Dogs with arthritis can benefit from therapeutic exercise that owners can perform at home. Exercise combined with massage, range of motion exercises, joint mobilisation, and stretching can maintain dogs' mobility and effectively manage their pain.
“Stretching can be a great tool to help pets maintain mobility and comfort as they age,” says veterinarian Christina Fuoco, medical director at Philadelphia's Whole Animal Gym. “An arthritic joint can stiffen up and some range of motion exercises can help preserve function, as well as decrease pain.”
In summary, the best medical recommendation for dogs with arthritis is that they should exercise regularly, ideally 30-60 minutes every day, and not engage in high-impact activities such as running, jumping and rough play.
Veterinary experts used to believe that dogs with arthritis should limit physical activity. They often prescribed “exercise restriction.” However, recent research shows that, over time, this approach can lead to issues like stiff joints, muscle loss, and weight gain.
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!
People with arthritis know firsthand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness. The same is true for dogs as cold weather can make a dog's arthritis symptoms worse.
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.
The three main causes of osteoarthritis are: Wear and tear of the joints due to age, especially in overweight dogs. Joint damage in growing puppies, usually in larger breeds, due to some combination of genetics, over exercise, rapid growth and incorrect diet.
Stretching your pup before or after any strenuous activity can help improve their overall well-being. Stretching is just as important as taking a dog out for their daily exercise. It's one of the simplest ways you can strengthen and condition your dog's body.
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.
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.
Have your dog lie on their side, place your palm over the upper back leg bone (to support the joint). Put your other hand under the leg lifting it parallel to the floor. Gently bend the knee and slowly guide the leg along the dog's body until there is resistance. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and release.
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.
Severe Osteoarthritis (STAGE 4)
A dog often becomes restless when standing and may be reluctant to stand or move. Other signs include consistent severe lameness, weight shift and abnormal limb loading.
Since the degeneration of the joints and increase in joint inflammation tend to be progressive over time, dogs may go through various stages of osteoarthritis. Sometimes arthritis progresses quickly and other times that progression may take years.
Your pet cries out – This is an obvious sign of discomfort. If he cries out or whimpers when moving around or when you pet him, your pet could be suffering from arthritis.
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a progressive disease and there is no known cure. Preventing the development of osteoarthritis through diet, exercise, and the use of protective joint supplements is the best way to keep your dog's joints healthy.
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.
Dogs usually get arthritis from the age of 8 years onwards. These are seniors and arthritis around this age is not uncommon. However, some dogs can experience arthritis from an incredibly young age. With some dogs showing signs of arthritis from as young as one year old.
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.
Arthritis is a long-term condition that needs life-long management. Arthritis slowly worsens over time, but if well managed, most dogs can live happily for many years after diagnosis.
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.