Joint ache is an extremely painful condition. It occurs owing to many reasons including lack of proper diet and exercise. Dogs are as much prone to this condition as human beings. The only difference is that our furry buddies cannot communicate about their difficulty as easily as we can. This is why we need to keep a close watch on their activities. If you notice any sign or symptom of joint pain in your dog then you must consult a veterinary doctor without any delay.
Read on to know about the various signs and symptoms of joint pain in dogs and also the possible treatments to heal the problem.
Joint Pain Symptoms in Dogs
Here are the signs and symptoms that indicate your dog is suffering from joint ache:
Whining
If you hear your dog whining at night it means it is in pain. Joint pain is a common problem that hinders peaceful sleep. It is time to check if there is any swelling or soreness in your pet’s joints.
Limping
Dogs usually start limping because of pain in their knees and hips as it gets difficult to walk. Your pet may even limp because of injury. This sign should certainly not be ignored. The root cause of the problem must be identified as soon as possible. If you do not see any external injury or swelling then we suggest you take him to a veterinary doctor for diagnosis.
Licking
Pets often lick their joints to seek comfort when in pain. Constant licking and chewing is yet another symptom of this painful condition.
Reluctance to Jump/Run
If your playful dog is no longer interested in jumping and running around then it is a sign that its joints have started to deteriorate and are thus hampering movement. It is also suggested to observe the way it climbs up and down the stairs. If it does so with difficulty then chances are that it is suffering from arthritis.
Restricted Movement
If your dog limits its movement so much so that it shows reluctance to reach its food bowl even when you serve its favourite food then it is a sure sign that it is suffering from some physical ailment. Most likely the problem in such cases is aching knees or hips.
Irritability
Your cheerful pet may display irritable behaviour on being touched or even otherwise when in pain. This is another symptom that mustn’t be neglected.
Possible Treatments to Cure Joint Ache
If you observe your pet closely you shall be able to identify the aforementioned symptoms just in time. Timely diagnosis can prevent the problem from aggravating. Here are the possible treatments that can help heal the condition:
Supplements
During the initial stage, the problem can be healed by giving them hip and joint supplements for dogs.
Medication
If the problem is less severe, it can be cured over time with the help of medicines.
Surgery
If the problem grows severe then the doctor may suggest surgery.
We hope these tips will help you take better care of your pet’s joint health. Do let us know if you need further help in this regard.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.