You might have noticed your dogs joints clicking when stretching or moving and wondered whether you should be concerned. Dogs joints can pop or click for a number of reasons; air in the joints, ligaments moving, or bone rubbing on bone. Some noises are nothing to worry about, but some can indicate a joint problem. Diagnosis should be made by your vet especially if your dog is showing signs of pain and lameness.
Air in the Joints
This is a common reason for your dog’s joints clicking when stretching and it is the same as when our knuckles, ankles or knees pop. The synovial fluid inside your dog’s joints contains gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This fluid acts as a buffer between the bones of the joints so that they function smoothly. If this gas escapes rapidly then a popping noise can be heard. This is normal and harmless.
Ligaments Moving and Causing Dogs Joints Clicking When Stretching
Ligaments are tissues that connect one bone to another. They are flexible but tough, and they bend and stretch when a joint moves. The ligament can sometimes rub on the bone and if it moves suddenly, this can cause a popping or clicking noise. The friction of continuous clicking can cause wear and tear over time and should be investigated by your vet.
Bone On Bone
When the noises are coming from bone and rubbing on bone, this can be a more serious problem and requires veterinary intervention.
Arthritis
Arthritic changes in the dogs joints can result in a grinding or cracking noise when the dog moves. This typically occurs as the dog ages. Joint supplements can help slow the progress of arthritis and in extreme cases anti inflammatories and painkillers may be prescribed.
Hip Dysplasia
If your dog’s hips are popping this could indicate hip dysplasia. This is when the head of the femur pops out and rubs on the hip socket. In a healthy ball and socket joint the ‘ball’ ie femur and the ‘socket’ in the hip fit snuggly and smoothly together. In Hip dysplasia the head of the femur and the socket are degraded, leading to bone rubbing on bone and pain. Your vet will be able to x-ray your dog’s hips.
Subluxating Patella
This is when your dog’s knee cap moves in and out from its normal position the the groove of the knee joint which can produce a popping noise. The friction when this happens can lead to changes in the joint which require veterinary attention. These changes usually result in lameness and pain.
What About Popping Noises in Puppy Joints?
Joints in puppies are very soft and malleable. Pops and cracks heard in young dogs are most often completely benign and are a result of air in the joints and the fact that their joints are loose causes ligaments to pop.
Puppies from registered breeders should have hip scores and bred responsibly from healthy adults. Unfortunately this is not always the case and some puppies are born with joint problems due to genetics. If your puppy seems to be in pain, has a lameness or doesn’t come from a reputable breeder you might want to consider x-rays to find out if there are any abnormal joints.
So the majority of clicks and cracks are normal and natural for your dog’s body. However, if at any point, you think your dog may be in pain, is lame, or has an unknown history, your vet should be consulted and x-rays taken. McTimoney Dog Chiropractic can help ease symptoms of joint problems without the use of medication.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment
Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
