Signs your Dog might be in Pain

How good is it being a dog these past couple of months??! Walk in the morning, another one at lunch, and the hooman is bored again by 3pm and guess what! Yep! Another walk! While life is getting back to sort-of-normal, our canine kids are loving the extra time spent with us. But maybe you’ve noticed pooch is a bit stiff in the mornings or a bit sore after a big walk? It could be Arthritis… 

Osteoarthritis is often noticeable later in its development because the initial changes within the joint are not visible. As dogs have 4 legs, they can shift weight and change their posture to cope with pain. 

Often we hear owners say “he’s just slowing down..” or “he’s just a bit stiff”. It’s common for owners to not notice changes in their dogs willingness to exercise and play as these changes occur over time and when they do finally show symptoms, the disease is already quite advanced and the dog is often in considerable pain. 

Even younger dogs can suffer the effects of Osteo Arthritis. If you’ve noticed your dog display any of the following signs, please book in for a quick check up. The pain of arthritis can be treated! 

· Stiffness when getting out of bed in the morning (yes, just like us humans!) 

· Limping or stiffness after a walk or exercise 

· Licking or gnawing at joints or paws 

· Puffy joints 

· Abnormal gait 

· Reluctance to walk upstairs or jump 

· Reluctance to play and run 

· Change in behaviour/aggression 

· Postural change or muscle wastage

If you have any concerns or would like information on Arthritis products - give us a call!