Running, jumping, digging, playing - our dogs use their knees for so many different things, which is why knee joint problems in dogs can be so devastating. From small breeds to larger ones, dog knee joint problems can occur at any stage of a dog’s life, causing non-stop pain and discomfort.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about your dog’s knees, including the types of joint problems they’re susceptible to, how to recognise the signs and symptoms, and how to protect your dog’s knees and soothe the pain that comes with many joint problems.
Whether your dog already has knee joint symptoms or you just want to do whatever it takes to protect their knees, a premium dog joint supplement Australia can help keep your dog’s quality of life as high as possible.
At Mighty Munch, you’ll find dog joint supplements made with key ingredients for joint protection and support. Order yours today for a healthy, happy, pain-free pup - it’s what they deserve!
Dog Knee Joint Anatomy
From dog knee joint popping to pain, it’s a lot easier to understand the different dog knee joint problems if you have a clearer picture of the different components of your dog’s knee. So, here’s a quick anatomy lesson on the canine knee, also known as the stifle joint.
Basic Structure of the Canine Knee (Stifle Joint)
The canine knee joint is the largest and most complicated joint in your dog's body. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), similar to the human knee. The patella (kneecap) is also an essential component of the knee joint, resting in a groove at the front of the femur.
This structure allows for the smooth movement of the joint and provides stability during movement, whether your dog is walking, running, or jumping. The stifle joint enables the necessary range of motion for these activities, while also helping to absorb shock.
Key Ligaments Supporting the Knee
The knee joint is stabilised and supported by several ligaments, which are key for its function and integrity. The two main ligaments in your dog’s knee are the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and the caudal cruciate ligament (CaCL), which cross inside the joint to form an “X” shape.
These ligaments control the movement of the tibia in relation to the femur and prevent excessive forward or backward motion. The CCL, in particular, prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur. Injuries to the CCL are one of the most common dog knee joint problems, leading to instability and pain.
As well as the cruciate ligaments, the collateral ligaments on the sides of the knee joint provide lateral stability, preventing side-to-side movement. These ligaments work together to keep the knee joint secure during all types of physical activity.
Role of the Meniscus
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage structure located between the femur and tibia. Dogs have two menisci in each knee (medial and lateral) that act as shock absorbers, cushioning the joint and reducing the impact on the bones during movement.
The meniscus also helps improve joint stability and distribute weight evenly across the joint surface. Meniscal tears, which often come with cruciate ligament injuries, can affect your dog's ability to move and cause chronic pain. A damaged meniscus can lead to more serious issues like arthritis if not treated properly.
Joint Capsule and Synovial Fluid
The joint capsule is a fibrous tissue structure that surrounds the knee joint and contains synovial fluid - a thick, lubricating substance that reduces friction and allows smooth knee movement.
Synovial fluid also nourishes the cartilage in the joint, helping to keep the surfaces slippery and protecting them from wear and tear. This fluid is crucial for maintaining the health and function of the knee joint, as it helps prevent degeneration over time.
When the knee is injured or inflamed, the synovial fluid can become thickened or the capsule can become inflamed, leading to pain, dog swollen knee joint, and mobility issues. Maintaining enough synovial fluid is essential for keeping your dog’s knees functioning at their best.
How Prevalent Are Knee Joint Problems in Dogs?
How common are dog knee joint problems, though? Let’s take a look at some of the most common knee joint problems in dogs and just how prevalent they are.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
One of the most common knee joint problems in dogs is a rupture or tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which provides stability to the knee. When the CCL is damaged, the knee becomes unstable, which may cause pain, swelling, dog knee joint popping, and difficulty walking.
CCL ruptures often occur as a result of sudden movements or trauma, but they can also develop gradually due to chronic stress on the ligament. They are particularly common in active dogs, including working breeds and older dogs with weakened ligaments.
CCL injuries are one of the leading causes of knee-related surgery in dogs. The rupture is more common in larger breeds, but smaller dogs can experience it as well, especially if they’re overweight or have genetic predispositions.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is another common knee joint problem, where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal groove, causing discomfort and instability in the knee. Some dogs are born with this condition, or it can develop as a result of injury or degeneration.
There are different grades of patellar luxation, ranging from mild cases where the patella can be manually returned to its position to severe cases that require surgery. It’s most commonly seen in small and toy breeds, with affected dogs often holding their leg up due to pain or discomfort.
Meniscal Injury
Meniscal injuries are common in dogs with CCL problems and can make the pain and instability of a CCL injury even worse. The meniscus may tear or become damaged due to the abnormal movement and stress on the knee joint caused by the ligament tear.
Dogs with meniscal injuries show signs of pain, dog swollen knee joints, and a reduced range of motion. Surgery is often required to repair or remove the damaged meniscus, and if left untreated, meniscal injuries can lead to further degeneration of the knee joint and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a chronic condition that results from the wear and tear of the joint cartilage. It is common in older dogs, especially those with a history of knee injuries, such as CCL ruptures or patellar luxation.
As the joint cartilage deteriorates, the bones within the knee may begin to rub against each other, causing debilitating pain, stiffness, and swelling. Your dog might find it hard to jump, sit, or even walk.
There is no cure for arthritis, but physical therapy and joint supplements can reduce pain and improve your dog’s quality of life. If you want to learn more about arthritis, take a look at this guide on how to help a dog with arthritis at home and this one on how long can dogs live with arthritis.
Breeds Prone to Knee Joint Problems
Some breeds are more prone to dog knee joint swelling and pain than others. Large and giant breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Saint Bernards, are particularly susceptible to CCL ruptures because their weight puts extra strain on the knee joint.
Smaller breeds like Dachshunds, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs are prone to patellar luxation due to their anatomical structure. Breed isn’t the only risk factor, but it is important to know whether your dog might be more likely to develop a specific joint problem.
Other Risk Factors for Developing Knee Joint Issues
As well as breed, there are other risk factors for knee joint issues in dogs. These include obesity, which places excess stress on the joints, as well as age, as the likelihood of joint degeneration and arthritis increases with time.
Dogs that engage in high-impact activities or those that have experienced previous injuries to the knee may also be more susceptible to knee issues in the future. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and vet check-ups can all reduce your dog’s risk of knee joint issues.
How Do You Treat Knee Problems in Dogs? Preventing and Caring For Dog Knee Joint Problems
Maybe you’ve noticed a dog swollen knee joint, or your dog is showing signs of arthritis. What can you do? Let’s take a look at some of the different ways you can either prevent or treat knee joint problems in your dog.
Preventative Measures for Strong, Healthy Knees
Preventing knee problems before they occur is always the best approach. First and foremost, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Excess weight puts additional stress on your dog’s joints, increasing the likelihood of knee problems such as CCL rupture or arthritis.
Providing your dog with a balanced, nutritious diet that supports joint health can also help, particularly one rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. And finally, regular exercise is key for maintaining joint flexibility and strength.
Joint Supplements for Canine Knee Health
Joint supplements are an amazing way to support knee health and prevent the progression of joint-related issues. Popular supplements for canine joint health typically contain ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).
These ingredients help maintain cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility by supporting the synovial fluid and overall joint function. Make sure you choose a vet recommended joint supplement for dogs, as some may contain unnecessary artificial additives.
Joint supplements aren’t just for knees, either! They can help with hock joint dog or carpal joint dog issues, may reduce dog swollen joint front leg, and can be used as a dog hip dysplasia home treatment.
Recognising Early Signs of Knee Problems
Early detection of knee problems is crucial, to prevent further pain and damage. Some early signs of knee joint issues in dogs include limping, stiffness, dog swollen knee joint, dogs joints clicking, or reluctance to walk, run, or jump.
You may also notice that your dog is favouring one leg, holding it up, or "skipping" while walking. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your vet as soon as possible.
Home Care Tips for Dogs with Knee Problems
For dogs with knee issues, providing a comfortable, supportive resting environment is essential. Soft bedding and access to low-traction surfaces (you can add mats or rugs to slippery floors) will help prevent further strain on the knee joints.
While some exercise is beneficial, it’s best to avoid jumping, running, or other high-impact activities if your dog has knee problems. Short walks on a leash can help keep your dog’s joints mobile without putting too much strain on their knees.
Advanced Treatment Options for Knee Joint Issues
If you’re dealing with serious dog knee joint swelling or severe pain, more drastic treatments like canine-specific painkillers or surgery may be required. Start by talking to your vet - they’ll help you figure out the best treatment options for your dog based on their specific scenario, age, and overall health.
Get World-Class Supplements for Dog Knee Joint Swelling, Popping, and Other Issues at Mighty Munch!
From dog knee joint swelling to arthritic pain, Mighty Munch dog joint supplements can bring much-needed relief. The right supplements can make all the difference in managing your pup’s comfort and mobility, which is why we offer world-class, vet-approved joint supplements specifically designed to support canine knee health.
Our premium joint supplements are packed with key ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, all known for their ability to lower inflammation, promote cartilage repair, enhance joint flexibility, and reduce your dog’s pain.
Not only do they help you manage your dog’s knee joint symptoms, but they also protect your dog’s knees against future problems by strengthening the surrounding tissues. If you have a breed susceptible to joint issues, you can start them on our supplements at a young age to protect their knees.
While you’re here, make sure you check out our other dog supplements, including our top-rated collagen for dogs - it’s perfect for a shinier coat, healthier skin, and stronger nails and paws. We’re your one-stop shop for a healthier, happier, more active pup!
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Dog Knee Joint Problems
From dog knee joint popping to painful arthritis, there are many different knee joint problems your dog can experience. Understanding the symptoms is important, but taking preventative action to protect your dog’s knees can be even more beneficial.
Mighty Munch dog joint supplements are safe for all breeds and ages, so it’s never too early to strengthen your dog’s knee cartilage, synovial fluid, and joint ligaments. Our supplements have all the key ingredients you need to do just that!
Give your dog the best chance of a long, pain-free future with Mighty Munch dog joint supplements.
