Arthritis and Your Dog ?Keeping Your Pet Comfortable

Many pets develop some form of joint disease during their lives. It can be mild, even unnoticeable to the pet owner, or it can be debilitating, severely affecting the pet's quality of life. Most cases fall somewhere in between.

Signs of arthritis usually do not appear until the latter half of life, which varies depending on your pet's breed. Larger dog breeds are more vulnerable than smaller breeds.

The most common signs of joint disease include stiffness, limping, or favoring a limb - particularly after resting, inability to rise, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and noticeable pain.

Through lifestyle changes such as proper diet, exercise, and supplements, you may be able to keep your dog more comfortable and decrease the progression of arthritis.

Weight Management

Weight management is the first thing that must be addressed. All treatment modalities will be more beneficial if the animal is not overweight. Considering that up to half of the pets in the U.S. are overweight, there is a fair chance that many of the dogs with osteoarthritis are also overweight.

Exercise

Exercise is the next important step. Exercise that provides for good range of motion and muscle building and limits wear and tear on the joints is the best. Leash walking, swimming, and slow jogging, are excellent low-impact exercises. An exercise program should be individualized for each dog based on the severity of the osteoarthritis, weight, and condition of the dog. In general, too little exercise can be more detrimental than too much, however the wrong type of exercise can cause harm. Warming the muscles prior to exercise and following exercise with a "warm-down" period are beneficial. Consult with your veterinarian regarding an exercise program appropriate for your dog.

Warmth

Most people with arthritis find that the signs tend to worsen in cold, damp weather. Keeping your pet warm may help him be more comfortable. A pet sweater will help in cooler weather.

Bedding

Providing a firm, orthopedic foam bed helps many dogs with arthritis. Beds with dome-shaped, orthopedic foam distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. They are also much easier for the pet to get out of.

Massage and Physical Therapy

Your veterinarian can show you how to perform physical therapy and massage on your dog to help relax stiff muscles and promote a good range of motion in the joints. Remember, your dog is in pain, so start slowly and build trust. Start by petting the area and work up to gently kneading the muscles around the joint with your fingertips using a small, circular motion. Gradually work your way out to the surrounding muscles. Moist heat is also beneficial.

Daily Activities

Going up and down stairs is often difficult for pets with arthritis. Many people build or buy ramps to make it easier for their dogs.

Larger breed dogs can especially benefit from elevating their food and water bowls. This makes eating and drinking more comfortable.