There are several indicators that your pet may be experiencing stiffness or inflammation somewhere in their body. Some of the signs of discomfort you may see can include:
Awkward gait
Depression
Diarrhea
Localized redness
Loss of appetite
Muscle spasms
Reluctance to rise
Rigidity of the limbs
Swelling
Unusual vocalizations
Vomiting
Types
Stiffness and Inflammation are not only conditions of the bones and joints, but inflammation can cause stiffness due to its effects on the muscles or nerves as well.
Brain and Nerves – In some cases, inflammation of the brain and the nerves can cause a dog to be stiff or to have a stiffened gait; diseases like meningitis, bacterial encephalitis, and acquired myasthenia gravis, are known to cause inflammation that affects the nerves and the brain
Joints – One of the most common causes of stiffness and inflammation in dogs is arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints; osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, is due to stress on the joints and bones, whereas immune-mediated arthritis conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are caused by the immune system attacking the surfaces of the joints and the cartilage
Muscles – A temporary stiffness of the muscles is frequently related to simple overexertion, but it is not the only trigger of stiffened and painful muscles; parasitic infestations such as toxoplasmosis as well as some viral and bacterial infections can induce stiff and swollen muscles, as can an abnormal immune reaction to the muscles themselves
#7 – Provide a soft, supportive bed
Sore joints need more cushion to be comfortable. Lying on the floor with little to no cushioning causes painful pressure points. Investing in a high-quality orthopedic bed may help your dog start their mornings with a little less pain.
Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body’s own anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing responses. The tiny needles involved stimulate nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic bundles to improve blood flow, release pain-fighting enkephalins, and reduce inflammation. While it may not be a great option for dogs who dislike being handled, it can be a great supplemental treatment program that may bring your dog a lot of pain relief.
Canine massage therapy can help improve blood circulation, loosen stiff muscles, and provide relaxation. There are some techniques you can learn to do yourself. Yet, you may prefer to find somebody who has been nationally certified in canine massage and acupressure.
Homeopathy can be confusing to those who aren’t familiar with it. It may be best handled by an experienced holistic veterinarian.
Expert Q&ASearch
Question How can I relieve my dogs joint pain naturally? Elisabeth Weiss Professional Dog Trainer Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie “Heart of a Dog” by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeths journey with Laurie Andersons and Lou Reeds dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Elisabeth Weiss Professional Dog Trainer Expert Answer Try some passive range of motion exercises! While your dog is lying on their side, grab one of their legs and passively move it around in a bicycle type of motion. Then, massage each joint and carefully bend and stretch the joint in both directions—this can be very helpful to your dog.
Question How can I help my old dog with weak back legs? Elisabeth Weiss Professional Dog Trainer Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie “Heart of a Dog” by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeths journey with Laurie Andersons and Lou Reeds dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Elisabeth Weiss Professional Dog Trainer Expert Answer Teach them to walk sideways or backwards. You can also have them step down and back up, or encourage them to sit and then stand up again. All of these are really great exercises that allow the dog to have fun.
Question How can I help my old dogs stiff legs? Elisabeth Weiss Professional Dog Trainer Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie “Heart of a Dog” by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeths journey with Laurie Andersons and Lou Reeds dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Elisabeth Weiss Professional Dog Trainer Expert Answer Teach them to do a fun exercise activity, like play bows. Having fun releases endorphins, which can help your dog feel better.
How to Help Your Dog with Stiff Muscles
Maybe your pup went a little too hard during playtime and, now, they are not running with the same pep as before.