Joint Care for Dogs

Dogs, like humans, can develop joint problems during their lifetime. Sometimes, issues are caused by an acute injury, but often joint problems are the result of some form of joint disease. While the disease may start to develop during the first half of a dog’s life, you may not see the signs until later in life. To help maintain your furry friend’s quality of life, you need to know the signs and possible causes of joint pain and different ways to relieve the pain. It is also beneficial to understand the value of joint supplements in supporting overall joint health and to be aware of other ways you can take the pressure off your pup’s aging joints.

Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

We need to realize that dogs have evolved to hide their pain from their ‘parents’. In a pack setting, showing signs of pain could lead to being left behind by the group, as any weakness becomes a liability for the pack as a whole.  While many pet parents see a significant improvement in their dog’s mobility after signs of pain are present and then treated, the best medicine in this scenario is prevention, before the pain begins.

As a dog begins to develop joint pain, they may show a reluctance to play or engage in normal activities. Climbing up and down stairs may become more difficult, and your pup may be avoiding the stairs or taking longer going up or down. At times, you might notice your canine pal limping or favoring a limb, especially after resting or sleeping. With more severe pain, your dog may have difficulty rising. Sometimes, you will be able to detect swelling around a joint or will notice your dog shows pain when you touch an affected joint. Signs of pain vary depending on the type and severity of joint disease.

Causes of Dog Joint Pain

There are a number of diseases that can affect dog joints and lead to pain. Sometimes, pain is the result of an acute injury that improves with appropriate treatment and care. Other joint pain is caused by congenital disorders or a degenerative process and require a long-term approach to care and treatment. The more common conditions are:

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in dogs. In this type of arthritis, the cartilage in the joint deteriorates leaving no cushion between the bones. As the bones come in direct contact with one another, they become damaged, and the joint no longer moves smoothly. The body responds with an inflammatory response that affects the joint fluid. The fluid becomes thinner and loses it’s ability to lubricate and cushion the joint. Over time, the joint capsule becomes inflamed, and the dog shows pain.

Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that leads to a degenerative arthritis in the hip. Dogs born with dysplasia are born with a shallow hip socket and a weakness of the connective tissue, muscles and ligaments that normally provide stability to the hip joint. As a result, the femoral head moves too freely in the shallow cup and causes damage to the cartilage. This condition leads to degenerative changes in the joint and creates pain

Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow Dyspalsia is usually seen in large-breed puppies when they are in the rapid growth stage. When puppies are first born, many of the bones start as pieces of bone joined together with cartilage. During the growth phase, the cartilage changes to bone, and the pieces fuse into one bone. If the bones involved in the elbow joint do not fuse properly, or if the bones do not grow at the same rate, one or more conditions may occur that result in pain and lameness in one or both of the front legs. There may be an abnormality of the cartilage and underlying bone known as osteochondrosis, elbow incongruity, a fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna, or an ununited anconeal process of the ulna. Over time, any combination of the above conditions results in damage to the joint and accompanying pain.

Panosteitis
Panosteitis is another condition most common in young, large breed dogs. Panosteitis is a disease of the bones in which there is excess growth and restructuring of the bone. It usually occurs in the limbs and results in elongation of the bones and accompanying pain. The cause is not yet known. When a dog develops panosteitis, they show sudden lameness that may shift from one leg to another. There will be no known injuries, and the lameness resolves in about 2-3 weeks. Panosteitis usually occurs between 6-18 months of age but may also occur in middle-aged German Shepherds.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy also affects large breed dogs in their rapid growth stage, around 3-6 months of age. When this disease strikes, the leg bone growth plates show swelling and pain. During the course of the disease, a pup will show signs of lameness, usually in a pair of legs, may be reluctant to move or eat, and may have a fever. The cause of this disease is currently unknown.

Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a disease of the cartilage that usually affects larger breed dogs between the ages of 4-10 months. With this disease, cartilage in a joint becomes damaged or shows abnormal growth so that the surface between the bones is not smooth. The cartilage separates from the bone or cracks. It may also form a loose flap. Sometimes, a piece of cartilage will break loose and float in the joint. Because the cartilage surface is damaged, joint movement is painful. When a dog develops OCD, they will show lameness in the affected limb that can range from a slight limp to not bearing any weight on that limb. The extent of the lameness depends on the severity of the damage.

Pain Relief for Dogs

If your special friend is showing signs of joint pain, there are several ways to help relieve the pain. You can give your pup pain medications formulated to be safe for dogs to help provide immediate relief. To manage pain long-term, there are a number of supplements available to help your canine pal.

When you first notice signs of pain in your dog, you want to bring relief as soon as possible. To help alleviate the acute or initial pain, there are two basic classes of pain relieving drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticocosteroids. You will need to discuss with your veterinarian which form of pain relief is most suitable for your dog.

NSAIDs work by reducing the level of prostaglandins released in the affected area. Because prostaglandins cause pain and inflammation, the decrease allows dogs to move more easily. NSAIDs for dogs are only available as prescriptions because they have potential side effects and need to be properly dosed and monitored.

In the case of acute pain or emergency situations, you may need to start with a course of corticosteroids. The body produces natural steroids in small quantities to regulate various functions in the body. Pharmaceutical corticosteroids are more concentrated and have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They also have many undesirable side effects, so they are best used in emergencies or when other products are not able to relieve the pain.

When your pup has a long-term condition like arthritis or hip dysplasia that produces chronic pain, you want to be able to relieve the pain without risking harmful side effects. One way to reduce or possibly eliminate the need for pain medications is to provide quality joint supplements. There are a variety of compounds that support joint health and can work with the body to reduce pain and inflammation.

Some ingredients, like Omega-3 fatty acids, have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce products of the autoimmune response. Other nutritional supplements, such as glucosamine, are part of the building blocks needed to repair cartilage in the joint. There are also supplements, such as steroidal saponins, that provide natural pain relief. Understanding these ingredients helps you to select the right supplements for your canine companion.

What to Look for in a Good Joint Supplement

When choosing the right supplements for your pooch, you may want products with ingredients to provide anti-inflammatory effects, support for joint repair or a natural alternative for pain relief. The combination you choose will depend on the nature of your dog’s joint disease and level of pain.

Only buy from manufacturers that make their product in the USA. Most serious brands today make their product in the USA, but check the label just to be sure.

Many veterinarians see benefits to a mixture of joint supplement ingredients (glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin) rather than just one. Chondroitin, in particular, works best when paired with glucosamine. In recent years, many pet owners have also seen joint benefits by supplementing with turmeric.  Turmeric has been traditionally known to reduce inflammation.  Turmeric has Anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and has been shown to help with significant reductions in pain and disability associated with the condition.

Pay particular attention to the amount of the active ingredients in the product. Compare the amount of glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin on the ingredient label between brands. Often the lowest priced options will contain significantly less quantities of the active ingredients.

Check the label for the manufacturing method. Heat destroys nutrients, and many tablet forms of glucosamine are made with high heat manufacturing methods.  Look for a product using cold-press extrusion, which uses no heat whatsoever in the manufacturing process. It’s a more expensive method, and leads to a higher priced product, but the nutrients are more potent and more bioavailable (the extent to which a nutrient or medication can be used by the body) to your dog. Remember….. you get what you pay for!

Natural Anti-inflammatory Ingredients
In selecting a supplement to help relieve inflammation in the joints, you want to find ingredients that are sources of the Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA. These acids help to counteract the inflammatory process and decrease the production of harmful inflammatory substances. Supplements containing fish oil or green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) are good sources of the Omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients for Joint Repair
There are three major ingredients that support joint and cartilage repair: glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulonylmethane (MSM). Both glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the body and have been used to treat arthritis in Europe for decades.

Glucosamine is an essential building block for making new cartilage. As your dog’s body ages, it is not able to produce the same level of glucosamine as a young and healthy body. When joint disease is present, supplementation helps provide the body with the tools it needs to repair damaged cartilage.

Chondroitin production also drops with age and disease. Chondroitin helps block the enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint. Under normal circumstances, these enzymes help keep cartilage smooth, but in the case of injury, the enzymes increase their activity and destroy needed cartilage. The other key supplemental ingredient for joint repair is MSM.

MSM contains sulfur, which is important to many functions in the body. It can be utilized by the body to strengthen the bonds of connective tissues such as cartilage. It is also believed to have pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. When looking for a supplement to help support your pup’s joint health and aid in repair, choose one that contains all three ingredients mentioned above.

At what age should you consider starting this supplement routine? The answer depends a lot on your dog’s breed.

The following dog breeds are known to experience more severe and early symptoms of arthritis, hip & elbow dysplasia, and general joint inflammation. Talk to your vet, and consider supplementing their joints as early as one year of age (when their bodies stop growing).

American Staffordshire Terriers
Bloodhounds
Basset Hounds
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Catahoula Hounds
Chow Chows
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Dachshunds
French Bulldogs
German Shepherds
Great Danes
Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
Neopolitan Mastiffs
Norwegian Elkhounds
Newfoundlands
Otterhounds
Old English Sheepdogs
Pit Bulls
Pugs
Rottweilers
Saint Bernards
Shih Tzus
If your dog is not on this list, talk to your vet and consider supplementing their diet before they reach their senior years.

Natural Pain Relieving Ingredients
In addition to natural anti-inflammatories and joint repair ingredients, you may want to look for ingredients that provide natural pain relief. Because medications carry the risk of various side effects, their use should be limited. When your dog shows chronic pain, ingredients such as steroidal saponins can provide pain relief without the side effects of NSAIDs and steroids.

Steroidal saponins are derived from the Yucca plant and imitate the action of steroids in the body. They are all-natural and considered safe for use in dogs. They act at the cellular level in the body to significantly reduce pain and swelling.

When considering a supplement or supplements to support your companion’s joint health, evaluate what you need for your dog’s condition. For early intervention to help prevent or support future joint disease, joint supplements are key. If your canine pal is showing signs of pain and disease, additional ingredients to reduce inflammation and relieve pain are important to support your pup’s quality of life.

Other Ways to Take the Pressure Off

As your pup gets older and starts to show signs of arthritis or other joint disease, there are things you can do to make their daily life easier. One thing that can help reduce the strain on the joints is helping your pup reach and maintain a healthy weight with proper nutrition. But if your dog is already at a healthy weight, you can still use some equipment and alternative medicine to help take the pressure off the joints.

Install Ramps or Steps                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Put in ramps or pet steps to help your dog get to his favorite resting spots, like the couch or bed.

Add Carpeting and Secure Any Loose Rugs                                                                                                                                                            Consider putting in carpeting or secure rugs to help your pup gain traction and stay steady on his feet.

Dog Lifting Harnesses
When your dog’s pain interferes with their ability to rise or walk, you can use a dog lifting harness to provide needed support. Rear lifting harnesses can be used for dogs with hip and hind leg issues to help them rise from a prone position and to help them walk. Giving your canine friend the freedom to enjoy a walk helps maintain muscle tone, and this provides natural support to the affected joint. When your pup is severely debilitated, you may need a whole body lifting harness to help them rise and to be able to urinate or defecate more easily.

Orthopedic Dog Beds
A firm, orthopedic dog bed provides comfort to dogs suffering from arthritis and other joint conditions. These beds provide extra cushioning that distributes body weight evenly and reduces stress on the pressure points. This allows your pup to rest more comfortably. In addition to orthopedic beds, you can provide a heated dog bed or heating pad made for dogs to soothe aching joints in cold weather.

Elevated Feeding Dishes
With larger dogs dealing with sore or stiff joints, elevated feeding dishes help reduce the strain on the body. Your pup will not need to bend down to the ground to eat. There is less strain on the neck and back when the food and water is easier to reach.

Massage
Massage is the gentle manipulation of superficial and deep soft tissues and is medically beneficial for the following reasons:

• Prevents adhesions of muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Reduces muscle spasm, swelling, and joint stiffness
• Improves tissue relaxation, muscle flexibility, and blood flow
• Maintains muscle mass while decreasing pain

Please read my article titled, Benefits of Canine Massage, dated November 7, 2016 for more information. In administering your dog’s massage, be sure not to massage directly on your dog’s painful joints but instead focus on the areas around the painful joints.  Next, lightly knead any tight muscles and do not overwork a muscle. If your pet begins to resist in a certain area, move on to another area that feels good to him or her.

Acupuncture                                               
One form of alternative medicine that may help reduce arthritis and other joint pain is acupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific locations on the body to produce a desired physiological effect. In dogs, it has been successfully used to treat degenerative joint disease and other conditions. The pain relief provided through acupuncture may decrease the need for prescription medications to treat joint disease.

Diet and Exercise
One of the major causes of joint distress is canine obesity.  If your dog is overweight, his joints will be bearing extra weight. The joint pain creates a vicious cycle: pain leads to inactivity, which results in even more weight gain. Getting your dog to a proper weight through diet and nutrition is very important and will provide measurable relief.

There are many manufactured dog foods that are formulated for canine joint health. Check for these important factors:

Grain, gluten and GMO-free formula

High levels of protein

Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support

Antioxidants, omega fatty acids and probiotics

Complete and balanced everyday meal for adult dogs

No meat by-products or fillers

Made in the USA!

**Consider making homemade bone broth for your pup. Your pet’s bone health is dependent on the health of the collagen found in the tendons and ligaments of the bones. Bone broth is loaded with amazing compounds such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine which allow for protection of joints.  The broth’s easily-absorbed minerals, including magnesium and glucosamine can help in treating osteoarthritis and other joint issues.  Please check out my article on Bone Broth for Pets, dated January 30, 2017, which contains info on the benefits of bone broth and a recipe.

If you have a dog that is showing signs of joint pain or disease, you need to understand the underlying cause of your companion’s distress. Once you consult with your veterinarian to find the diagnosis for your pup’s specific condition, you will be ready to choose the best combination of pain relief medications, joint health supplements, and additional tools and techniques to ease the stress on your dog’s joints.