Arthritis doesn’t just affect humans. Dogs too can suffer from arthritis-induced joint pain, stiffness and mobility problems, but managing arthritis through supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life.
Arthritis typically arises in middle age, so for a small or medium breed dog, symptoms can begin to set in by age seven or eight. With a large or giant breed dog, arthritis symptoms can arise as early as age four or five.
“Owners have to remember that this is a gradual process that occurs over the course of months and years. If your dog has never exhibited any stiffness or gait abnormalities but suddenly can’t walk properly one day, then it’s probably not due to arthritis. So before you begin treating your pet for arthritis, it’s important to be sure that no underlying injury exists,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
Beginning treatment early will help slow the progression of arthritis, so it’s vital that pet owners understand the symptoms. Arthritis typically starts out as stiffness, particularly in the mornings or when the weather is cold. In its more advanced stages, the pet will lose range of motion; he may experience difficulty getting to his feet; the animal will appear unsteady while walking; and the dog’s stride length (particularly in the rear legs) will become short, with the feet remaining close to the ground.
The following measures can help pet owners manage their pet’s arthritis, slowing its progression and improving quality of life:
- Supplementation can slow and even reverse some of the joint damage. Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplements, often containing the anti-inflammatory MSM, have been found to be extremely effective in the management of arthritis.
- Maintaining a healthy weight will lessen the strain on the joints, therefore slowing the progression of arthritis and other joint ailments.
- Regular low-impact exercise will help maintain mobility, while keeping the body trim and in shape. Avoid jogging and running. Instead, opt for walking or swimming and be sure to provide “warm up” and “cool down” sessions before and after each exercise session, as abruptly starting and stopping exercise is traumatic on the joints.
- Providing the proper bed will help reduce stiffness and pain, particularly in the morning. Maintain a warm sleeping area for pets, away from drafts. Beds should also be firm in order to provide support to the hips, shoulders, spine and neck. Orthopedic foam beds, placed on a raised bed platform will significantly improve the pet’s quality of life.
- Sleeping in an elevated bed will not only make getting up easier, but it will also keep pets off the cold floor, therefore lessening the stiffness and pain that results from exposure to cold.
- Heat can help minimize stiffness and pain, particularly in the morning or on a cold day. Applying a microwavable heat pack or a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time, two or three times a day, can help lessen arthritis discomfort. Problem areas often include the shoulders, back and hips.
- Massage can help improve stiffness that results from arthritis. Start at the end of the extremities and move in toward the heart. Massage also serves to relax pets, while providing the owner with an opportunity to feel for any bumps, cuts or other abnormalities that may require attention.
- Medication can help dogs who are in need of a bit more pain relief. Aspirin can be effective in many cases, and it’s generally well tolerated. For more advanced cases, prescription medications can be beneficial. Speak with your pet’s veterinarian if you feel that medication may improve your pet’s quality of life.
“There’s no one remedy for arthritis, and what may be effective for one animal may not be sufficient for another,” remarked Dr. Levine, who concluded, “The best thing pet owners can do is to keep their pet active and at a healthy weight. And begin thinking about arthritis when middle age rolls around because the sooner you begin treatment, the better.”
