Just the thought of our dogs suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent.
Sadly, research shows that 80% of dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans are able to reach for pain medications and talk to our doctors about symptoms, our precious pups cannot. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret.
Why do dogs hide signs of pain? As pack animals, not showing their suffering has clear survival benefits. The ancestors of modern dogs would commonly leave behind a member of the pack who was in pain and slowing down the whole group. As a result, dogs have learned to hide their pain very well. Fortunately, there are some subtle signs we can look out for:
Top 6 Signs of Canine Joint Pain
#1 – Weight Gain: Obesity is often an indirect sign of joint pain, as dogs become less active due to the pain.
#2 – Difficulty in getting up to greet you: This is one of the most often cited signals. If your dog usually jumps up to greet you or visitors when they first walk in the door, but suddenly stops this behavior, there may be something wrong.
#3 – Limping: Often arthritic dogs experience limping right after getting up from lying down. The limp may not last for long and might only occur a few moments after getting up.
#4 – Decreased energy: If your dog’s overall energy has taken a turn for the worse, they may be feeling the pains of inflamed joints.
#5 – Irritability: If your dog has become irritable for no apparent reason, they may be suffering from a hidden pain of some kind.
#6 – Increased licking, biting, or chewing: Pay attention to where your dog is licking or grooming themselves. Excessive or unusual attention in one area of the body might be a result of joint pain.
If you have not yet noticed any signs of joint pain, you’re very lucky, as most dogs will be affected by the condition at some point in their lives. The best time to act is before symptoms are present.
In general, the larger the breed of dog, the more likely they are to suffer from joint pain, and the earlier you need to start preventative measures.
What are the top strategies for mitigating canine joint pain?
#1 – Maintain a healthy weight: Make sure you know the healthy weight of your dog. All those treats and table scraps can add up to a lot of calories!
#2 – Consistent exercise: Different breeds need different levels of exercise. Low impact, consistent walks are good for both your dog and yourself. Swimming is a great option for dogs with severe mobility issues.
#3 – Massages: For dogs already suffering from joint issues, a massage can go a long way to help relieve tension and increase flexibility. Just make sure you pay attention your dog’s responses and notice which areas might be sensitive to the touch.
#4 – Comfortable bedding: Do not skimp on your dog’s bed! Make sure they have adequate padding for their weight and replace when worn out. Better yet, let them sleep with you!
#5 – Supplementation: Many veterinarians recommend supplementing with a high-quality Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin supplement. In recent years, Omega-3s has also become a popular ingredient for joint support. (VetWELL‘s recently released WellSyn Joint Support contains all four ingredients).
When Should I Begin Using a Joint Care Supplement?
The larger the breed of dog you have, the earlier you should consider supplementation. The following breeds in no particular order are prone to more severe joint problems. Many veterinarians recommend supplementation for these breeds as early as 3 years old.
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Rottweilers
- Mastiffs
- Great Danes
- Dachshunds
- Newfoundlands
- Bernards
Joint pain is an absolutely terrible thing to observe in our dogs. Talk to your vet and come up with a plan. If supplementation is right for your dog, we encourage you to try our WellSyn Joint Support Supplement for Dogs. We believe it to be the best product on the market.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional.
