When our dogs start slowing down, it can be a saddening sight. From the reluctance to play or that subtle pause before they climb the stairs, their actions all speak volumes, even when they can't.
In many cases, it's a consequence of old age and a long life. A dog's body generally gets weaker and weaker as it approaches senior years. But in other cases, it could be arthritis.
Arthritis in dogs is a painful, degenerative condition that causes inflammation in the joints. It leads to stiffness, reduced mobility, and in some cases, chronic pain. But while people often associate it with seniors, younger dogs aren’t entirely safe.
There are other factors included when talking about dogs and arthritis. With that, we're here to tell you all about it and share the ways you can help your best friend.
How Does Arthritis in Dogs Happen?
Arthritis, at its core, is chronic joint inflammation. But it’s more layered than stiffness or a “normal” part of aging.
This degenerative condition affects the protective cartilage that sits between the dog's bones. As time passes by, the cartilage wears away, the joint fluid becomes less effective, and the bones start to grind against each other.
As a result, dogs will experience pain, inflammation, and mobility problems. The longer this goes on, scar tissue and bone spurs can develop and worsen the condition.
Think of it like this: Each joint in your dog’s body is a mini-engine of motion, hinges, levers, and fluid sacs. When a dog has arthritis, the wear and tear lets the components begin to fail. As this goes on, the entire mechanism will slow down and eventually shut down.
What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis in Dogs?
The inflammation of the joints has several types. These include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It’s the most common type of arthritis in dogs, and most sources often refer to osteoarthritis as arthritis itself. Here, the loss of cartilage over time causes the bones to rub against each other.
OA can affect just about any type of joint, but it’s common in the dog’s knees, hips, elbows, and spine. This type of dog arthritis is commonly seen in large breeds such as:
German Shepherds
Mastiffs
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis in dogs, also called infectious arthritis, is a type that’s caused by an infection. This can be from bacterial or fungal means. It happens when an infection spreads through the joint when the dog gets a wound.
Since the joint fluid is rich in nutrients, the microbes easily multiply. When this happens, their rapid growth causes an inflammatory response in the joint itself. This response then breaks down the cartilage and leads to septic arthritis.
Immune-Mediated Arthritis
Immune-mediated arthritis in dogs happens when their immune systems attack their own joints. It’s also known as rheumatoid arthritis. This usually happens when the antibodies and immune complexes created to fight off pathogens accumulate in the joints.
Because of this, the immune system responds and causes the inflammation.
What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis in dogs doesn’t happen overnight. While age is by far one of the most common causes, other factors can cause joint degeneration. Here are the common risk factors:
Aging. As dogs get older, the joints naturally wear down. This means that the cartilage that once cushioned the joints will thin down and result in inflammation.
Genetics. Large and giant dog breeds are more prone to joint inflammation. This is because of their size and susceptibility to other joint issues.
Obesity. Dogs that are too heavy can also be at risk because of the stress their joints experience from the excess weight.
Joint Injuries and Trauma. Heavy blows and injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, and repetitive stress can cause joint damage and arthritis.
Infections and Autoimmune Diseases. Lyme disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and other related conditions can result in an inflammatory response to the joints, which causes them to wear down.
Poor Nutrition. Dogs that do not get the nutrients they need for joint health will have significant joint issues.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Arthritis?
Even though any type of dog can develop arthritis, there are some that have an increased risk and susceptibility to it.
Based on the causes and risk factors of arthritis in dogs, those at risk are mostly on the larger and older side. Dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are more prone because their large size accelerates the joint degeneration process.
Plus, they’re also prone to other joint issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
Along with this, obese dogs and those that do not have proper nutrition will also be at risk. Lastly, dogs with intense exercise and prior injuries will be prone solely because of their risk of further injury.
So, if your dog fits any of these categories, be on the lookout and seek professional vet care.
Is Arthritis in Dogs a Normal Part of Aging?
No, canine arthritis is not a normal part of aging, it’s just a bit more common in older dogs. Dogs can develop arthritis for several reasons, and some of them can be acquired during the early years. In short, it’s not exclusive to age.
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