How To

How to Know If Your Dog Has Arthritis

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By Joyce Maxwell, eHow Contributing Writer

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Dogs are subject to arthritis.

Dogs can suffer from arthritis just like people, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is fairly common in older dogs, particularly if the dogs are overweight and sedentary. However, arthritis can afflict a dog of any age and it can set up in an area that was previously injured. Watching for arthritis signs in dogs is very important because the disease greatly impacts canine lifestyles and causes pain. A dog that has arthritis should be seen by a vet so arthritis treatments and pain medications can be started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Observe your dog to see if he seems stiff when he gets up from sleeping. Arthritis will make it difficult for him to stand as quickly as he once did. He may also be slower than usual when walking around after a lengthy nap or overnight sleep.
Step 2

Watch your dog's walk. Arthritis can make a dog's gait slower. It can also make a dog limp. If your dog used to walk fast or run after a ball or toy and he seems uninterested, it can be a sign of arthritis.
Step 3

Call your dog to see if he can jump up beside you on a couch. If he seems uninterested, this can be a sign of arthritis.
Step 4

Watch your dog to see if he has a difficult time walking up and down stairs. Some dogs with severe arthritis will not even attempt stairs.
Step 5

Observe your dog when he is urinating, eating, or doing anything that requires him to stand for a period of time. If his legs give out or he loses his balance easily, it is a sign of arthritis.
Step 6

Monitor your dog's behavior. If he is sleeping more and seems no longer interested in playing, it is a sign that your dog isn't feeling well and that he could be suffering from arthritis.

Tips & Warnings

There is no cure for dog arthritis. However, there are things that a vet can instruct you to do to help you manage your dog's arthritis and keep him as healthy, happy and as pain-free as possible.