Every dog will be in pain in the course of its life – this is clear to every owner. It is less well known that dogs are trying to hide this pain. The reason lies in her inheritance: members of the pack had to be strong and healthy in order not to be expelled. So dogs keep secret when it pinched somewhere. Fortunately, attentive owners quickly notice when their dog is not doing well.
Signs of arthrosis pain
- Loss of appetite: he refuses food, does not eat.
- Hungry: crooked back, inserted rod, raised stomach, lowered head or “tipping” on the spot show that something is wrong here.
- Social behavior: Either the dog becomes extremely affectionate – or it withdraws and avoids the owner and other dogs.
- Aggressiveness: The previously friendly dog snaps “groundless” and behaves aggressively. Also striking: panting, licking, licking, trembling or restlessness.
- Licking: licking or giving the joints or certain body regions is also an indication of pain.
- No joy of movement: your dog is not happy about walks or games.
Reasons for pain
The reasons for pain are diverse. The consequences of accidents and injuries are immediately recognizable. Just like people, dogs also get stomach or toothache. Inflammation on the ears or under the skin can also be painful. However, arthrosis is one of the most common reasons for pain. With this joint disease, about 40 % of all dogs become acquainted with this joint disease.
Attention: If you find that your dog is in pain, you do not put pain relievers out of your own pharmaceutical cabinet. The doses for people can be completely wrong. Or the drug is generally unsuitable for dogs. Only one veterinarian can give the right painkillers for your dog (and its size).
What is osteoarthritis?
Basically, every dog can develop osteoarthritis. Older animals are particularly at risk of large breeds. Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint disease, which means that it goes hand in hand with pain and changes in the joints. In addition to the articular cartilage, all other structures of the joint are also affected. The pain and movement restriction have a negative impact on the mobility and quality of life of the dog. The disease is not curable, but the pain can be treated.
Checklist: Does your dog have osteoarthritis?
With this simple checklist you can check whether your dog shows signs of arthrosis-related pain.
The most important warning signs in the movement:
- Going stiff: Watch your dog at the beginning of a walk or immediately after getting up: does he have to “run in” first?
- Problems with jumping: mostly strikes that the dog no longer jumps into the trunk light -footed. But the jump to the couch or the like is also difficult.
- Stay behind during a walk: your dog no longer runs happily when you are on the go? Do you have to turn around or even wait more often?
- Humpeling after movement: Your dog rages as before, plays with his friends on the Hundwiese or starts with joy – but then protects one leg.
- Problems with getting up: Especially with large and heavy dogs, it is noticeable if you only get tedious after resting phases.
- Problems when climbing stairs: Was your dog always there on the upper floors? If this suddenly fails to fail, it is a warning signal.
The most important warning signs in behavior:
- Less playful with other dogs or with his people: Your dog leaves balls and toys “lying” and quickly withdraws during betting runs and games.
- Sensitive to touch: Does your dog suddenly and without an occasion, if you stroke it, brush or crawl hard? Does this behavior return again and again?
- Do you sleep in other places than before or does he wake up frequently? Has your dog been looking for a new, softer place to sleep? Does he suddenly and for no reason?
- More aggressive, bites: has your dog transformed from a philanthropist to a loner, reacts to human and animal approaches?
- Maintaining the fur decreases: Even if the fur becomes more shaped and dirty, this can be an indication of pain in the joints.
- Returned alone: If the social pack animal becomes a loner, it is a strong sign that he is not doing well.
Result: If one or more of these points apply to your dog, you should present your dog to a veterinarian. This is the only way to take a precise diagnosis and advice on therapy.