How can you tell if your dog has arthritis?

4 Comments

1. Jessy says:

   July 20, 2010 at 6:51 am

   You usually can notice it when they start having trouble getting up and down, getting onto the bed or couch, and having trouble climbing stairs. If you take your dog to a vet, they will take an x ray or just do a examination and can prescribe some pain killers and anti inflammatories.
2. Ryan :) says:

   July 20, 2010 at 7:14 am

   Obvious signs would include avoiding walking, limping , or just lack of movement. Your dog may also yelp in pain if it absoulutly has to walk long distances. You should also bring your dog to a vet if you suspect your dog has arthiritis
3. Ask Anything says:

   July 20, 2010 at 7:34 am

   The only way to know for certain is to take him to the vet and have x rays done. But you might be able to observe the dog and look for certain clues.

   For example, watch him walk up and down stairs. Is he doing this normally? Or is he very slow? Does he sort of limp when going up and down? Is he walking up and down very cautiously? Sometimes, if you pay close enough attention you might be able to hear grinding or popping or clicking as he’s walking up and down the stairs. But unless you have your ear right next to his joints I’m not certain you’ll be able to hear this.
4. Jason says:

   July 20, 2010 at 7:37 am

   From what I’ve read, some of the most common symptoms of canine arthritis are:

   -Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play
   -Limping
   -Lagging behind on walks
   -Difficulty rising from a resting, sitting, or sleeping position
   -Yelping in pain when touched or resisting being touched
   -A personality change because of the pain, aggression