When I noticed my shih-tzu, Domino starting to limp, I took him to the Vet. He diagnosed him with arthritis and prescribed medication, and also suggested that I get him an orthopedic bed specially made for dogs with arthritis. The bed did not look like a bed at all…it looked more like a piece of foam. When I put him on it, he immediately jumped off. Later that day I saw him checking it out, sniffing and put a paw up on it.
I placed it next to his bed upstairs and left it there. He continued to sleep in his regular bed. I awakened one morning to find him asleep in the new bed.
Domino had two beds, one downstairs and one upstairs…he was spoiled. I put it next to the bed upstairs. I started to notice when I was downstairs he would go upstairs. This was unusual because he always stayed downstairs with me. I could not figure out what was so interesting upstairs all of sudden to him. Not thinking about the bed, I decided to go see what he was doing. I would find him sitting or lying down on the bed.
I don’t know if these beds really work since I had no way of asking him if it felt better. I just assumed that it was comfortable for him. I finally moved it downstairs and he continued to sleep on it.
Have you noticed your dog having any of the following symptoms?
- Reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs
- Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
- Favoring a limb
- Difficulty sitting or standing
- Sleeping more than usual
- A personality change that involves resisting touch
- Weight gain
- Decreased activity or less interest in play
- Barking or whimpering when touched
- Seeming less alert
Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dog’s joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur.
Treatment for canine arthritis begins with prevention, as keeping a dog at a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise is important for long-term health.
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, please take them to your Vet for a checkup!
