Canine arthritis pain can be among the most debilitating kinds of pain your dog can suffer. Arthritis pain symptoms can also be quite similar to the symptoms of other illnesses such as Lyme disease. Here's how you can identify canine arthritis pain symptoms:
Know Your Dog's Risk Level
Arthritis usually strikes older dogs. Obese dogs are also prone to more severe pain symptoms because their excess weight puts strain on the joints.
Observe Your Dog Over Time
Canine arthritis pain symptoms will gradually worsen over time as the disease progresses. If your dog's joint pain seems to appear from nowhere, then it's most likely a symptom of another illness.
Be Aware of Concurrent Symptoms
Are joint pain and inflammation your dog's only symptoms? Arthritis manifests itself as stiffness, swelling, and inflammation of the joints. If your dog has any accompanying symptoms, such as a fever, vomiting, or unexplained muscle weakness, he's probably not suffering from arthritis.
Know What Arthritis Looks Like
Arthritis symptoms develop slowly over time, usually in older dogs. Your dog may display a decreased level of activity as movement becomes more painful. He may have difficulty sitting, standing, lying down, or squatting to relieve himself.
Also, canine arthritis symptoms remain consistent. The pain, inflammation and stiffness in your dog's joints will not appear to improve on its own if he is suffering from arthritis; instead, the symptoms will only worsen as more time passes.