11 Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

11 Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Joint pain is a very common problem for a lot of dogs and can have multiple different causes, almost none of which are harmless or ignorable. Generally, senior dogs are more prone to joint pain. However, large breeds have been observed in studies to be far more likely to develop joint-related problems than medium or small dogs, since size and weight are key factors in any joint-related problem.

This doesn’t mean that a medium-sized or even a small dog can’t have joint problems, however. Being overweight, going through a physical trauma, or developing another disease that can cause joint problems – these things can all lead to joint pain even in smaller breeds.

You should also keep in mind that there are breed-specific joint problems that occur quite often in some breeds and very rarely in others. Keeping an eye on those problems can help one to adequately read the signs of joint pain and to react promptly. For example, Newfoundland dogs have an increased risk of cruciate ligament disease, higher than all other dog breeds. Rottweilers are very prone to knee and ankle problems. Bernese Mountain dogs are at a higher risk to get elbow dysplasia.

Some of the more common causes of joint pain in dogs include:

  • Arthritis
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cruciate ligament disease
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Legg-Perthes disease
  • Wobbler's syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy)
  • Luxated patella
  • Dietary and hormonal diseases (e.g. hyperparathyroidism, obesity)
  • Cancer
  • Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
  • Metabolic disorders (e.g. von Willebrand's disease (hemophilia))
  • Inflammatory joint disease
  • Degenerative spinal joint disease (e.g. intervertebral disc disease, cauda equina syndrome)

All of these are painful for your dog to go through, and most of them can progress for quite a while if you don’t attend to them. Some of the better-known symptoms and signs of joint pain you might want to look out for include:

  • Problems getting on and off the couch. We might be used to our dogs jumping from and to the furniture, which, especially for bigger breeds, can seem especially easy. However, joint problems can make even this effort painful and uncomfortable for your dog. So, while you shouldn’t freak out every time your Rottweiler gets off the couch a bit more clumsily, if you notice a distinctive pattern change of the way your dog climbs on and off the couch – this is noteworthy.
  • Troubles with stairs. Going up and down the stairs is another everyday activity that isn’t supposed to trouble your dog but can become difficult if joint problems are present.
  • They run less. When our dogs start running and playing less we usually attribute this to them getting older and losing interest in the games and the exercise. And while this is often the case, a part of “getting older” is often joint pain. If your dog has lost a significant interest in running with you, consider the possibility of joint pain.
  • No desire for fetch or other outdoor games. The same goes for all outdoor activities and games that your dog has usually loved. It’s not abnormal for a dog to lose interest in a game as he gets older, but drastically stopping all physical activities is a strong sign of joint troubles.
  • Sitting and sleeping in unusual positions. Joint pain can make even just sleeping and sitting a painful exercise, regardless of whether it’s on the floor or on the furniture. If your dog starts to regularly sleep in unusual positions, joint pain might be involved.
  • Irritability. Just like us, dogs can easily get irritable when they have significant physical discomfort — especially if we are not aware of it and try to play with them or touch their painful places. Of course, irritability can be a sign of a lot of other physical ailments, as well as non-physical problems, but joint pain is high on the list, especially for breeds with high risks of joint problems.
  • Depression. Irritability can easily grow into depression when the problem persists, and that’s not uncommon since a lot of dog owners fail to notice the previous signs in time. With depression come a loss of appetite, sleeping disorders, and a lot of other behavioral issues; however, depression can also be caused by a lot of other problems and not just joint pain.
  • Spinal issues such as a sore neck, a hunch in the back, etc. Remember that joint problems don’t necessarily mean just the joints in the legs. Your dog can also have spinal problems, which can be seen in a sore neck or as a hunch in the back.
  • Lameness. As the condition progresses, so will the symptoms. When the joint pain becomes stronger, the dog will keep his painful foot/feet lifted and will avoid stepping on them altogether.
  • Limping. Occurring together with lameness, limping is another telltale sign of joint troubles.
  • Whimpering in pain. Hopefully, your dog’s joint pain will never reach a stage where the animal is actively whimpering in pain, but this is what happens when the pain becomes unbearable. If your pet is whining out of pain, get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Joint troubles are, unfortunately, not one of those problems we can easily expect to pass us by — especially in bigger or more active breeds. To help keep your dog's risk of joint issues as low as possible: feed an appropriate, well-balanced diet; consider a joint supplement for dogs at higher risk or showing early signs of joint discomfort; arrange good sleeping and living conditions (many dog owners have had success with an orthopedic dog bed); ensure a comfortable room temperature; and schedule regular veterinary check-ups at least twice per year. Supporting your dog's joints early and consistently is a smart part of a healthy routine.

FlexPet is an all-natural daily joint supplement formulated to nourish the joints and support healthy cartilage, the joint's natural lubricating fluid, and a healthy inflammatory response. FlexPet is a supplement, not a medication — it isn't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it isn't a substitute for veterinary care.

About FlexPet: FlexPet is a joint supplement for dogs built around CM8® (cetyl myristoleate) — made in the USA and trusted since 1999. See what makes CM8® different →