Like us, dogs are prone to joint pain which can reduce their quality of life. And due to their shorter life spans and often active lifestyles, many dogs can develop joint health issues at a young age.  Since they can’t tell us exactly when or where they are hurting, understanding how these problems develop, the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options are all important. 

Where does joint pain come from?

Joint pain is often due to osteoarthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease), a condition that involves inflammation caused by deterioration of the cartilage which slowly worsens over time. Cartilage can break down due to a dog’s age, an injury, repetitive stress, or disease, and this leads to decreased range of motion, pain and inflammation, most commonly affecting a dog’s limbs and lower spine.  

Some dogs are at higher risk for developing joint problems than others. The following are the most common risk factors:

• Large breeds, such as German Shepherds or Labrador Retrievers;
• Breeds with unusual builds such as Dachshunds;
• Obesity;
• Increased age;
• Repetitive stress from exercise and athletic activities; 
• Injuries such as fractures or ligament tears;
• Prior diagnosis of elbow or hip dysplasia;
• Infections that affect the joints, such as Lyme Disease;
• Improper nutrition;
• Poor conformation; and
• Genetics.

At what age should I be worried about pain in my dog’s joints?

Depending on the breed, level of activity and other risk factors listed above, some dogs can develop joint pain as young as one year old. However, it is most common in middle to older aged dogs. 

Dogs have evolved to hide their pain since in a pack setting, signs of weakness could lead to being left behind by the group. Therefore, by the time symptoms become noticeable, your dog is likely experiencing considerable discomfort. 

Here are the most common clinical signs of joint pain in dogs:

• Reluctance to move, such as going up or down stairs or getting into the car;
• Limping;
• Hunched back or increased frailness in hind legs;
• Lethargy;
• Irritability or aggression;
• Depression; and
• Licking or biting at affected areas.

When should I start using dog joint pain relief supplements?

Because many breeds can develop joint pain early in life, it’s best to start your dog on a joint supplement before you start noticing signs of osteoarthritis. If you have an at-risk breed, starting them on high-quality joint supplements for dogs as young as 12 months of age is a good idea, as you may also be able to help prevent cartilage deterioration by doing this. 

Canine Cush Soft Chews are made with 100% natural ingredients that can help to ease dog joint pain without any unwanted long-term or significant side effects. 

The active ingredients in the Canine Cush joint supplement include:

• Phytocannabinoids (CBD) to reduce pain and swelling;
• Egg Shell Membrane to reduce cartilage breakdown and joint swelling, while also improving the inflammatory response;
• Curcumin, a natural ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; and
• Boswellia, an herb which has been shown to decrease the degradation of glycosaminoglycans, important building blocks of the joint.

By being proactive and using natural joint pain relief for your dog before any sign of joint problems appear, you can help to keep him healthy, happy, and moving well throughout his life. 

Read More:

• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/
• https://thebark.com/content/7-tell-tale-signs-joint-pain-dogs
• https://go.parnell.com/en-us/arthritis-in-dogs
• https://iheartdogs.com/at-what-age-should-i-begin-giving-my-dog-a-joint-care-supplement/