When To Contact Your Vet
Symptoms of arthritis often develop slowly which means it can be difficult to know when to seek help. Get in touch with your vet if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
Older dogs benefit from regular check-ups so your vet can pick up any early signs of arthritis.
You know your dog best. If you are still concerned, contact your vet.
The Role Of The Canine Joint
The canine joints play a critical role in normal movement.
Joints are the junction that connects two different bones in a dogs limb, allowing their limbs to move freely with each step.
Not only do joints help their limbs move with ease, but they also play a major role in the preservation of bones.
In a healthy dog joint, the joint is surrounded by fibrous tissue. The joints are also covered in cartilage that wraps around the end of the bone, offering added protection to this critical junction.
These structures not only support the joints with each movement, but they allow for proper shock absorption.
When a dog develops canine arthritis, they begin to feel the impact of a failing system.
You May Like: What Dosage Of Turmeric Should I Take For Arthritis
Natural Supplements For Dog Arthritis
Below are some natural supplements to help your dog manage arthritis pain:
- Turmeric As a type of spice rich in antioxidants, turmeric can help reduce inflammation and damage to your dogs joints. The recommended intake is 0.5-1 teaspoon of turmeric powder per day or about 15-20 mg based on your pets body weight.
- Comfrey Comfrey has pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. These shrubby herbs have long, slender leaves, and theyre available as dried herbs in food stores. The recommended daily dose of comfrey for your pets should be around 0.5-1 teaspoons.
- Yucca Yucca contains compounds that help dogs with inflamed joints and promotes the passage of nutrients to the digestive tract. Its also rich in vitamins A, B, C, and contains calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Introduce your dog with yucca root powder before giving it a concentrated dose of about 1/4 teaspoon.
Also Check: What Helps With Arthritis In The Fingers
Are There Supplements That Help To Prevent Arthritis In Dogs
The prescription diets such as Hills, JD, Royal Canin Mobility are all specifically formulated and fortified with omega fatty acids, fish oils, glucosamine and supplements that protect the joints. While there are numerous homeopathic and home remedies out there, there is no
conclusive evidence that ingredients such as turmeric are in fact effective.
What You Can Do At Home
Arrange your home to ease your pets mobility challenges and to keep her comfortable. Keep floors clear, provide non-slip surfaces and place the litter box and food and water bowls in accessible areas. Avoid unnecessary trips up or down stairs. The American Animal Hospital Association guidelines suggest relocating everything your pet needs to one level or adding a ramp, and closing off steps with a baby gate if needed. Provide lots of love and affection, and pick up the slack with your pets grooming, which can become more difficult over time.
Lightening the load on joints may help decrease the pain associated with arthritis. If your pet is overweight, proper diet and weight control is essential. Your veterinarian can recommend a therapeutic diet and exercise program, such as regular walking, to decrease your pets weight safely.
Providing a padded bed and a warm, dry environment and appropriate medications for your pet can also help control discomfort.
The bottom line is that there are many, many therapeutic options to help older pets deal effectively with this common condition of old age.
You May Like: How To Reduce Arthritis And Joint Pain
How To Relieve Your Dogs Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a common ailment in older dogs, especially in larger breeds. Although you cant cure it, there are ways to relieve your dogs arthritis pain.
As your dog gets older, he may start to slow down and his joints may become stiff. Arthritis is fairly common in older dogs and it isnt always something you can effectively treat. Even if you cant make your dogs arthritis complete disappear, however, there are some things you can do to relieve his pain. Keep reading to learn more.
Natural Ways to Ease Arthritis in Dogs
If your dog suffers from arthritis you should follow your veterinarians advice regarding treatment. In some cases, however, your dog may need a little bit of extra help to relieve his day-to-day pain.
Related: Effective Alternative Treatments For Dog Arthritis
One thing you should definitely do is take a second look at his diet. If your dogs diet is heavy in carbohydrates, particularly low-quality grains like corn and wheat, it could be triggering inflammation that is contributing to his pain. A diet rich in lean protein and healthy omega fatty acids will help to reduce inflammation and mitigate your dogs pain.
At-Home Tips to Manage Your Dogs Arthritis
In addition to improving your dogs diet and giving him joint-supporting supplements, there are some simple changes you can make around the house to ease his pain. Here are some ideas:
Try Massage And Exercise
Think of all the times your faithful friend has helped you feel better. Now is an excellent time to repay the favour. Massage can increase your dogs mobility and flexibility, improve circulation and help them relax. You can gently knead your dogs stiff muscles , or schedule an appointment with a professional pet massage therapist who can pamper your dog.
Even with arthritis, daily exercise helps strengthen your dogs muscles and ligaments and reduces the risk of injury.
Read Also: How Do You Get Rheumatoid Arthritis
Our Solution: Glyde Mobility Chews Hip & Joint Supplement For Dogs
We decided to start with a dietary supplement of Glyde Mobility Chews to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no reversing the disease. But the good news is that just as it is in humans, arthritis signs can be treated.
I learned that Glyde Mobility Chews had a special formula with natural ingredients which would promote joint health and normal cartilage development.
I never knew joint health was something to be concerned about.
Well, it certainly is! Also important is the fact that Glyde has proven levels of glucosamine and chondroitin and that help maintain normal joint function. Glydesformula also contains New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, the only natural source of ETA, a potent Omega-3 fatty acid, that helps relieve joint stiffness and while maintaining youthful mobility.
I now gave Glyde to my beloved beagle daily. It was funny how quickly I felt she reacted to it. Within a week, I already saw the difference. She was bringing me her toy to throw and she seemed happier. I felt that it was really working. We were starting to return to our regular schedule of morning runs. Mostly because I knew I needed to keep her active, just as I needed to keep active too. After some time on Glyde, and regular exercise, my adorable beagle was back to her old self.
I was a bit offended. No, we aren’t leaving her.
Now, we get Glyde delivered to our house on a regular basis.
Thanks to Glyde Mobility Chewsfor bringing the puppy out of her again!
My Dogs Veterinarian Said That My Dog Is Overweight She Prescribed New Food As Well As Some Medications And Nutraceuticals Why Are There So Many Things For Me To Give My Dog
Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for treating OA. In fact, once OA is established, we are not so much treating it as managing it because OA is not a disease that can be cured.
OA is a very complex disease process, so managing it is a fairly complex process because we get the best results from combining multiple modalities. Typical multimodal management of arthritis generally includes the following:
Nutrition
Normalizing body condition is critical, so your veterinarian will prescribe a specific nutritional product to accomplish this goal. There is now a nutrient profile that can support the joints while helping to normalize body weight and condition. It is important to stick strictly to the prescribed nutritional program.
Pain medications
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are generally used as the first line of defense against the pain of OA. Your veterinarian will determine if your dog is a good candidate for this class of medication.
Occasionally, a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug will be prescribed instead of a NSAID. The two classes of medication CANNOT be used together.
“Never reach into your own medicine cabinet when your dog limps or has been diagnosed with OA.”
Gabapentin is a pain medication that addresses chronic pain differently from NSAIDs or corticosteroids, and complements those medications. It provides a way to address the chronic nature of OA pain, and is especially helpful when the patient is older and not able to take a NSAID.
Don’t Miss: Can Arthritis Affect Your Eyes
What Is Dog Arthritis Exactly
As dogs get older, the cartilage surfaces of their joints begin to thin, and cartilage cells die. When the cells die, they release enzymes that cause inflammation of the joint capsule and release of excessive joint fluid. Extra bony growths can develop. With severe cartilage thinning, the normal joint space narrows and the bone beneath the cartilage deteriorates.
All of these processes set in motion further changes in the normal functioning of the dogâs joint, and an ongoing spiral of pain, lameness, limb disuse/inactivity plus, muscle atrophy sets in.
Recognizing Arthritis In Senior Dogs
As arthritis progresses, some older dogs will have a harder time standing up from a lying position or jumping up into the car or onto the bed. Others may look stiff, act sore, or begin limping when they walk.
It can be easy to attribute the signs of arthritis to age-related slowing down and assume this is normal behavior for a senior dog. However, many times this isnt the case.
If your dog is in the golden yearsor closethere are simple steps you can take at home to give the gifts of mobility, comfort, and more good days. However, before you break out your DIY building skills, shop online, or implement any of the other tips I am about to share with you, first please make an appointment with your dogs veterinarian.
Read Also: What Is Arthritis Pain Like
Video Answer: Dog Joint Health: Relieving Joint Pain & Inflammation
NSAIDs. In addition to the use of joint supplements, pain control is a mainstay of osteoarthritis treatment. The most commonly used pain control medications for more severe osteoarthritis are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs . NSAIDs can not only reduce pain, but also decrease inflammation in the joints.
What is the best medicine for dogs with joint pain?
- You can even give your pet Join Treats Minis instead of regular snacks. Medications — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and glucocorticoids offer relief from joint pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy Options To Treat Arthritis In Dogs
Physical therapy is an umbrella term that includes an array of treatment options, from a simple massage to novel laser therapy. Here is a short review of some physical therapy options for arthritis in dogs treatment.
Massage. Body massage uses the power of touch to induce healing in the body. Massage helps with arthritis by increasing blood flow to the affected joints. Increased blood flow results in an influx of healing compounds and nutrients which can promote joint health.
You can massage your dog yourself but advice from a professional is highly recommended. There are different techniques, and it is helpful to know which one is best as part of your pets arthritis in dogs treatment.
Hydrotherapy. This is a form of physical rehabilitation that is performed underwater. The water provides higher resistance than air which helps build strength and resilience in the limbs.
In some cases, equipment like an underwater treadmill is used to improve a dogs mobility and range of motion. Hydrotherapy can be combined with pharmaceuticals as well as with alternative treatments.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form of therapy where fine needles are pricked into the skin at specific points to promote healing in the body. The therapy has been practiced on humans for thousands of years but also shows great promise for dog health.
Read Also: What To Do For Arthritis Pain In Thumb
Create A Prescription Medication Plan With Your Vet And Track Your Dogs Progress
Based on your dogs exam findings and medical history, your veterinarian may prescribe certain medications to help decrease joint pain. These include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Muscle relaxants
- Medications to reduce nerve pain
Your dog may take some of these medications on a once-a-day or twice-a-day basis long term. Other medications might be used on an as needed basis. Work with your veterinarian to create the medication plan that is right for your dog and keep your vet updated on how your dog is doing. I advise my clients to keep a simple daily journal for their senior dogs because it helps us chart changes, improvements, potential medication side effects, and make more objective assessments of progress.
By the way, I understand that getting your dog to take prescription medications isnt always a walk in the park. Ive been there with my own four-legged family members. Thats why I came up with my five favorite tips if your dog wont take pills.
A word of caution about pain medications for dogs with arthritis
Never give any human pain medications to your dog unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. Dog-specific NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for arthritic dogs because they effectively reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. However, you must never give your dog human NSAIDs due to the risk of life-threatening side effects. Learn more in my article: Can I Give My Dog Advil?
Help Your Dog Get A Grip
Make sure to keep your dogs nails clipped short. Long nails change the mechanics of the foot and can make walking more difficult, or sometimes even painful. Although it may seem intimidating at first, you can learn how to clip a dogs toenails with confidence and ease.
If you notice that your dog is having trouble getting a grip on slippery surfaces, consider trying Dr. Buzbys ToeGrips® dog nail grips. ToeGrips help dogs move with confidence by providing extra traction and improving the brains perception of where the limbs and feet are positioned.
Recommended Reading: Is Ibuprofen Good For Arthritis Pain
Natural Joint Pain Relief For Dogs With Arthritis
If you prefer to say no to prescription medication from your DVM veterinarian, its time to consider alternative tools and treatments for your dog’s arthritis.
Many pet parents are concerned about the side effects that surgery and prescription medication can have on their beloved animals.
Despite many treatments being completely safe, if you still prefer to find a less invasive or drug-free approach to treating arthritis in dogs, we hear you loud and clear!
With many chronic conditions, treatment for canine arthritis in dogs is all about making your pet feel more comfortable and happier.
Whether its walking pain-free or sleeping without worrying about stiff joints in the morning.
Simple lifestyle changes are often very effective in improving your pups overall sense of health and well-being.
So, whether you have a senior pup unable to go down the medical route or have an energetic puppy suffering from canine arthritis.
Were about to reveal ten amazing natural arthritis treatments for dogs that dont involve drugs, surgery, or seeing your veterinarian.
How To Prevent Arthritis In Dogs
While youre unable to prevent the condition developing in dogs who have age arthritis , it can be prevented in young dogs by restricting them from jumping up on the sofa and running up the stairs while theyre still growing and their joints are developing. Young dogs can be taken on shorter walks and on routes with a limited incline to reduce pressure on their hip and knee joints.
Also Check: Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Itching
What Happens In The Long Term
Arthritis is a degenerative disease, which means once it has started, it will progressively worsen. Most of the treatments are aimed at not only treating the pain and discomfort but also acting to slow down how quickly arthritis develops.
As the course of the arthritis changes, the most appropriate treatments for your dog may change. We recommend regular check-ups with your veterinary surgeon, usually every six months. This allows us to monitor the dogs condition and tailor treatments according to the progress.
With some medications, there may be additional need for monitoring, e.g for blood tests to check on the health of the liver and kidneys. Your veterinary surgeon will discuss these with you when deciding on which treatments to use.
The most important point is to communicate both with your dog and with your veterinary surgeon. If your dogs behaviour changes it may be due to something other than just old age, and your veterinary surgeon can help make sure your dog gets the right treatment to allow him or her to age gracefully. If you suspect your pet is in pain and could be suffering from arthritis, please get in touch with your local Animal Trust surgery. Appointments are free, so you can visit the vet knowing you will receive expert care without being charged for veterinary advice, however many times you visit.
Tips & Products To Help Your Aging Or Arthritic Dog
These tips and products listed below have helped to improve the comfort level, quality of life, and ability to get around for many older and arthritic dogs. Have a look and try them out you may well be surprised at just how peppy your old dog becomes!
You may notice that I dont mention medications in this article. Its not because they aren’t important and helpful, because they are often very important and helpful. Ive done this because medications arent the only important and helpful components to helping older dogs with their pain and mobility issues.
You can read more about what supplements and medications can be helpful with arthritis and joint pain here. The simple, yet safe and effective, tips and products I mention below arent well-known and all too often overlooked. For the benefit of all aging and arthritic dogs, that needs to change.
You May Like: What Kind Of Doctor To See For Arthritis