Spotting early signs of arthritis in dogs: don't miss out on helping your dog

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.

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 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 '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 '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 '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 '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.