Arthritis, particularly in the hips, is one of the most common conditions affecting older dogs. The hips are weight-bearing joints, and as dogs age, they can begin to suffer from pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Hip arthritis, or hip dysplasia, is a progressive condition where the cartilage that cushions the joints deteriorates, causing bones to rub together. This can result in significant pain and decreased mobility for your dog.
Causes of Hip Arthritis in Dogs
Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs, especially in the hip joints:
Hip Dysplasia
This genetic condition is one of the leading causes of hip arthritis, particularly in larger breeds. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to abnormal movement and wear on the joint cartilage. Over time, this wear and tear can lead to arthritis.
Aging
As dogs get older, their joints naturally undergo wear and tear. The cartilage that protects the joints breaks down, and the bone-on-bone friction that follows can cause arthritis. Aging is the most common factor in the development of arthritis in senior dogs.
Injury or Trauma
Dogs that experience fractures or joint injuries, especially in the hip area, are at a higher risk for developing arthritis later in life. The trauma can damage the cartilage, leading to inflammation and joint degeneration.
Obesity
Excess weight places additional stress on a dog’s joints, especially the hips. This extra load accelerates the breakdown of cartilage, leading to arthritis over time.
Inflammatory Diseases
Certain infections or autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to arthritis. Conditions like Lyme disease or lupus can also contribute to joint pain and degeneration.
Symptoms of Hip Arthritis in Dogs
The symptoms of hip arthritis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but there are several common signs to watch for:
Stiffness and Lameness
One of the first signs of arthritis is stiffness, especially after your dog has been resting. They may seem slow to get up or exhibit a limp when walking.
Difficulty with Movement
Dogs suffering from hip arthritis often have trouble with activities they once enjoyed, such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs. You may notice that your dog avoids stairs or struggles to get up onto furniture.
Reduced Activity and Exercise
A dog with hip arthritis may become less active or lose interest in exercise. They may no longer want to go for walks or play with you as they did before.
Behavioral Changes
Dogs in pain often become more irritable or anxious. They may show signs of discomfort when getting up, lying down, or moving around.
Visible Swelling or Heat
In some cases, arthritis can cause visible swelling or heat around the affected joints, particularly if inflammation is present.
Bella’s Story: A Senior Dog with Arthritis
Bella, a 13-year-old schnauzer, had always been an active and playful dog. However, as she entered her senior years, the signs of arthritis began to affect her ability to enjoy her usual activities. Her hip arthritis made her movements slower, and getting up from her bed or jumping onto the couch became increasingly difficult. Bella, once an energetic dog, was now spending most of her days resting and was unable to climb stairs anymore.
Her owner Jeff, concerned about Bella’s reduced mobility and quality of life, decided to explore non-invasive treatment options to manage her arthritis. After some research, they discovered the Domer Laser 1300mW Handheld Laser and decided to give it a try.
The Treatment Journey: Using Domer Laser for Arthritis Relief
Bella's owner began using the Domer Laser 1300mW Handheld Laser every other day, following our recommended treatment guidelines. The laser uses five 808nm medical low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to penetrate the tissues, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and stimulating collagen production in the affected joints. Over time, these effects help to repair the damaged tissues, improve circulation, and ease the pain associated with arthritis.
Week 1-2: Early Signs of Improvement
During the first one week of treatment, Bella’s owner began noticing subtle but encouraging improvements. At the start of the treatment, Bella was still stiff when getting up, and climbing stairs was out of the question. However, after a few sessions, Bella’s movements appeared a little smoother, and her owner noticed that she seemed to be in less discomfort when getting up from lying down.
By the end of Week 2, Bella’s owner observed that her dog was walking with more ease. While she wasn’t fully back to her pre-arthritis energy levels, Bella began moving around the house more freely, and her steps were less hesitant. Bella, who had previously shown little interest in walking or playing, was now jogging short distances—a huge improvement given how limited she had been just weeks earlier.
Though Bella’s progress was gradual, these early signs of improvement were reassuring. She wasn’t yet back to her usual self, but her overall comfort and mobility were noticeably better.
Week 3-4: A Breakthrough Moment—Climbing Stairs
By Week 3, Bella's progress continued to accelerate. The most exciting moment came when Bella successfully climbed the porch stairs—something she hadn’t done in months due to the pain in her hips. Though Bella didn’t climb the stairs as quickly as she once did, the fact that she was able to do so at all was a breakthrough moment. This improvement was a clear indication that the laser therapy was working and that Bella was gaining more mobility and confidence with each session.
By Week 4, Bella’s improvements were even more visible. Her owner noticed that Bella was getting up from the floor more easily and with less hesitation. While she still had signs of arthritis and wasn’t running up the stairs as quickly as before, Bella’s ability to climb them once again marked an exciting milestone in her recovery.
The breakthrough moment of climbing stairs again was a key sign that the laser therapy was making a significant difference in her mobility. Bella’s owner felt a renewed sense of hope as their dog began regaining more independence and comfort, thanks to the Domer Laser 1300mW Handheld Laser.
Ongoing Benefits: Maintaining Progress with Domer Laser Therapy
As the weeks passed, Bella continued to show progress. While her arthritis is still present, the pain and discomfort she once experienced are now much more manageable. Bella is now able to enjoy daily walks and engage in playtime, even though her activity levels are more moderate than before. For her owner, it’s been a relief to see Bella moving more comfortably and with less pain.
Why Domer Laser Therapy Works for Hip Arthritis in Dogs
The Domer Laser 1300mW Handheld Laser has proven to be an effective solution for managing arthritis in dogs, especially in the hips. Here’s why this laser therapy device works so well:
Reduces Pain and Inflammation: The 808nm wavelength medical laser helps reduce inflammation around the hip joint, which is a key source of pain in arthritis. It provides targeted pain relief, making movement easier and more comfortable for your dog.
Increases Circulation: ten 650nm low level laser can improve blood circulation in the treated area, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the joint and accelerating the healing process. This also helps to reduce swelling and stiffness.
Stimulates Healing and Regeneration: Laser therapy stimulates the production of collagen, essential for repairing cartilage and tissues. This is critical for arthritis, where the cartilage in the joints needs to regenerate to restore mobility.
Non-Invasive and Safe: One of the biggest benefits of laser therapy is that it is non-invasive and has no known side effects. It provides a safe, effective alternative to surgery and medications, especially for senior dogs like Bella.
The Importance of Early Intervention and Regular Treatment
Early intervention is crucial when managing arthritis in dogs. While arthritis is a progressive condition, regular use of the Domer Laser 1300mW Handheld Laser can slow its progression, relieve pain, and improve your dog’s quality of life. By using the device regularly, you can ensure that your dog maintains mobility and comfort for as long as possible.
If your dog is showing signs of hip arthritis, such as difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or reduced activity, laser therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for. The Domer Laser 1300mW Handheld Laser is a clinically proven, non-invasive solution to help your dog move more freely and comfortably.
