Health

What Causes Joint Pain In Dogs?

Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

November 1, 2018

You might think that stiffness is part of a dog’s normal aging process, but joint pain can be a sign that your dog has osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), arthritis, or a spinal disease. It can be caused by hereditary issues, diet, and more, and present itself as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, knee dysplasia, and luxating patella.

To find out if your dog has arthritis or something else, it’s best to bring them to a vet for an examination. Your vet can then determine what is causing the joint pain in question.

What Dog Breeds Are Affected By Joint Pain?

Pit Bull Dog With Joint Pain

While all types of dogs can experience joint pain as they age, there are over thirty breeds that are more susceptible due to genetic or hereditary issues. These include:

  • German Shepherds
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Dachshunds
  • Rottweilers
  • New Foundlands
  • Great Danes
  • Saint Bernards
  • Old English Sheep Dogs
  • Poodles
  • Pugs
  • Shetland Sheep Dogs
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
  • Greyhounds
  • Basset Hounds
  • Bulldogs
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Bloodhounds
  • Samoyeds
  • Pit Bull-type dogs
  • Chow Chows
  • Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • Boxers
  • Otterhound, Catahoula Cur Dogs
  • Miniature and Toy Poodles
  • Clumber Spaniels
  • English Setters
  • Swiss and Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Maltese Dogs
  • Jack Russel Terriers
  • Yorkshire Terriers
  • Pomeranians
  • Chihuahuas
  • Boston Terriers
  • Papillons
  • Boykins
  • Cocker Spaniels

What Are The Symptoms Of Joint Pain In Dogs?

According to Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, there are numerous signs to look for if your dog is suffering from arthritis/osteoarthritis, particularly around sudden changes in behavior.

Pug Dog With Joint Pain

These include:

  • Difficulty walking, getting up, or lying down
  • Stiffness, lameness
  • Peeing inside the house
  • Sudden changes in behavior (nervousness, shyness, aggression)
  • Lethargy
  • Sleeping more than normal
  • Pain, whining and crying when touched (as a result of pain)
  • Weight gain/weight loss

If your dog is experiencing any of the above, make an appointment to see a vet.

What Causes Arthritis In Dogs?

Hound Dog with Joint Pain

Your dog may suffer from arthritis or joint pain for any number of reasons, but here are a few of the main ones:

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Malnutrition
  • Bacteria, infections
  • Regular physical stress, usually found in working dogs
  • Injury, physical trauma
  • Cartilage, bone, and ligament issues
  • Tick-borne disease, including Lyme
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Congenital disorders

When Will My Dog Start Experiencing Joint Pain?

If your dog is one of the breeds listed earlier in this article, discuss with your vet the possible timeline when the dysplasia or luxating patella issues may start to affect your dog’s mobility, and a plan of action. If your dog is not one of the aforementioned breeds, your dog may experience arthritis or joint pain as they age into adulthood.

What Products Can Help Treat My Dog’s Joint Pain?

BarkBox Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs With Joint Pain

BARK Glucosamine Supplement For Hips And Joints: It’s veterinarian-formulated, made with all natural ingredients (glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid), and comes in the form of 150 soft chews. Basically, it looks and tastes just like delicious treats, and it could really help your dog with their hip and joint issues. ($32.99.)

BarkBox Bed For Dogs With Joint Pain

BARK Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed: This bed is made from both high quality memory foam and gel that helps relieve body aches and joint pain for your dog. (Starts at $35.99.)

BarkBox CBD Oil for dog with joint pain

Bark CBD Extract: This holistic remedy is made from MCT, organic coconuts, and co2 extracted high CBD hemp oil, and it’s been known to help with all forms of anxiety – but also arthritis, nausea, inflammation, and other physical or emotional pain. It contains no THC (<0.1%) and will not make your pup feel “buzzy” or “high.” ($69.30.)

Bark Chicken CBD Treats for dog with joint pain

Bark CBD Chicken Biscuits: These handcrafted treats are made with premium, human-grade ingredients including  full-spectrum CBD hemp oil and are available for both small and large dogs. They’re a holistic, natural product for anxiety, arthritis, nausea, inflammation, and other physical or emotional pain. They contain no THC (<0.1%) and will not make your pup feel “buzzy” or “high.” (Starting at $24.30 for 4 oz. jar of 25 treats.)

(NOTE: It typically takes more than a single dose of CBD – and sometimes up to two weeks’ worth – to see results.)

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Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

November 1, 2018

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A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.

INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.