from having a classic limp. Dogs express pain in many subtle ways, which we often identify and associate with the disease late in its course. By being aware of the prevalence of arthritis in dogs, acknowledging those predisposed due to breed, weight, lifestyle or previous injury, and being aware of how dogs express pain, we will be able to identify the signs of arthritis early and initiate treatment quickly.
Nakia Jaskolski
2025-07-29 16:53:44
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You may notice that your dog is reluctant to do things that previously were not a problem for them. Perhaps your pet used to dart into your vehicle the second the doors opened, and now seems indifferent. You may notice your dog has difficulty going up or down the stairs. Is your once playful pet no longer interested in running and playing? Maybe lagging behind on walks? If you notice these changes in your pet, arthritis could be the culprit. Chances are, these once easy tasks are now painful due to swollen joints. Depending on the joints that are affected, you may see your pet limping or favoring one or more legs over the others. Your dog may seem to experience pain or stiffness when getting up or down that seems to resolve after they have walked a bit and warmed up.
Grace Rutherford
2025-07-29 16:51:29
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Arthritis is a progressive joint disease and symptoms develop and worsen over time. You may notice your dog slowing down and taking it easier when out and about on walks. They may also become reluctant to play or go up and down stairs, and they might struggle to get up after long periods of rest. The condition becomes worse in cold weather, so if they appear stiff or slow or yelp out in pain during the winter months, this could be a sign of arthritis. Other symptoms of arthritis in dogs include: Limping or lameness A stiff walk that is worse when first waking up Groaning or caution when lying down or getting up Being wary of joints being touched Tiredness Irritability Licking or chewing at joints.
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