How to tell if your dog has arthritis

If you notice your dog seems to be in pain and isn’t as active as usual, talk to your veterinarian. Your pet might have arthritis. Older pets, especially large dogs, are vulnerable to arthritis and other joint diseases, and the signs can vary.

Here are a few signs of arthritis in aging pets: • Favoring a limb. • Difficulty sitting standing.

• Sleeping more.

• Seeming to have stiff or sore joints.

• Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs.

• Weight gain.

• Decreased activity or interest in play.

• Attitude or behavior changes (including increased irritability). • Reduced alertness.

Signs of arthritis often are similar to signs of normal aging, so if your pet seems to have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, the best thing to do is have your veterinarian examine your pet and recommend a treatment plan to help your pet deal with the pain.

Arthritis treatments for pets are similar to those for humans, and may include:

• Healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight.

• Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve or the pain.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). This is the most common treatment for arthritis in dogs. These drugs are similar to ibuprofen, aspirin and other human pain relievers.

However, never give a NSAID for people to your pet unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian; some of these drugs (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) can be toxic for pets.

• Over-the-counter pet treatments, such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both may help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

• A veterinarian-prescribed NSAID and an overthe-counter treatment that together may help decrease pain and disease progression.

• Diets with special supplements may also help decrease the discomfort and increase the joint mobility.

Changes in the home environment may also help you deal with an older pet who is experiencing stiffness and/ or pain. Orthopedic beds, stair steps to help an animal up to higher places, raised feeding platforms and more can help make your arthritic pet’s life more comfortable.