Talking Tails - Dog Arthritis

Let’s educate your humans on signs of arthritis.

Walking up-and-down steps is painful with arthritic hips, shoulders, and elbows. Some dogs bunny hop down the steps, using both hips simultaneously to reduce pain. Reluctancy to go upstairs indicates hip pain, while not wanting to go downstairs indicates shoulder or elbow pain.

An arthritic dog may show a change in their walking pattern. Trying to move the weight off a sore joint may result in head bobbing, limping, or swinging a leg rather than bending it. Similarly, joint issues can be manifested in a change of posture. Most of us have a typical way to sit or lay, however, we may adjust this normalcy to ease joint pain. Obviously, a change in our interest to take a walk or play catch may be an indication that we have sore joints.

When we are in pain, we have physiological reactions similar to humans. Our response to pain is panting, comparable to elevated heart and respiratory rates in humans. We may eat less because the pain to get up and walk to our bowl is greater than our hunger. When you hurt, you want to be left along…so do we.

If you exhibit signs of arthritis, you need to be treated by a veterinarian. I hope your human recognizes your pain and takes action.

Talk to you soon!
Joey