The term arthritis simply translates into inflammation of the joints. For pets who are accustomed to being enthusiastic and energetic, the disease can be hard to bear. Although there is no complete cure for the disease, there are several alternatives that you can try to make your pet’s life easier and more comfortable.
Bedding and food bowls- Adding something soft and warm for your pet to lie on can do wonders for their joints on cold days. You can choose an old mattress, a soft foam mattress or even an old baby mattress that is at least four inches in height. The soft foam or cotton will coddle your pet’s joints as they sleep. Remember to keep the mattress at least four inches to one foot thick, as this is the ideal height to allow your pet to get up and down with the least amount of wear and tear on their joints. Similarly, raise your dog’s food bowl to a comfortable height to decrease any unnecessary bending motions towards the floor.
Exercise- Pets who already have arthritis tend to slow down their daily routines as each movement is painful. Take note, however, that complete rest is not something which will help your pet. Limited gentle exercise, such as walking one or two blocks, is ideal and can also help keep your pet’s weight under control. Nothing too strenuous or energetic, just two or three walks throughout the week and rest on the weekends should be beneficial for your dog. Swimming can also be an enjoyable activity which has the added benefit of having low impact on the joints.
Diet and weight control- Overweight dogs have a greater tendency to develop arthritis as they age. This is due to the fact that the extra weight puts more pressure and demand on joints which can, in turn, lead to premature cartilage damage. As dogs find it more and more difficult to be mobile because of arthritis, they tend to exercise less, leading to an even greater weight gain. This vicious cycle can only be broken if you strictly supervise your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Naturally, maintaining your dog at an appropriate weight from an early age will cause you the least amount of problems, but if your dog is older and overweight, there is no need to despair. Older dogs that need to lose extra weight should be put on reduced calorie diets, treats should be minimized and moderate exercise ought to be a must. Don’t expect to see results overnight, but with time, appropriate diet, and sufficient activity, you should see a noticeable difference in your dog’s weight!
Supplements/nutraceuticals for joint health- There are thousands of products on market shelves that claim to improve joint health. An educated consumer should be advised that not all of them will succeed at doing what they promise. Most supplements contain helpful ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fish oils, which do work especially if taken with the right vitamins and minerals. Get in touch with your holistic veterinary practitioner before you start giving your dog any of these supplements, as not all dogs are the same and what works for one may not work for another. Do not give your pet medicines intended for human use unless you have been specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Although there is no permanent treatment for arthritis, pet owners can take comfort in the fact that researchers are constantly finding newer and better drugs to help affected pets.
Pain relieving medications like Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be essential for dogs that are suffering from severe discomfort due to arthritis. Please be advised, however, that all medications can have a side effect. Before giving your pets any medication, remember to consult with a trained veterinarian about the potential side effects. In addition to prescription medications, ask your veterinarian about complementary therapies that can improve your dog’s condition, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, and the use of supplements.
Arthritis is a painful condition but if you arm yourself with knowledge and the right tools, you will be able to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and suffering and enjoy their company for several years more. Arthritis may not be curable but neither is it a hopeless case. Your pet can have arthritis but still have an active, comfortable life. It’s up to you to take an active role in fighting the disease and ensuring your pet’s health and well-being.
