COMMON SIGNS OF ARTHRITIS IN DOGS YOU MIGHT BE MISSING
Arthritis in dogs is a very common and painful degenerative joint disease that occurs in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. These joints will become inflamed, which then leads to stiffness and often a debilitating pain in your pup. Old age and poor breeding are the two major factors that can lead to this condition, however, injury and joint malformation are also common causes. As your dog gets older, the years of normal wear and tear on the joints are likely to develop and aggravate this painful condition.
We are, by now, a bit more aware of the more common signs associated with canine arthritis, which include:
- Stiffness in the joints
- Lameness and resistance to moving around too much
- Reluctance to jump or go down stairs
- Hesitation to run play or jump
- Licking and biting the affected area
- Lethargy and a reluctance to exercise
- Swelling or heat around one or more joints
But there are also some subtle signs that, while easy to miss, can be clear indicators of arthritis forming in your pet's joints. Picking up these common signs can help with an early diagnosis, which means that your dog can be helped before the condition worsens.
1. BEHAVIORAL CHANGES
Increased irritability, grumpiness or even aggression can be a surprising sign, especially if your dog is generally happy and friendly. This aggression can occur when touched. The affected area may be in pain and extremely sensitive, so touching it could make them want to instantly pull away or snap at whoever is touching it, or they may be aggressive to other dogs that may come into contact with the affected area.
2. BUNNY HOPPING
Bunny hoping may sound cute, but it is unfortunately a sign that arthritis may be affecting your pooch. This can be missed when you're outside spending time with your dog. It may look like a playful bounce but it could also be a sign of something more serious. Bunny hopping is a noticeable change in your dog's gait, which is when they run with both back legs moving simultaneously.
3. MUSCLE ATROPHY
Muscle trophy is when there is a loss of muscle tissue along the spine and particularly down the hind legs. It is not hard to miss when the muscle loss is a result of injury or surgery, but it can occur slowly and unnoticed over a long period of time, particularly for dog with arthritis. This is why regular, gentle exercise for your dog is so important.
TREATING ARTHRITIS IN DOGS
CBD oil has been greatly effective in treating your dog's arthritis. Not only can it treat the inflammation and mitigate the pain they may be experiencing, CBD can also assist with alleviating any anxiety your dog may be feeling, due to the discomfort of this awful condition. Adding high quality full-spectrum CBD oil to your pet's treatment plan can really go a long way in keeping your canine companion as comfortable as possible. Consult your vet for more advice about adding CBD to a treatment plan for arthritis. It can go hand in hand with therapeutic exercises and maintaining your pet’s weight and overall well-being,
