At what age do dogs have joint problems?
About 65 percent of dogs between the ages of 7 and 11 years have some degree of arthritis, with a greater proportion occurring in heavier and larger dogs. But while arthritis is more common in older dogs, it can appear in dogs of almost any age.
As dogs age, their joints deteriorate, typically leading to arthritis due to the wearing away of protective cartilage. This process causes bones to rub together, resulting in inflammation, pain, and decreased mobility, which can be seen as stiffness, limping, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
How aging affects a dog's joints
- Cartilage breakdown: The protective cartilage between joints wears down over time, a process accelerated by factors like age, weight, and injury.
- Reduced lubrication: The fluid that lubricates the joints decreases, reducing the joints' shock-absorbing capability.
- Inflammation and pain: As the cartilage deteriorates, inflammation increases, causing pain and stiffness.
- Bone changes: The joint can become unstable, and bony changes or growths may develop in an attempt to stabilize it, further contributing to the problem.
Common signs to look for
- Reduced activity: Less interest in walks, playing, or other activities.
- Stiffness and limping: A noticeable limp or stiffness, especially after resting.
- Difficulty with movement: Struggles with activities like getting up, lying down, jumping, or climbing stairs.
- Behavioral changes: Irritability, withdrawal, or being more quiet than usual due to pain.
- Sensitivity: The affected area may be sensitive to the touch.
What are some other changes in behavior that could be caused by pain?
Fatigue. Decreased stamina on walks or while playing is often misinterpreted as a sign of old age.
However, pain, particularly from chronic changes caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), must be considered.
Often, once a dog’s pain is treated, the owners notice a return to activities previously abandoned and generally higher energy levels.
Reluctance to be groomed. An often-overlooked sign of pain in dogs is a reluctance to be brushed, combed, or otherwise groomed. Pain of any kind, but particularly the chronic pain associated with OA, can become generalized so that the dog feels discomfort even in areas of the body far from the arthritic joints.
Reluctance to be picked up. Little dogs, especially dogs that are long and low to the ground, may present their pain by resisting efforts to pick them up. The upward pressure of our hands around their bodies can set off a pain flare if they are experiencing back pain.
What you can do
- Manage weight: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces stress on their joints.
- Maintain gentle exercise: Consistent, gentle exercise helps maintain muscle strength without worsening joint pain.
- Adjust the environment: Make your home easier to navigate by using ramps or providing softer bedding.
- Consider nutritional supplements:
- Glucosamine: An amino sugar that serves as a precursor for synthesizing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), essential components of cartilage, helping to build and repair it.
- Chondroitin Sulfate: A complex carbohydrate (GAG) that helps cartilage attract and retain water, keeping joints lubricated and cushioned.
Anti-inflammatory Action:
Both compounds may inhibit inflammatory pathways (like those involving cytokines and enzymes such as MMPs) that contribute to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis
- MSM.
Reduces pain and inflammation:
MSM has anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease joint discomfort and swelling. It's believed to work by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in the body, such as the NF-kB protein complex.
Increases physical function:
Studies show that MSM can improve physical function and the ability to perform daily activities, even while it reduces pain.
Aids in injury recovery:
Its anti-inflammatory action can help accelerate the healing of sports injuries and reduce pain from muscle and joint damage.
All these ingredients can be found in therapeutic amounts in Nusentia RJX for Dogs
If you suspect your dog is experiencing joint health issues that are reducing their quality of life, these steps along with the powerful nutritional intervention can really make a difference. Give RJX for Dogs a try! We have had so many pet owners over the years benefit from this great formula, here are a few:
Jessie - “RJX hasn’t ever not worked. We go for long 1/2 to almost 2 mi. walks/hikes, jump up and down rocks, and my dog does not get up slowly after. My dog balances on hind legs for treats, and runs/chases other animals like she’s 5 years old again!. It’s a wonderful product! No reaction, no upset stomach, no bad poo, nothing!”
Carolyn - “…I have seen a pretty remarkable improvement. She stands better, she handles stairs better, and she runs like a bandit in the backyard. I strongly recommend this product.”
Michelle - “My nearly 16 and 14.5 yr old large breed dogs have done great with this product. No unnecessary added ingredients and no more crackling noises when they walk!”
