Did you know that up to 80% of all dogs over the age of eight develop arthritis? While this is a lifelong condition, and diagnosis can be daunting, many approaches can be used to help your dog feel more comfortable. And what's most important is addressing it early.
01 August 2023
What is arthritis?
Like with people, arthritis in dogs causes their joints to become painful and swollen. Healthy joints will glide when the dog is moving, but if your dog has arthritis, their joints' surfaces become worn, causing them to rub against each other. Over time, arthritic joints can produce more bone, causing pain to your dog when they move.
German Shepherds arthritis
Unfortunately, German Shepherds (along with other large and giant breeds) are more at risk of developing arthritis.
Symptoms of arthritis in German Shepherds
You may notice:
- Your dog is stiff after resting or walking
- They develop a limp
- They don’t enjoy their walks as much as they used to
- They struggle to keep up with you
- Getting in and out of the car might be more difficult
If you think that your dog may have arthritis, contact your vet for a check-up. Do it sooner rather than later as the earlier the condition is identified, the more that can be done to help.
Managing German Shepherd arthritis
Although arthritis cannot be cured, luckily, there are many ways that you and your vet will be able to help your dog have the best quality of life whilst managing the condition.
The first steps to helping your dog feel more comfortable may include changing their diet and adjusting the amount of exercise they have. Keeping your dog at a good healthy weight is crucial throughout their life, and will also help to ensure there’s no extra pressure on their joints.
As Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor at Agria Pet Insurance, comments, weight is a crucial factor: “As well as being a health risk in its own right, obesity also makes every single other health condition worse. From skin conditions to heart disease and arthritis, there are the increased risks with any surgery that might be required on an animal that is obese – keeping pets at a healthy weight is really valuable.”
Your vet may suggest treatments including supplements, pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications, or complementary therapies, such as hydrotherapy. But it’s not only arthritis medication that can help your dog – there are also things you can do at home to make things easier:
- If you have hard floors, reduce the chance of your dog skidding by creating pathways out of non-slip rugs or mats
- Limit access to stairs that are difficult for them, but make sure they don’t suddenly feel cut off from the family – a stair gate is a great option
- Consider using ramps to help them with steps and getting in and out of the car
Insurance for German Shepherds with arthritis
A long-term condition like arthritis can result in veterinary costs really adding up over the years. With a lifetime policy, long-term vets’ bills and treatment costs are included within your cover, so you can claim for them for as long as you need to. It’s important that you have a policy in place before your dog shows any signs of the condition, to ensure that we can provide cover.
You can find out much more about arthritis in dogs here, and watch Hannah Capon, from the organisation, in conversation with Shelley from Agria Pet Insurance, answering owner concerns and queries here
If you have an Agria Pet Insurance policy, you can access the free Pet Health Helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The veterinary-trained team will advise on any concerns or queries that you may have over your pet’s health – much like the NHS 111 service for people. Call free on 03333 32 19 47.