Dealing with arthritis in older dogs
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
Dogs can be affected by arthritis just like humans. This painful condition causes inflammation in their joints, making movement more difficult. Dealing with arthritis in older dogs requires care and attention, as the condition can develop gradually and worsen over time. Knowing when your dog is suffering is vital so you can take the appropriate action and make them as comfortable as possible. We’ve shared some tips to help you manage their care.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in dogs?
There are various reasons why some dogs are affected by arthritis. Hip dysplasia is one cause of arthritis in older dogs. Poor nutrition during puppyhood can negatively impact joint and bone development. Also, too much or too little exercise can affect muscle strength.
At first, you might notice subtle signs such as changes in movement. You might also notice swelling or warmth in their joints. However, inflammation isn’t always visible, so you need to keep a close eye on your dog. Always seek advice from your vet to prevent any further damage or pain. As arthritis usually worsens during colder months, it’s important to be aware of seasonal impacts.
What is the best treatment for arthritis in dogs?
Below are six ways you can care for a dog with arthritis:
- A healthy diet – Your canine companion needs to stay at a healthy weight to reduce any pressure on arthritic joints. Dog food rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation.
- Medications ease pain – The use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is very common as they can help to inflammation in the joints. Speak to your vet about whether there are any medications that might help to ease your dog’s pain.
- Exercise in a controlled way – It’s important to maintain your dog’s muscle strength, as this will support their joints and reduce pain levels. Your dog needs to stay active with an appropriate level of walks, avoiding strenuous exercise.
- Rehabilitation therapies – Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can help to strengthen muscles, easing inflammation and pain.
- Make them comfortable – Simple changes around the home can make a big difference. If your dog struggles to jump onto their usual sofa spot, move their bed to the floor beside your sofa. Swap their bed for an orthopaedic version, use non-slip mats on hard floors, and ramps to help them move to different levels.
- Monitor on a regular basis – Keep an eye on your canine companion’s mobility and their behaviour. Even subtle changes can indicate a condition like arthritis.
In some severe cases, dogs can require surgery, but every dog will need their own care plan. Knowing when your dog is suffering and in pain is important. For more information, see our guide Spotting the signs of when your dog is in pain and speak to your vet.
Caring for older dogs every day
By treating arthritis as soon as possible, you will give your dog a better standard of life. At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, we look after dogs with a variety of conditions and of all ages. If your dog has arthritis, we will tailor our care to their needs, ensuring plenty of rest and appropriate exercise without impacting on swollen joints.
Our Doggy Daycare Assistants are dedicated to managing your dog’s wellbeing, and most of our team have qualifications in Animal Care and Management. If you’re one of our clients, then please let us know if your dog is suffering from arthritis, so we can plan their care.
Get in touch for a chat with our friendly team to learn more about our doggy day care services.
Thank you for reading our latest blog, Dealing with arthritis in older dogs.
Sources:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/arthritis-in-dogs
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/arthritis-in-dogs
https://dogarthritisaware.co.uk/treatment