Is Your Dog in Pain?

It’s pretty clear that our beloved dog is in pain if we see them limp, or they cry out as they move. We know they need help, and it’s off to the vet!

With degenerative disease conditions like osteoarthritis, we can do the most to help our furry best friends before they are at the point that they are vocalizing and limping. The earlier we intervene, the more we can do to slow down the progression of the disease. If we start helping them early, we can give them more years to be comfortable, active, and mobile.

Arthritis causes a breakdown in cartilage which causes pain and inflammation in the joints. 

Early Signs of Pain

The early signs of pain are often very subtle and easy to miss. Our dogs usually start to slow down gradually. They might begin lagging at the end of a walk or take a little bit longer to get up from laying down or hesitate before they jump on the couch. These are all signs that they are in pain.

The first signs of pain may be purely behavioural. Your dog may seem to be a bit grumpy or less interactive with the family. They might not initiate play or want to join in when other pets in the household are playing. 

Any time you see changes in your dog’s behaviour, talk to your veterinary team.

Videos can help the Diagnosis

It can be very challenging to evaluate early, subtle signs of pain when your dog is at the veterinary hospital. In a small exam room, your dog might not demonstrate the same difficulty moving. Many dogs are nervous at the vet (despite the loving care of the veterinary team!) and will be unwilling to relax and move normally.

If you notice your dog struggles with specific movements at home, like climbing the stairs or getting on the couch, take a short video to share with your veterinary team. Seeing how your dog moves when they are relaxed and confident can be very helpful in a diagnosis.

No Cure but lots of Help

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative condition that will progress over time, making your dog painful and robbing them of their mobility. Fortunately,  there is a LOT we can do to help your dog and slow down the progression of the disease.

Keep your dog fit and lean

Extra weight means extra stress on joints. Keep your dog at a healthy weight with a good body and muscle condition. Your veterinary team can help advise you on the ideal diet and appropriate exercise to keep your dog healthy.

Manage Pain and Inflammation

Antinol can help decrease pain and inflammation and improve mobility. Antinol is a potent natural anti-inflammatory. A marine lipid oil made from green-lipped mussels, Antinol is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and ETA (which is unique to the green-lipped mussel).

Antinol helped more than 90% of patients in clinical trials. Talk to your veterinary team about how Antinol can help your dog live their best life.