Canine osteoarthritis can inhibit your loyal friends from enjoying an active and healthy lifestyle.
Inflammation of bones and joints is as common in dogs as it is in humans. Dog owners need to
be aware of this painful condition. Understanding how to identify Dog Arthritis signs and
symptoms, as they occur, will enable you to get the treatment your dog deserves.
What is canine osteoarthritis (OA)?
What causes osteoarthritis and why does it matter?
Canine OA is the gradual loss of cartilage in your dog’s joints, which results in bony spurs and cysts at the margins of the joints. This condition is painful for your furry companion.
If OA is left untreated, it can result in limited mobility issues, painful joints, and a poor quality of life.
It is easy to confuse signs of arthritis with the natural ageing process as it is often assumed a
dog is slowing down because they are getting older.
Old dogs are at the highest risk, but even younger dogs and dogs of all ages and breeds can be susceptible to canine OA.
How do dog owners identify the signs of canine osteoarthritis?
Dog Arthritis symptoms are identified by behavioural changes:
- Limping and tiring quickly during walks.
- Takes longer to rise from a resting or sitting position.
- Difficulty jumping up and climbing stairs.
- Stiffness in the joints, especially after rest or in cold weather.
- Being irritable or aggressive.
- Frequent licking and chewing.
- Shows reduced interest in playing or physical activity.
- Withdrawing or avoiding other pets.
If your dog is showing any of these signs and symptoms, it is necessary to consult a vet for a full professional dog arthritis evaluation.
Your dog’s physical and emotional well-being is important, and the right treatment by a qualified vet will help your furry friend become their normal loving and happy selves again.
Consult a vet for an early Dog Arthritis diagnosis and a professional evaluation.
Consulting a vet is an important process in ensuring that your dog receives the best diagnosis and treatment.
Getting treatment for your dog will help maintain muscles and reduce weight.
To identify OA, book an appointment with your local vet and ask for a vet exam for dog arthritis. It is too risky to diagnose your dog at home, a Canine Osteoarthritis evaluation must be
completed by a vet. There is no cure for arthritis in dogs, but with the right treatment you can ensure your dog’s quality of life is improved.
Your vet will help ensure your dog lives a pain-free life. The correct diagnosis and treatment will
slow the disease’s progression, and your dog will begin to show significant improvements.
What happens during an exam for Canine Osteoarthritis?
Vets diagnose arthritis in dogs by doing a physical evaluation and joint check.
After ensuring your dog is comfortable, the vet will check your dog’s sides and his tricep
muscles. He will look for any thickening of the elbows, and check muscle mass, quadriceps,
hamstrings and individual joints.
He will then check each limb by extending and flexing the joints. He will also check your dog’s neck muscles, spine and lumbar sacral. The vet will watch for predictive reactions associated with each motion.
The vet will then recommend treatment and a long-term plan for your dog.
Doing a professional evaluation is important.
The Dog Osteoarthritis evaluation video will not only educate you on what the procedure entails,
but it also allows you to better understand why it is important that this evaluation is completed by a qualified veterinarian only. It is essential that the exam is completed accurately so that your dog can receive the correct treatment.
Watch a real-life professional OA exam to better understand the Canine OA
evaluation. The video provides a detailed view of how your vet will go about diagnosing your dog.
Dog Arthritis in Older Dogs: What you should know.
Osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal disease in dogs, which can become worse if left untreated. It will result in chronic pain for your dog and ongoing joint damage. Chronic pain will
affect not only your dog’s sleep patterns, but also cognitive function, gait, and movement.
Completing an OA exam is a common procedure in senior dogs for your vet. It is not something to cause you concern no matter your dog’s age.
Get the professional check, it is the first step in assisting your loyal companion with
painful symptoms.
Your proactive response will benefit your dog’s lives.
If you suspect that your dog may have arthritis or is showing any of the symptoms mentioned,
or has behavioural or mobility issues and they have not had a diagnosis by a vet, contact a
qualified vet near you today. Ask for a dog joint pain assessment, or a check for your
furry friend.
- Book a vet arthritis (OA) exam.
- Every dog owner should get a complete OA exam for their dogs.
- Expert advice is available.
- Visit Find a Vet Near Me to improve your dog’s lifestyle.
- Get expert advice on treatment and solutions for your dog today.
Use the Dog Arthritis Symptom Checker and assess your dog’s joint health online.
Dog Arthritis Symptom Checker: Assess Your Dog’s Joint Health Online

