"Did you know that the 'sloppy sit' can be a sign of knee pain? If we extend one of our back legs while sitting, it's like a secret code for 'ouchie knees.”
- Willow
Arthritis doesn't discriminate based on age
We often associate arthritis with older dogs, but did you know that it often starts when they are young pups? It's a common misconception that arthritis only affects senior dogs. In reality, 2 out of 5 dogs under the age of 4 suffer from this painful condition. Sadly, many young dogs remain undiagnosed and untreated, leaving them in pain1. But don't worry, we're here to help you spot the early signs of arthritis in your dog and take action.
Missing the tell-tale signs: easy to overlook
Dogs are experts at hiding their pain, and it can be challenging to recognise the subtle early signs of arthritis. Some dogs may develop a limp when their joints hurt, while others may adjust their movements to minimise their pain so they can keep up with you on walks. They might hesitate before jumping onto furniture or into the car, or change the way they walk, run, sit, or stand to continue with their daily activities.
“Hey, small doggos! When you’re doing the ‘small dog skip,’ you might be trying to put your kneecap back in place. It’s our little trick to tackle a dislocated kneecap – ouch!”
- Axel
Spotting the physical signs of arthritis: your dog's secret language
Fortunately, there are some physical signs you can look out for to determine if your dog is experiencing arthritis pain. Pay attention to the following clues:
The 'spinal sway': also known as the 'butt wiggle’
If your dog is avoiding bending their hips, they may display a slight sway or wiggle in their hindquarters. This is a clear indicator that their hips are painful.
The 'bunny hop': taking the weight off inflamed hips
When your dog has painful inflamed hips, they may opt for a hopping motion when climbing stairs, maintaining their usual speed. By doing so, they lighten the load on their hips, reducing the pain.
The one-sided 'sloppy sit': a sign of knee pain
If your dog extends one of their back legs while sitting it may be because they are reluctant to bend their knee. This is often an indication of knee pain but may also be a sign of hock or back pain.
The 'small dog skip': repositioning a dislocated kneecap
If you notice your dog intermittently lifting and repositioning one of their hind legs, or taking a few hopping strides every now and then, they might be trying to correct a frequently dislocating kneecap.
The 'duck feet' pose: indicating elbow pain
Watch out for your dog's front feet when they are sitting down. If their feet turn outwards and their elbows are tucked in, it could be a sign of elbow pain.
The 'head bob': taking weight off a painful front leg
When your dog is experiencing pain in their front leg, they may throw their head up slightly as they walk, to reduce the pressure on the affected leg.
You can make a difference: early diagnosis is key
If you suspect that your puppy or young dog may be suffering from arthritis or a joint condition, early diagnosis is crucial in managing and slowing down this progressive disease. To ensure your dog receives the care they need, consider taking a video of the aforementioned signs or any other signs that you think are unusual. Dogs may behave differently at the vets, so capturing their symptoms on video can provide helpful information. When you visit the vet, be prepared to answer questions about your dog's behaviour and movement. The vet will perform a thorough orthopaedic examination to assess the situation. Depending on the findings, they may recommend further tests, such as X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
"Hi there! Keep an eye out for the 'spinal sway,' it's like a funky 'butt wiggle' that tells you our hips are hurting. Ouch!”
- Alfie
Arthritis: not exclusive to a particular breed or age of dog
Keep in mind that the early signs of arthritis can be observed in all breeds and cross-breeds, and in dogs of any age. We understand the language of dogs and empathise with their pain. By recognising the signs and taking action, you can make a positive impact on your dog’s quality of life.
References
[1] Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, et al. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. J Small Anim Pract. 2022 Apr 6.
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Welcome to Arthritis Aware blog, where you'll find valuable insights and information to help your dog combat arthritis and live their longest, happiest and healthiest lives.
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Date of preparation: July 2023. UI-PET-0074-2023.