For dogs suffering from arthritis,
A quality heating pad can be applied right on your dog's joints, which will lead to more immediate comfort and relief. Keeping your dog warm and dry is a natural, non-invasive way to help with arthritis.
As the weather cools down, it's a good time to remember that winter can be uncomfortable for pets with arthritis. Just like in humans with arthritis, cooler temperatures can aggravate sore joints in pets, making them more stiff and painful.
Ice is great for reducing pain and swelling in more acute injuries or flare-ups. It does this by limiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in an injured or arthritic area, and allowing healing to occur more easily.
If your dog has swelling associated with a sprain, bruise, or tendonitis, apply ice packs to the area for 15 minutes twice daily. Flowing water improves circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes healing.
Dog's Perspective
But the more you massage his legs, the less likely it is he will sprain or strain it while out exercising. If the injury has already occurred, then a good massage will help ease the muscles, reducing the pain and helping to speed Joey's recovery along.
Confine any limping dog, so they don't worsen their injuries. Try to keep them calm and off their feet. No running or jumping. Don't try to move or massage the leg yourself, as this could cause further injury.
Arthritic dogs will benefit from controlled exercise. Gentle regular lead walks are better than an hour spent running around after a ball or with another dog.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a major role in controlling dog joint pain and inflammation. Prescription medications such Galliprant, Carprofen, and Meloxicam are the safest options for controlling pain and inflammation compared to over-the-counter, non-veterinary products.
Otherwise, arthritic dogs need exercise or they become stiff. We advise regular exercise, preferably 2-3 shorter walks a day rather than one long walk. Jumping on to furniture, going up and down stairs or running to chase balls are activities best avoided as they can jolt the joints and worsen arthritis.
Most commonly, arthritis affects older dogs and is caused by wear and tear on the joints. But it can also be the result of: an injury such as ligament damage or broken bones. hip dysplasia, which is a deformity of the joints, often caused by bad breeding.
Causes of Inflammation of the Joints in Dogs
Inflammation of the joints in dogs occurs when the cartilage within a joint has undergone a change or is damaged. This joint becomes rough and the bone surfaces of the joint rub together, causing inflammation.
Weight management. Attaining and maintaining a lean body conformation through proper nutrition and feeding practices is the most important cornerstone of effective osteoarthritis management and prevention. It has been shown that skinny dogs have less arthritis and a longer life expectancy!
Similarly to humans, arthritis in dogs causes changes in the affected joints that can be incredibly painful for your pet. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees.
Some benefits of massaging dogs with arthritis include: Increased circulation: Massaging your pet's muscles promotes better blood circulation, reducing any swelling and inflammation. Reduces discomfort: Gently rubbing your pet's body can help reduce the pain and inflammation.
For dogs who are afflicted with arthritis, however, massage plays a particularly therapeutic role, by increasing circulation and breaking up adhesions that tend to form in their connective tissue. Combined with stretching the limbs, massage helps to lengthen constricted muscles, increasing flexibility and mobility.
Dogs can live with arthritis for years if they have the right lifestyle and supportive treatments to keep them comfortable. As a progressive condition, dogs with arthritis in the later stages can show worsening symptoms. Loss of cartilage can make the condition very painful as bone rubs against bone in the joints.
Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel provide a great source of the omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for our dogs, which are known to have potent anti-inflammatory effects in the body. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in dogs with arthritis.
Options like pain medications, joint supplements for dogs, physical therapy, laser therapy for dogs, and acupuncture can all help relieve arthritis pain in dogs. There isn't a particular treatment that is superior to the others.
Walking is a great way to strengthen your dog's back legs. If you're walking your pet, keep it slow and short. After all, a long walk could end up doing more harm than good. You could take your dog for a swim or try stretching your pet's hind legs for more strength.
The severity of the lameness is often exacerbated during the night. This happens because of the soreness that builds up from too much activity during the day. This is why it is important to monitor your dog after exercise to determine how much is too much. Stiffness from inactivity during the day is another culprit.
Paracetamol, while safe for humans, can be extremely toxic for your dog (particularly if the wrong dosage is given), and can result in serious liver damage or problems with their red blood cells.
Contact your vet as soon as you can if you discover something painful. If you think your dog is limping because of inflammation, alternate between ice and heat packs to lower the level of swelling and discomfort. Call your veterinarian to ask them when you should be applying the packs.
If your pet is limping but not showing any signs of pain, it is still worth contacting your vet for advice. Because dogs can't speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they're in pain, whether it be as a result of injury or an underlying issue.