How To Tell If An Old Dog Is in Silent Pain from Arthritis?
How To Tell If An Old Dog Is in Silent Pain from Arthritis? Arthritis, or more specifically, Osteoarthritis (OA) is perhaps the most common condition our elderly canine friends develop. It is thought that as many as 80% of all dogs over 8-years-of-age exhibit evidence of radiographic and clinical signs of osteoarthritis (OA) , but because the signs are so subtle, it’s easy for us as their owners to simply attribute these signs to their advanced age. It’s “just old age”.
A dog’s ability to speak, in order to express where they are feeling pain simply is not innate to their makeup as dogs.
They’re hard-wired, due to evolution to not exhibit pain and to protect themselves, to not show any kind of weakness. Therefore, they are brilliant at hiding this kind of discomfort, especially pain which builds up slowly and is there on a day to day basis like arthritis pain is. Owners are usually expecting that they’ll see things like a limp or hearing their dog yelp when they are in a certain position and will, therefore assume it is only when their pet is experiencing acute pain. In most cases of Arthritis in dogs you will find that your pet simply doesn’t yelp when they are lying down, but they do indeed feel some degree of pain all of the time. This is often referred to as silent pain.
How To Tell If An Old Dog Is in Silent Pain from Arthritis?
The Silent Suffering of Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of cartilage, causing loss of cartilage, inflammation of the joint and pain . Most cases are a secondary, resulting from a prior event such as hip or elbow dysplasia, rupture of the cruciate ligament, or other joint injuries . Arthritis is typically presented to us as non-specific, chronic, low-grade pain which is why it so easily missed! The Owners rarely seek medical attention for it until the dog presents with lameness, but when the dog is limping with pain, there is much pain!
Behavioral Changes: The Most Telling Signs
But most of the time, you’ll notice your dog is “in pain” before you notice actual pain. Usually this isn’t as obvious as limping. It can also be so much subtler that you just chalk it up to your dog getting “grumpy and old.”
- Loss of interest in walks: Does your dog walk slower than usual, seem reluctant to go far, or no longer interested in jumping in the car, stairs, or furniture ? This is not laziness, it is the prospect of a painful journey.
- Trouble sleeping: Has your dog recently taken up long hours of sleep? Do they pace and whimper through the night or do they do nothing else but change their position?
- This is a very clear signal of suffering; arthritis pain may even mean they cannot lie down comfortably.
- Restlessness: If your dog gets up and lies down multiple times in a bed, turns around a number of times to get to the desired comfortable position or if they just shifts from one paw to another while remaining on their feet, then that’s another warning sign.
- Lethargy and sadness: Does your dog appear to isolate themselves?
- Do you find them spending more time alone in the corner than playing or interacting with you and the other animals?
- Are you looking at an animal in a state of despondency or who is lost with blank eyes?
- Your dog is suffering from what their lifestyle can no longer compensate: pain.
- Grumpy behaviour: Pain affects mood. Does your dog tend to growl or even bite when you go to scratch that certain spot or when other dogs get close? This is usually mistaken for “old-age aggression”.
- Loss of Appetite: A consistent disinterest in food, even their favorite treats, can be a sign of chronic discomfort or nausea from pain .
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Posture and Movement Clues
When a dog has pain in its joints it will subconsciously change its posture and movements so that it doesn’t use that area of pain.
- Stiffness: This is one of the most common signs of arthritis. Look for stiffness after a period of rest, which often “warms out” and improves slightly with movement after a few minutes .
- Postural Changes: Pay close attention to how your dog stands and sits. They might stand with their front legs further back under their chest to take weight off their hind legs. They may sit with a “pancaked” posture or with their rear legs splayed out to the side rather than tucked in . An arched back (roaching spine) can also indicate spinal or joint pain .
- Difficulty Posturing: Is your dog having trouble squatting to urinate or defecate? This can be a very painful motion for arthritic hips and back .
- Trembling or Shaking: You might see trembling in their hind legs, especially when standing or trying to get up. This is a sign of weakness and pain .
Physical Signs and Self-Comforting
- Excessive Licking: Dogs will instinctively lick and chew at painful areas. If you notice your dog obsessively licking a particular joint, like a knee or ankle, it is a strong signal of localized pain or inflammation .
- Changes in Fur or Nails: Over-licking a joint can cause the fur in that area to become discolored or worn down. You might also notice uneven nail wear, where a dog is putting less weight on a painful leg, causing the nails on that foot to wear down less quickly .
- Panting: If your dog is panting heavily without having exercised or being too warm, it can be a sign of stress and pain .
What to Do When You See the Signs
- Don’t “Wait and See”: The single most important step is to schedule a visit with your veterinarian . Do not wait for your dog to start yelping or limping. By this stage, their pain is severe.
- Make a Pain Journal: Before your appointment, write down all the subtle changes you’ve observed, no matter how small. This will be incredibly helpful for your vet. You can also use validated tools like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) to help quantify changes .
- Discuss a Multimodal Plan: Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed very effectively. A successful plan often combines several approaches :
- Pain Medications: Your vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are the mainstay of OA pain management . They can also discuss newer treatments like monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Librela for dogs) .
- Weight Management: Excess weight puts tremendous strain on joints. Even modest weight loss can lead to marked improvements in pain and mobility .
- Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids have been consistently shown to reduce joint inflammation. Your vet may recommend a high-quality, therapeutic dose .
- Environmental modifications. Little modifications at the home can be useful for dogs with joint issues, such as providing them an orthopedic bed, placing ramps for dogs to get onto the car or furniture as well as positioning rugs on slippery floors to avoid their fall. Physical therapy.
- A well-managed, low impact exercises plan assist dog preserve their muscles to support joints.
- Some useful physical therapies are massage therapy, hydrotherapy, and also laser therapy.
Conclusion
It’s up to you to be an informed and astute observer because there is a good chance your aging dog isn’t able to communicate the pain he may be experiencing. With early and acute recognition of the silent symptoms of arthritis, you can relieve their pain and help them lead comfortable, long and happy lives. Don’t be afraid to contact your vet. He’s your partner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do dogs with arthritis yelp or cry in pain?
Although most dog owners think of a yelp or cry when they think of their dogs’ pain, those symptoms are rare in cases of chronic arthritis. Arthritis in a dog typically results in a dull, ache-y sort of pain that causes less overt signs of distress-like behavioral changes such as a decrease in activity level or restlessness-than vocalization. If your dog’s arthritis has reached the yelp-stage, it means he’s likely in a great deal of pain and has been left untreated for too long.
How can I tell if my dog is just slowing down from old age or is in pain?
With most older dogs, it’s all a matter of context. A dog who is merely aging might become somewhat less active but won’t exhibit hesitance in doing specific things, or difficulty standing after resting, or stiffness and an unwillingness to settle, all of which are classic indicators of a dog who is experiencing arthritic pain. A dog who is in pain shows he’s hurting in other ways besides slowing down.
Why does my dog lick their paw or leg constantly?
Excessive licking on an appendage and particularly around a joint such as an elbow, knee or ankle is often the dog’s instinctive way of releasing endorphins and stimulating his own natural painkilling “mechanisms.” He licks because he’s trying to ease the inflammatory pain of local arthritis.
What should I do if I suspect my senior dog has arthritis?
Immediately contact your vet and make an appointment for him. The earlier arthritis can be diagnosed, the more effective it can be to treat the pain and slow its progression, which can in turn enhance his quality of life and may also help prevent the arthritis from worsening as quickly as it might have otherwise. Be ready to write down any behavioral symptoms that have caused you concern to bring up during his exam.
Is arthritis pain manageable, or is my dog doomed to suffer?
Arthritis in dogs is extremely manageable. It’s not curable but it’s treatable with a number of options. A holistic plan involving pain medication, diet, and weight control can greatly reduce the pain for your best friend.
My dog is stiff in the morning but seems to “warm out” of it. Does that mean they’re fine?
No. The stiffness a dog feels when getting out of bed or standing after lying down and sleeping is known as “first-step” pain. “Warming out of it,” as it is affectionately referred to by many pet owners, means that the inflamed fluid is coming out of the dog’s joint, relieving his symptoms, temporarily. The dog doesn’t suddenly feel pain-free, it’s simply an indicator of inflammation in the joint.
Can weight loss really make a difference in my dog’s arthritis?
Absolutely. Even if your dog only has a slight bit of excess weight to lose, it makes a world of difference. Extra weight in dogs is like wearing a heavy, lopsided backpack; it adds strain and pain to your dog’s arthritic joints. Research indicates that the mere shedding of even just a small amount of extra weight may significantly decrease their pain and increase their overall comfort and activity levels.
Are pain medications for arthritis safe for older dogs?
While some pain relievers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs, can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal or kidney damage in some patients, many dogs tolerate them well.
What treatments are available besides pain medication?
A multimodal approach is best. This includes weight management, a therapeutic diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, environmental adjustments like ramps and non-slip rugs, and physical rehabilitation like controlled exercise and hydrotherapy . Your vet may also recommend acupuncture or laser therapy as additional, drug-free support .
