Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

hip pain dogs

Joint pain is a common problem for dogs, especially as they age. It can have many different causes. Furthermore, almost none of these causes are harmless or should be ignored. Generally speaking, senior dogs are more prone to joint pain. However, larger breed dogs are more likely to develop joint-related problems than medium or small dogs. This is because size and weight are key factors in many joint-related problems.

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

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, German Shepard dogs have an increase in the risk of hip dysplasia and arthritis. Rottweilers are prone to knee and ankle problems. Retriever and Labrador dogs are at a higher risk to get elbow dysplasia. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of joint pain you may want to look out for include:

  • Difficulty getting on and off the couch – We might be used to our dogs jumping up and on the furniture, which can seem especially easy. However, joint problems can make this effort painful and uncomfortable for your dog. You shouldn't overreact if your pet gets off the couch a bit more clumsily. However, if you notice a distinctive pattern change in the way your dog climbs on and off the couch – this is something to pay attention to.
  • 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 and painful if joint problems are present.
  • Less running – When 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 aging is often joint pain. If your dog has lost a significant interest in running along with you, consider the possibility of joint pain being the cause.
  • Less desire for play or 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 stopping all physical activities is a key indicator of joint troubles.
  • Sitting and sleeping in unusual positions. Joint pain can make simply sleeping and sitting a painful experience. This is 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 the culprit.
  • Irritability. Just like us, dogs can easily get irritable when they have a significant physical discomfort. Especially if we are not aware of that and try to play with them or touch their painful areas. Of course, irritability can be a sign of other physical ailments, too. However, joint pain is high on the list. This is especially true 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 many other behavioral issues that are less easy to miss. Furthermore, depression can also be caused by a lot of other problems and not just joint pain.
  • Lameness. As conditions progress, so will symptoms. Lameness is a problem that you should never see in your indoor pet. Hopefully, there will be tell-tale signs long before lameness occurs. When the joint pain becomes very strong the dog will keep his painful foot/feet lifted and will avoid stepping on them altogether.
  • Limping. Occurring together with lameness, limping is another 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. However, 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 pain, unfortunately, is not a problem that can be ignored. Especially in bigger or more active breeds, joint troubles are frequently seen. To make sure that your dog has as little of a risk of joint issues as possible, feed your pet an appropriate and well-balanced diet. Choose a joint supplement for those dogs at higher risk or showing early signs of joint pain. Arrange comfortable sleeping and living conditions. Ensure a comfortable home temperature. And, get regular veterinary check-ups at least twice per year.

Some of the more common causes of joint pain in dogs may 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)

Many of these conditions can progress over time if they aren't attended to, so it's worth staying alert to the signs and working with your veterinarian.

How FlexPet Supports Joint Health

Supporting your dog's joints early and consistently is a smart part of a healthy daily routine. FlexPet is an all-natural way to help support your dog's joint function and quality of life. It is the only pet product on the market to use CM8®, and it is formulated to support joint comfort and a healthy inflammatory response. FlexPet has been on the market for nearly 20 years and is recommended by veterinarians. It has over 100 reviews on Amazon from verified purchasers, is made from all-natural human-grade ingredients, and is made in the USA. 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.

FlexPet comes in a maximum strength soft chew product for large dogs, as well as a regular strength chewable tablet (our standard formula). Both forms are tasty treats to our pets so they won't even know they're taking a supplement. If your dog could use extra joint support, we encourage you to give FlexPet a try.

We strive to make it as easy as possible for new users to try FlexPet. We offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, so there is no risk. We also have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer all of your questions at 1-800-505-0575.

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 →