The phrase ‘joint support for dogs’ is one of the most popular search terms in the UK relating to pet health and justifiably so. Shockingly, one in five dogs start showing signs of osteoarthritis before their first birthday, demonstrating the importance of taking early preventative steps to help support their joint health later in life.
Dogs can experience joint issues at any age, which can negatively affect their quality of life. Unlike humans however, they can’t communicate their pain or discomfort through words, making it harder to spot. It's essential therefore for dog owners to recognise the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that their canine companion might be showing them, indicating that they may have a problem.
What Causes Joint Issues?
There are several factors which can affect your dog’s joint health, including their breed, diet, level of exercise, lifestyle and weight. According to a recent report from Pet Food UK, over 50% of UK dogs are considered either overweight or obese, with vets seeing a 77% increase in obesity over the past 5 years. Those extra pounds can put additional strain on your pet’s joints, making weight a major contributor to joint issues in dogs.
Common Joint Conditions in Dogs
There are several different joint issues affecting dogs in the UK, however the two most common are Osteoarthritis and Hip Dysplasia. Osteoarthritis is the most common and is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage in the joint over time, leading to inflammation, pain and decreased mobility. Hip Dysplasia on the other hand is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, causing the hip to become dislocated. Dysplasia can also occur with elbow joints, and just like with hips, it is more common in larger breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes or Mastiffs, just like our 70kg Axel.
Signs of Joint Issues in Dogs
Any change in your dog’s normal demeanour may be a signal that they’re experiencing joint pain or discomfort. Here are some of the signs to look out for:
1. Changes in Movement
One of the most obvious signs of joint problems is a change in how your dog is moving. You may notice the following:
- Limping or Lameness: This is often the most noticeable sign. Watch out for them favouring one leg over the other or having difficulty putting weight on a particular leg.
- Difficulty Rising: Due to the physical effort and strain on your dog’s joints, standing up from a lying or sitting position could be causing them pain or discomfort. If they seem to struggle getting up or are reluctant to rise, this could be another sign.
- Reduced Mobility: You may notice your dog struggling to get comfortable and/or becoming reluctant to perform certain activities they used to enjoy. This could be things like jumping up on the couch or climbing stairs. A decrease in their range of motion can be a tell-tale sign of joint discomfort.
2. Behavioural Changes
Behavioural changes are often a subtle yet telling sign of joint pain. Things to look out for include:
- Reduced Activity Levels: A once-active dog may become lethargic and spend more time lying down or resting than they used to. They might also seem less interested in playing or going for walks.
- Changes in Temperament: Dogs in pain can become more irritable and exhibit more aggressive behaviours, particularly when they are touched or handled. They may also bark or whine more than usual.
- Changes in Eating Habits: A reduced appetite is another common sign that something may not be right, and often this is because they’re experiencing pain. Dogs in pain may lose their appetite and seem disinterested in food or treats.
3. Changes in Exercise Routine
Another sign that your four-legged friend may be experiencing some joint discomfort, is changes to their exercise routine. You might notice the following:
- Reluctance to Walk or Play: A dog experiencing joint discomfort may not be as enthusiastic about their daily walks or play sessions as they used to be. You may notice they start lagging behind during walks, taking more frequent breaks, or even refusing to go out altogether.
- Decreased Endurance: If you dog is still happily going for their daily walks, you may notice that they start to tire more quickly and need more frequent rests. This decreased endurance, particularly with a younger dog, could also be a sign that they’re experiencing joint pain.
- Hesitation: Watch for hesitance in performing activities like chasing a ball, jumping into the car or even playing with other dogs. This slight hesitation may be their way of telling you that they’re not fully comfortable performing that particular action.
4. Visible Physical Changes
There are also some actual physical changes that you may see, which could indicate that your dog is experiencing joint issues. Look out for the following:
- Swelling or Heat: Inflammation causes swelling around the joints, making them appear visibly larger than usual. You might also notice that the area feels warmer to the touch.
- Abnormal Posture or Gait: Just like humans, dogs will employ compensatory behaviours, like adopting an unusual posture or walking with an unusual gait to alleviate their pain.
- Licking or Chewing: Dogs will often lick or chew the area that hurts. If they’re constantly doing this with a particular joint or limb, it could be a sign of discomfort.
How to Prevent Joint Issues Developing
While some joint issues are genetic and to some degree unavoidable, there are still several steps you can take to help reduce the risk of joint issues developing from a young age. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are two of the key factors (more on that later), however one of the best things you can do (especially if you have a particularly active dog) is supplement your dog’s diet with foods rich in collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds help support the healthy formation of tendons, ligaments and cartilage, which in turn support your pet’s joints, helping maintain their natural mobility and flexibility.
What to Do if You Suspect Joint Issues
For many pet owners, the first port of call would be to consult a veterinary professional. Vets can perform a thorough physical examination and run various tests to diagnose the extent and cause of any suspected joint issue. For those where a trip to the vet isn’t an ideal option, there are still lots of other steps you can take before making that stressful (and often costly!) trip to the vets.
1. Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for dogs with joint problems. Excess weight puts additional strain on their joints, worsening pain and exacerbating mobility issues. Research the ideal weight for your dog and if they’re weighing-in above that figure, consider putting them on a diet to shed a few of those unwanted pounds. We know it might feel mean, but it’s for their own good and they’ll thank you in the long run.
2. Exercise Routines
Whilst regular exercise is important for maintaining muscle mass and joint health, it's crucial to not over-exercise them, potentially making any joint issue worse. At the end of the day, nobody knows your dog better than you. Consider yourself to be their own personal trainer, tailoring both the amount and type of exercise to their own requirements. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or short, gentle walks, can sometimes be more beneficial. Avoid strenuous activities that may involve jumping or sudden stops and starts.
3. Diet and Supplements
A balanced diet is always a good starting point for any dog, ensuring they are getting the basic nutrition that they need to remain healthy. If you’re looking to give their joint health a little boost however, consider supplementing their regular food with bone broth. Bone broth is packed with collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin, which are all essential for maintaining healthy joint movement. Adding bone broth to their diet is an easy and simple way of helping to maintain your dog’s flexibility and mobility from their early days as a puppy through to their senior years. Check out our Happy Bones here.
4. Home Environment
Finally, explore ways that you can make your home more comfortable for a dog with joint issues. Consider investing in an orthopaedic dog bed for better support. You can also think about using ramps or steps to help them get onto furniture or into the car, ensuring all their favourite spots (and toys) are easily accessible.
Seeking Veterinary Advice
When visiting the vets, they may recommend specific medications to help manage your dog's joint condition. These can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, or other medications tailored to your dog's needs. They may also recommend alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy and even massage. These aren’t areas we’ll explore in this blog, however they may be worth researching, dependant on your dog’s individual needs.
Conclusion
Whilst joint issues are clearly a growing concern with dogs across the UK, there are several strategies and interventions you can employ if you feel that your dog has already started to develop a joint issue. These interventions can in turn help to improve your pet’s mobility, flexibility and ultimately, their quality of life. Similarly, we hope that the tips and advice provided in this blog are also helpful for pet owners looking to preventing their four-legged friend developing joint issues in the first place.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.