Sudden Arthritis Symptoms in Dogs

Arthritis is a very destructive and painful disease that can affect dogs in the same way it does humans. Arthritis is particularly common in larger breeds and older dogs, and is caused by the deterioration of the soft cartilage in the joints. The resulting bone-on-bone contact in the joint causes inflammation, immobility and pain. Arthritis symptoms can flare up suddenly, and the dog should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

  1. Movement Difficulty

    • One of the earliest signs of arthritis in dogs is difficulty moving. The dog may move much stiffer than usual and have additional difficulty while trying to run or climb stairs. Initially, these symptoms may only manifest after exercise.The stiffness may also come and go, especially in the morning when the dog first wakes up. However, the difficulty moving will become much more prominent and reoccurring over time. Since arthritis can affect the back, hips, shoulders or other joints, the stiffness may be localized to one area of the body, or spread throughout multiple joints and limbs.

    Swollen and Tender Joints

    • Another common arthritis symptom that can appear very quickly is a swelling in the affected joints. The dog's legs can become badly inflamed, and the swollen joint is very tender and painful to the dog when touched or prodded. An arthritic joint can become swollen in days, and the swelling may vary from day to day, depending on the dog's activity level and weather conditions.

    Depression/Behavior Changes

    • Arthritis may be the cause if your usually playful and happy dog is suddenly acting lethargic and depressed. The pain may have started some time earlier, and the dog has only recently shown signs of it. Over time, the pain, discomfort and loss of activity can make your dog sleep a lot more, appear listless and lethargic and result in it losing interest in activities that it normally enjoys. The dog likely will not show the same excitement for walks and could start ignoring favorite toys. A vet should examine the dog to diagnose the problem and begin treatment to make it more comfortable.