Watching your dog age can bring about a mix of emotions—those joyful sprints gradually turn into gentle steps, their enthusiastic appetite slows to a thoughtful munch, and their beautiful, rich fur takes on shades of white and gray. Yet, this is simply a part of the natural journey that all living beings experience together.
As your dog grows older, it’s not just a sign of a life well-loved– it is now more about the challenges of aging. Stiff joints, slower strides, and mobility issues can make even the simplest movements for your furry friend difficult. But with a little extra care, you can help them stay comfortable and active in their golden years. So, let’s unfold how can you help your senior dog mobility issues.
What Can Be the Causes of Mobility Issues in Senior Dogs?
Canine Arthritis
One of the most prevalent causes of mobility issues in senior dogs is canine arthritis. This health issue causes inflammation, stiffness, and joint degeneration. As your dog gets older, the joints can gradually wear down which can lead to pain and stiffness.
One of the common forms of canine arthritis is Osteoarthritis. This degenerative condition decreases the joint fluid and makes the cartilage thin which directly affects the joints shock absorbing capability. Likewise, with the cartilage progressively thinning and deteriorating, it will cause pain, inflammation, and difficulty using the limb and paws. Common symptoms of canine arthritis are limping, stiff movements, and difficulty in getting up and lying down.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic and skeletal condition that is often seen in giant breed dogs like German shepherds, Great Danes, Labradors, etc. However, it can be seen among small-breed dogs too. This health condition is developed when the joints are not developed properly or when the joints’ alignment is not proper. So as your dog ages, the hip joints will wear down due to continuous rub and grind, causing great pain and inflammation which can cause mobility issues in your dogs.
Hip Dysplasia does not only affect senior dogs but this health issue can be seen among young dogs too. However, as they age, this health condition can get more prominent in conjunction with other health issues like canine arthritis. Some of the common symptoms of Hip Dysplasia are grating while moving, lameness in the hind end, decreased movement, and limping.
Injury
If your fur baby has injuries like fractures, muscle strains, or muscle or ligament tears, then these injuries can have long-term effects, especially on your senior dogs. Likewise, if your dog has past injuries that have not been healed properly, then these past injuries may also contribute to senior dogs mobility issues.
Muscle Loss
Muscle Loss or Sarcopenia is another cause for senior dog mobility issues. This health condition can often go unnoticed since it is a gradual process. In this health condition, the skeletal muscle of the dog gradually reduces with aging.
The gradual muscle loss will cause a loss in muscle strength which can slowly lead to instability while moving. Some of the common symptoms of Sarcopenia are weakness in legs, unstable while walking, fatigue even after minimal activity, etc.
Obesity
If your senior dog is obese, then obesity can be one of the reasons for mobility issues. Obese dogs carry more weight than their normal weight which will add additional strain in their joints. This can cause pain and inflammation in their joints, leading to reduced mobility. Similarly, obesity can throw your dog at the risk of other health complications like canine arthritis and many more.
What Are the Signs of Senior Dog Mobility Issues?
Unwillingness to Be Active
It is normal for your dog to be less energetic and have minimal activity levels as they age. However, if your dog starts to show reluctance to be active for minimal exercises that require less energy then, it can be a sign of mobility issues. If your active dog starts to avoid walking, playing, or engaging in their favorite activities and games, it can be due to pain or discomfort. Joint issues like arthritis or muscle loss can cause such pain, making them avoid any discomfort by not being active. So, a noticeable drop in activity level can be a sign of a vet checkup. Joint issues like arthritis or muscle Loss
Struggling to Stand and Lay Down
Another prominent sign of mobility issues in senior dogs can be difficulty in standing up or lying down. When you notice your dog taking a longer time to stand up, hesitating before settling down and laying down, or needing assistance then it can be due to stiffness and pain in their joints.
A Change in Gait
Changing gait also speaks more about mobility in senior dogs. A change in gait, such as shuffling feet, a swaying body, or dragging paws, can indicate underlying mobility issues. This may also include a lack of coordination or balance. If your dog’s back appears more arched than usual or they stand with their legs positioned unnaturally wide, they may be compensating for joint pain or instability.
Difficulty Navigating Stairs or Jumping
If your dog starts to keep limitations on themselves like reluctance to jump on the couches, climb stairs, or walk down the stairs then this can be a visible sign of senior dog mobility issues. The pain or discomfort caused by various physical and neurological health conditions puts constraints on your dog, making their every movement difficult.
Loss of Balance
When your senior dog cannot put a steady stride while walking or loses balance even when standing, then it can be due to muscle loss, neurological disorders, or other health conditions. Loss of balance discourages your dog from moving freely and confidently, affecting their mobility.
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How Can You Help Your Senior Dog Maintain Mobility?
Change in Lifestyle
Senior dogs with mobility issues show reluctance for any physical activity including exercise. So, you can start with low-impact activities like walking for a few minutes, swimming, etc to encourage them for physical stimulation. Likewise, weight management also particularly helps in senior dogs. So, ensure that your dog has a healthy weight. You can consult your vet for dietary recommendations and monitor the food portions to prevent obesity in elderly dogs.
Joint Supplements
While controlling the portion size, it is important to include necessary nutrition in your dog’s diet. Likewise, you can add additional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and lubricate joints. However, joint supplements should be added to your dog’s diet only after consulting with the vet.
Pain Management
If the pain escalates and causes issues with mobility in dogs, then you can give them nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to deal with the pain and inflammation. Likewise, joint injections such as platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, etc can also be a great help for your senior dog. However, all these medications and injections should be taken after consulting with the vet.
Regular Vet Visit
Regular vet visits are essential to maintain the overall health of your canine companion. The vet can track down your dog’s health and identify underlying problems as well as modify treatment and medications accordingly. Likewise, If your dog is experiencing any pain or discomfort, your vet may recommend medication, physical therapy, or even acupuncture to improve their mobility. Early detection of joint problems or other health issues can help prevent further complications and keep your senior dog healthy.
Using Mobility Aids
There are various mobility aids in the market that you can use to ease the mobility issues in senior dogs. Harnesses and slings can help your dog that has trouble standing. Likewise, the ramp can be a great help while climbing or getting down the stairs, or getting on the car without straining the joints. Furthermore, if your dog has lost much of their mobility, then dig wheelchairs can make a huge difference.
Comfortable Beddings
Dogs sleep many hours a day. So comfortable bedding is a must, especially for elderly dogs that have joint issues. Supportive and comfortable bedding can somewhat relieve the pressure and strain on their hips and joints while providing them with sleep.
Conclusion
As our canine companions age, they need more love, care, and attention. So recognizing early signs of mobility issues will not only help your dog to reduce pain and discomfort but also help them to enjoy their golden years with ease. Even though mobility issues can cause some pain to your dog, a healthy diet, supplements, medications, therapy, and low-impact exercise will definitely help them to ease down their pain and make your dog’s happiness limitless.
FAQs
- What to do when my senior dog has trouble walking?
If your dog has trouble walking, you can first find out the reason behind such issues. It can either be due to health conditions like arthritis, or muscle loss or can be due to injuries. Your vet can help in finding out the cause and prescribe medication and treatment.
- Can physical therapy and acupuncture help my elderly dog that has mobility issues?
Yes, absolutely. Physical rehabilitation like underwater treadmills and other different range of motion exercises including acupuncture can help your dog with mobility issues.
- What are some home remedies to help my senior dog’s mobility issues?
If your dog has mobility issues, then you can opt for mobility aids like a ramp or wheelchair to move them freely. This will help them to easily climb the couches or walk up and down the stairs. Likewise, you can go for low-impact exercises like a few minutes leash walk to further strain pressure on the joints.
- How can I tell if my dog is in pain and discomfort due to mobility issues?
If your dog shows symptoms like limping, reluctance to be active, difficulty in standing up with continuous whining, and licking joints then it can be a sign of pain and discomfort due to mobility issues.
- Can elderly dog mobility problems be treated?
Yes. Senior dog mobility issues can be treated with proper care including medications, exercises, and physical rehabilitation. Your vet can prescribe various medications that will help with pain management and add supplements to your dog’s diet that will further take care of your dog’s joints. However, in extreme conditions, surgery can also treat your dog with mobility issues.
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