Symptoms of Dog Arthritis

Dogs suffering from arthritis will show signs indicating that they do suffer from it. Dog arthritis is a disease that can be very hard to reverse during its advanced stages. As such, every pet owner should be wary of what their dogs are going through to keep them from suffering too much pain and discomfort.

The symptoms of dog arthritis are listed below. If you observe them in your pet, be sure to take them to the vet right away for proper diagnosis:

1. Laziness

Dogs that feel pain on their limbs tend to sulk in one corner and do nothing but sleep all day. While you think that it is rather normal for your pet to feel lazy every now and then, you should be thoroughly concerned about its condition whenever your dog remains in that state for a long period of time. Laziness in previously active dogs is a telltale sign of arthritis.

2. Pain in the legs

Try to make your dog stand on its two hind feet. If it can barely achieve that position, the chances are high that it is suffering from arthritis. Some dogs can even walk on two feet during their younger years. If this isn’t possible with your dog, you can’t simply blame it on old age. It might be arthritis and the problem can still be cured if you deal with it immediately.

3. Weight Loss

Dogs with arthritis may lose weight without you noticing it. Arthritis can directly affect their appetite. If your dog barely finishes its meal, you know that it is sick. Take it to the vet to know exactly what it is that’s wrong with your pet.

4. Fever

Some advanced cases of arthritis will cause your dog to develop fever. Pain and fever are two serious signs that your pet is suffering from an advanced case of arthritis. Of course, it can still be caused by other diseases. Be sure to give your dog first aid whenever problems like these arise.

5. Diminished muscle tone

Some breeds of dogs have good muscles, form, and build. If suddenly your dog loses its physique, it may be due to arthritis. Dogs suffering from arthritic pain will stop running around and exercising on their own. This is the main reason why their bodies may be less fit that before. If you observe this in your pet, it is best that you check for other symptoms to know for sure that its problem is arthritis.

Arthritis is a very common disease. If your dog is old, you might have to be aware that it may suffer from this disease if you don’t go through the necessary prevention steps. While arthritis is almost a given in senior dogs, you can still take extra measures to make sure that your dog won’t suffer from in the future.

If your dog does have arthritis, strive to provide it with the best care and attention at all times. You and your dog might have to go through some lifestyle changes to better manage this disease, and to keep the symptoms listed above from showing.

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