Dog Muscle and Joint Health FAQs

Your dog is meant to have healthy joints and muscles. A dog that eats a nutritious diet and exercises regularly will probably exhibit high energy, good muscle tone, ease in movement, and better overall health and disposition. Even though cases of diminished joint and muscle health are often due to aging, many of them are eased when pet owners educate themselves and take action for their pet’s health and comfort.

Below are questions and answers that address some of the concerns for owners of dogs with joint and muscle difficulties:

Q. How common is joint and muscle trouble in dogs?

A. Just like people, most dogs will lose flexibility and muscle strength as they age. However, joint and muscle troubles are much more likely for any dog – young or old – that is not in good overall health. Obese dogs especially are at risk. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in every five U.S. adult dogs suffers with arthritis.

Q. What are some of the causes of joint and muscle complications in dogs?

A. A number of factors can cause these problems for dogs:

Infection
Excess weight
Lack of exercise
Immune system complications
Previous injuries
Breed and genetics

Q. How can I tell if my dog has joint or muscle discomfort?

A. It is important to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior. If you notice persistence of any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to see what exactly the problem is.

Stiffness or soreness
Slower movement than usual
Weight gain
Resistance to touch
Abnormal walking
Hesitancy to use stairs or do any climbing
Lethargy or depression
Hot or swollen joints

Q. Is my dog’s trouble likely to be arthritis?

A. It is probable. Arthritis is very common among humans and their pets. One in five U.S. adult dogs develops arthritis. Older and unhealthy dogs are even more likely to have the disease.

Q. Is there a link between arthritis and obesity?

A. Definitely – The extra weight that an obese dog’s joints and bones have to support can be very wearing on the cartilage. Often, obese dogs eat a diet that is not conducive to bone and joint health in the first place.

Q. What exactly is arthritis? What does it do?

A. Arthritis is basically pain caused by joint damage. It might involve a deterioration of the cartilage, joint tissue inflammation, or synovial fluid imbalances. If there is a problem with the cartilage, your dog may not feel it until the problem is well advanced, as cartilage has no nerves. The usual symptoms of arthritis in dogs include pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Q. What is the average age a dog develops arthritis?

A. Arthritis can happen at any age, but dogs (even healthy ones) have a 65 percent chance of developing the disease as the dog approaches seven to 11 years of age.

Q. What can I do to help my dog?

A. There is no cure for arthritis, so prevention starting in the puppy years is the best plan. If your dog is already experiencing arthritis, there are a number of ways you can support your dog’s quality of life at home.

Healthy diet for weight control and overall health
Mild exercise
Natural supplements that can help ease arthritis
Gentle massage
Lots of careful affection
Natural supplements designed to support joint health
Provide plenty of soft warm places for your dog to curl up
Discourage stair use, perhaps with a baby gate

Q. Can I still take my dog for walks?

A. Certainly! Walks are helpful even for dogs with arthritis as a chance for exercise and joint movement. Just make sure that the walks aren’t too long, and that the surfaces your dog walks on are not very hard. Grass will be easier than cement.

Q. Will my dog still want physical affection from me and my family?

A. Yes. Some dogs with arthritis will get depressed, and showing them love can help. However, be very careful about where you pet your dog, and be especially gentle with tender areas.

Q. What about giving my dog human pain medicine?

A. This is not a good idea. Certain drugs – like aspirin and ibuprofen – can be toxic for dogs. It is best to meet with your veterinarian and discuss natural approaches for pain relief, like glucosamine.

Don’t worry – there are millions of humans that live full, active lives in spite of their arthritis, and dogs are just the same. Your dog can remain happy even if the joints are not quite as strong as they used to be. As long as you take steps to ease the pain, and keep it from getting worse, your dog can continue to be your faithful companion for many years to come.