Dog Joint Health: Painful Joint Problems

Updated: February 26, 2024

We are used to seeing our fur-babies active and full of energy most of the time. So when they begin to do less or have difficulties in doing the things they used to do like running, climbing the stairs or getting up the couch to cuddle with you.

It can be one sign that your fur-baby is developing a certain joint disorder that can be congenital, or as a result of trauma, injury or abnormal development as your dog ages. Here, we've come up with a list of the common painful joint problems in dogs, symptoms and how you can support your dog's joint health.

Painful Joint Problems

Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common painful joint problems your fur-baby can be diagnosed with, This happens when there is an irregular development of the hip socket.

"Hip dysplasia is one of the most common painful joint problems your fur-baby can be diagnosed with, This happens when there is an irregular development of the hip socket."

Knee Cap Displacement. Displacement of the Knee Cap in dogs occurs if there's an unusual development that prompts several hind limb deformations that involves the hip joint. Knee cap displacement also directs to cartilage and ligament damages. Your dog may walk lamely or skip while walking.

Arthritis. This is one of the most painful joint problems in our fur-babies, applicable to young and senior dogs alike. Arthritis is a degenerative joint problem that emerges from every day and repeated wear and tear on the joints of our dogs. Arthritis in dogs can be classified into three types:

  • Septic - caused by bacteria
  • Cancerous - caused by a tumor
  • Immune-mediated - caused by the dog's own immune system

Traumas. These joint disorders in dogs are greatly caused by traumas due to injuries and accidents. These traumas involve displacements, fractures that affect the proper alignment - all prompting a dilemma in the association and alignment of the joints of your fur-baby.

Painful joint problems symptoms

The following are the signs that you can watch out for if you suspect your dog might be experiencing some hip and joint problems:

  • Appears weaker
  • Muscle loss
  • Noticeable difficulty in doing even simple activities like walking or running
  • Lameness
  • Sleeping more
  • Sudden irritability
  • Limping
  • Chooses to sit or lay down most of the times
  • Excessive licking of the sore joint area

Prevention and relief

Supplement. One of the most all-embracing ways you can attend, prevent, and reduce joint problems in your fur-baby is giving him supplements that strengthen hip and joint health. Remember that supplementing is most powerful right before your dog shows any signs of joint health problems, and this is why it's always great to give your fur-baby Hip and Joint SoftSupps® on a daily basis.

Keep calm and stay warm. The joint pain of your fur-baby hurts more on cold days. This is why it's very important to keep your dog dry and warm all the time.

Stay Active. Just because your fur baby is going through some joint problems doesn't mean this should keep him away from being active.

The point is, the more your dog doesn't move around, the more he'll be prone to being overweight and being overweight can develop or worsen any joint problems. Give your dog a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight.

Painful joint problems in your fur-baby may be caused by an accident, an illness, a bacteria, etc and relieving it can be one of a pet parent's greatest challenge but know that you are not in it alone because there are ways (and supplements) that will help you and your fur-baby move forward to a healthier and happier life!

"The joint pain of your fur-baby hurts more on cold days. This is why it's very important to keep your dog dry and warm all the time."

The author

MICKA V.

Author Bio

Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.

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