Dogs are hyperactive creatures and they like to run and play all day. Sometimes, you may find that your dog is not up for playing and prefers lying on the ground the whole day. You may mistake that for laziness, or you may tell yourself that the weather is too hot, so the dog is not feeling well. However, you may need to consider that another reason for your dog’s lethargy could be joint pain. You should also pay attention to your dog’s overall behavior to diagnose joint problems early, to be able to treat them before the condition exacerbates.
Joint Issues Indications
If your dog is limping, you will notice it as soon as you lay eyes on it. Unfortunately, sometimes the signs are subtle and it takes someone that pays attention to details to figure them out. For instance, going up or down the stairs, difficulty in getting up in the morning, and slowing down are not signs of old age but they indicate that moving is painful for your pet. You will see that there is a considerable muscle loss in the affected limb since what is not used, degenerates.
If your furry friend is putting its hind limbs closer together while standing or keeping the front legs wide, it is probably to take the weight off the sore joint. While walking, the dog may hop like a rabbit to distribute the weight equally on both legs. Also, there may be shaking and trembling whenever the dog stands or walks.
Moreover, the mental health of your happy companion will get affected. It will become grumpy in the morning. Increased irritability and anger will be shown if you touch the painful area and your dog may even bite you. Loss of appetite is one of the signs as well because the joint is too painful for the dog to think about eating.
Treatment Options
You need to figure out the reason behind the pain or inflammation to be able to treat it correctly. There are natural herbs that sometimes relieve the pain, but if they fail, you can opt for drugs that are labeled safe for dogs.
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Natural Remedies
Some people prefer to try using natural drugs before resorting to pharmaceutical ones. They prove effective in some cases and can make the dog healthy again. For example, ginger is a spice that has an anti-inflammatory effect and accordingly decreases pain. Also, yucca is a soap-like substance that decreases stiffness and inflammation.
Some plants are known for their medicinal effect. A lot of anti-rheumatic drugs are extracted from the cannabis plant and they differ in their psychoactive effect. They are great treatment alternatives to regular herbs and manufactured drugs when they are given in small doses. Recently, cannabidiol oil is proving its effectiveness in treating arthritis and other joint problems. Moreover, it can be applied topically in the form of a cream.
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
They are drugs that are taken by humans and are effective in dogs as well. They can relieve pain and swelling when given for 2-3 weeks. However, they have some side effects such as gastrointestinal pain and may affect the liver and kidney functions negatively. So, if you plan on giving that medication to your dog, you need to test it before starting the treatment.
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Acupuncture
The famous Chinese needles that are used for humans can heal dogs as well. It is most effective in degenerative diseases because it helps in increasing the range of motion. It is used with other prescriptions because it doesn’t treat the main cause but helps in alleviating pain and stiffness.
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Corticosteroids
Inflammation appears when the immune system tries to fight off an infection. So, while treating it, corticosteroids are given to suppress immunity to treat the redness in the inflamed area that the dog licks continuously. Although it is effective, it should be given under supervision and in severe cases.
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Physical Therapy
Throughout the treatment process, you should take your dog to a physical therapist. It is necessary because after staying immobile for so long, the muscle endurance and flexibility wouldn’t be the same. So, rehabilitation methods can aid in your loved pet’s recovery.
The most crucial step in this process is to be aware of your furballs’ condition and to avoid assuming the reasons behind the lack of activity. You may think that the signs are minor and not going to pose any problems. If you notice any changes in behavior in your dog, you should always ask your vet before prescribing your pet any medicine or herb.
