Dog Joint Health: Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to dog joint health, we want to keep our pets as mobile and comfortable as possible. Most dogs will experience joint issues at some point in their life; arthritis affects dogs as commonly as it does humans. We have put together some frequently asked questions regarding dog joint health. As always, if you suspect your pet has a health issue, contact your veterinarian for a check-up.
What Is Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition that causes inflammation in the joints. This condition develops because of a breakdown in cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the joints. A number of factors, including age, stress, injury, and disease, can contribute. As the cartilage in the joints breaks down, it can lead to an increase in discomfort, loss of range of motion, and inflammation.
Just like humans, pets can develop arthritis. In fact, this is a very common condition, affecting nearly two-thirds of pets in their lifetime. While any joint in your pet's body can develop arthritis, it commonly occurs in the limbs and hips.
Which Pets Are at Higher Risk for Developing Arthritis?
While any pet can develop arthritis as they age, there are some factors that play into whether or not your dog will develop this condition. These include:
- Age. Typically, middle-aged to senior pets are diagnosed with arthritis.
- Breed. Medium to large breed dogs have a higher chance of developing arthritis, especially Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, and German Shepherds.
- Obesity. Pets that are overweight have a greater chance of arthritis due to the increased stress placed on their joints.
- Injuries or illnesses. Fractures, sprains, and some illnesses such as Lyme disease can increase the chances that your pet will develop arthritis.
- Repetitive stress from activities. Dogs who engage in agility sports such as dock-diving and obstacle courses have a tendency to develop arthritis, due to the added physical stress these activities put on their joints.
What Are the Signs of Joint Problems?
Oftentimes, people notice their dogs are doing fewer activities or having more difficulty with a once-common activity. Your dog may develop a problem getting up on the couch or bed, or handling stairs. With more active dogs, maybe they are not running as long with their owner, or they don't want to play as long at a park.
From there it may progress to lameness. This may include holding a limb up or putting less weight on a limb. Limping or hobbling are also signs of joint problems. These are the most common things you may see. Rarely do you see overt pain as the first complaint; usually, it's a slow and degenerative process.
What Are the Common Approaches for Osteoarthritis or Joint Problems?
It varies. Depending on the severity, veterinarians divide it into surgical and non-operative approaches. Surgical options can range from arthroscopic cleaning of a joint all the way up to total joint replacement.
On the non-surgical side, there are different factors to consider. First and foremost, and the one that has the most effect, is weight management and body condition. Getting your dog to an ideal weight will decrease the stress on the joints. This can also decrease inflammation, because fat is a source of inflammation in the joints. With body conditioning, you try to build the dog's strength up — muscle mass and function help protect the joints and support overall function. Then there are various types of medications your veterinarian may discuss, such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and pain relievers.
Are There Any Vitamins or Supplements to Support Dog Joint Health?
Yes. Many studies have looked at all-natural ingredients such as glucosamine for supporting joints. Glucosamine is commonly recommended to support joint health and comfort, and there are many studies on its role in supporting joint cartilage. As pets age, their natural glucosamine production declines. Ongoing wear and slower cartilage maintenance can lead to reduced joint movement, flexibility, and comfort. Glucosamine supplementation can help support cartilage, joint mobility, and the surrounding muscles, and may help support healthy joints as your pet ages.
Our product FlexPet is formulated to support dog joint health. Our FlexPet joint care supplements are highly reviewed and made in the USA from human-grade, US-sourced ingredients designed to support joints, comfort, and mobility.
How Can I Tell If a Supplement Is Helping My Dog?
- Mobility: Is your dog more active than before? Does he or she have less difficulty getting up after resting? Does your dog jump more and climb stairs more easily?
- Limping: Is your dog limping less and willing to put more weight on his joints?
- Joint Licking: Some dogs lick their sore joints. If this was the case for your dog, have you observed a decrease in joint licking and chewing?
- Behavioral Changes: Has your dog's mood improved or aggression level dropped?
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 →