Just like people, as dogs age, their needs and level of care change. The senior dog has issues such as joint pain. It’s important to become educated on the topic of senior dog joint pain so you can provide your beloved canine family member the best care possible as they age. If you start to notice joint pain in your senior dog, it’s best to schedule a checkup with your vet to find the source, and for help determining the best treatment protocol. You want your four-legged furry friend to feel the best they can.
Senior Dog Joint Pain
November is the month dedicated to senior pet month, but it’s a lot more than just an awareness campaign. It’s a great time to begin learning more about your aging dogs. The focus is to think about your aging pets, including dogs, specific health needs. As dogs grow older, joints can suffer from wear and tear. For some dogs, this leads to joint pain as well as mobility issues. But there is good news Senior dog joint pain is manageable, especially when it is addressed quickly and properly.
Why Senior Dog Veterinary Checkups are Important.
Dogs of all ages need regular vet visits to ensure they remain in good health. For senior pets, regular veterinary visits are even more important. The best way to ensure treatability is to find any early signs of problems. The earlier problems are discovered, the easier they are to treat. Regular visits help ensure your vet catches early signs of joint pain. This allows them to monitor symptoms and treat other age-related conditions that may occur. Early detection can make a huge difference in treatment options and quality of life for your senior dog.
Common Signs of Joint Pain in Senior Dogs
One of the signs of joint pain in senior dogs is limping. They may also have difficulty getting up from a sitting or laying position, or just trouble standing. You may notice that they avoid activities they usually enjoy like going for a walk, jumping on the furniture, or playing outdoors. Other signs may include vocalizing or whining when walking or moving, reluctance to go up or down the stairs, and they may be more lethargic.
How Is Joint Pain in Senior Dogs Treated?
Diagnostics to Identify Joint Pain
Before any treatment can begin, the vet will need to diagnose the cause of joint pain. The diagnostic processes may include an x-ray or an ultrasound. In some cases, a CT scan or an MRI will be performed so the vet can understand the extent of your senior dog’s condition.
Treatment Options
Once the vet is able to identify the joint pain is the culprit causing your senior dog discomfort, they will be able to develop a suitable treatment plan. This may involve different treatment methods, including:
- Pain management medication
- Dietary adjustments to manage weight (excess weight often exacerbates joint pain)
- Surgical intervention in the most severe cases
The vet will discuss your available treatment options. They may suggest injectable medications used to treat arthritis in senior dogs. These medications will help control both pain and swelling often associated with joint pain and arthritis. They will work with you to find the most effective and appropriate medications that will help manage your senior dog’s pain and ensure they have a better quality of life.
On-going Treatment and Support
Once your pet begins treatment protocol, regular checkups with the vet will help monitor their progress. This allows the vet to make any adjustments to their treatment plan. The goal is, of course, to provide senior dogs with the most comfortable and active life they can enjoy. You may have to make some adjustments at home as well. Some practical changes that may help include:
- Taking shorter or slower walks.
- Using a Dog Rear Lift Harness from BrilliantK9 to help you lift your senior dog on its rougher days.
- Moving their bedding to an area of your home so that it is more accessible.
Caring for Senior Dogs
Your furry senior dog gives you their unconditional love and lots of compassion. They deserve to be treated well and have the best care possible, especially as they age. Working with your vet and knowing what helpful tools like a lift harness are available can help ensure you give your senior dog the care they need. Early detection and swift effective treatment can make a huge difference.