Tips to Manage a Dog with Arthritis

Arthritis in Dogs

According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in five dogs will develop this painful disease. It is generally seen in older dogs, affecting joints and making movement sore. 

Arthritis in dogs can be treated, so be sure to seek veterinarian advice and consult a dog care guide for some ways of helping dogs with arthritis and managing pain. It is important to get your furbaby properly diagnosed so that an appropriate form of treatment can be prescribed.

There are supplements that you can source yourself or medication from a veterinarian available. Other forms of treatment include physical therapy and weight management diets, which can all alleviate discomfort. 

As this disease is relatively common, a good care guide for new dog owners will touch on the symptoms of dog arthritis to help you to identify the signs and perhaps even take preventative measures to delay the onset in ageing dogs to extend their quality of life.  

How Is Dog Arthritis Generally Diagnosed?

Arthritis in dogs is caused when the cartilage surface on joints is thin and the cells of the cartilage die. They release both enzymes that cause inflammation and excessive joint fluid. At the beginning of a long list of potential symptoms, your furbaby will likely become a little slower and stiffer as this happens.

It will eventually lead to an ongoing spiral of pain, lameness and inactivity. Muscles seize up from disuse and older dogs with arthritis tend to wish to do little more than head outside to the bathroom or take very short walks.

This degradation can be seen on an x-ray, which might be done after a veterinarian has performed a physical examination on your furbaby. 

An x-ray may not be necessary, as a vet can often feel a grating in the joint, observe pain or lameness and detect associated muscle atrophy to diagnose dog arthritis. 

Tips to be a better dog owner include proactive action when your dog is showing signs of abnormal behaviour. This could be anything from refusing to get up for a walk, to a lack of appetite or understanding of circling behaviour in dogs. 

Your veterinarian must rule out other factors that might be causing similar symptoms, such as cancer, infectious or metabolic illnesses or endocrine conditions.

Is It Possible to Prevent Dog Arthritis?

Genetics plays a part in dog arthritis, and a responsible purebred breeder should screen their breeding animals to ensure genetically correct conformation of joints and a physically healthy line. However, this is most likely out of an owner’s control. 

As a dog owner, feeding a healthy diet can play a huge factor in preventing arthritis in dogs. A good diet and weight management can reduce the risk of inflammation and add less pressure to the joints.

Be mindful when feeding treats, which can sometimes be used to excess when helping your dog deal with separation anxiety. Many tips for leaving dogs alone at home include offering distracting treats or associating treats with leaving, however, this can be detrimental to your furbaby’s physical well-being. 

Consider a regular but not overly strenuous exercise that is suitable for your dog’s needs to ensure optimal health.

Tips to Manage a Dog with Arthritis

If you’re looking for tips to care for a sick dog with arthritis and are wanting some effective treatment for arthritis in dogs, thankfully, there are plenty of ways to manage their discomfort. 

Keep your furbaby warm during colder nights

Cold joints are more stiff and achy than warm joints are, so especially on those winter nights, make sure your dog is kept warm. 

Consider keeping an older dog with arthritis indoors overnight or fit them with a jacket. 

Change their lifestyle 

Be watchful of what causes discomfort for your dog and make some effort to try and change these. 

For example, if your furbaby sleeps on your bed, consider lifting them on or off and adding steps to make this process easier.

Provide proper bedding to ease pressure

A memory foam bed with plenty of support is great for dogs with arthritis. 

During the day, popping it in a sunny spot is more suitable than lying on cold, hard concrete. If your dog sleeps in a kennel, add plenty of blankets to add comfort and warmth. 

Weight management

Perhaps the most important factor for managing arthritis in dogs. Extra weight will increase stress and inflammation in joints, exacerbating the issue.

Have a chat with your veterinarian about your dog’s diet and make changes if necessary to slow the progression of arthritis and make it easier for your dog to get up and move around. 

Help your dog keep an active lifestyle

Unless your furbaby is in the later stages of pregnancy, then an active lifestyle is important. Do check out some tips to care for a pregnant dog to ensure your pregnant bitch isn’t over-exerting herself. 

For dog arthritis treatment, regular exercise is important. It helps to keep the joints mobile, discourages muscle atrophy and assists in maintaining a healthy weight.

Utilize ramps for easy movements

Having a ramp on hand is especially handy for larger dogs with arthritis that aren’t so easy to lift. A small dog ramp can be picked up from most pet stores. Choose a type with good traction, such as a rubber or sandpaper grit surface.

Assist whenever necessary

A homemade sling can be an effective, temporary support aid to help your dog move around. 

Get non-slip rugs for hardwood floors and keep their nails short, making it easier for your dog to gain traction.

Ask your vet for medication and treatment 

A multimodal approach, meaning a combination of different medications and supplements can ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life. Adequan injections, joint supplements, NSAIDS and a weight management diet can all be used to good effect.

Take Home Message

Whether you’re caring for a newborn pup or coping with an ageing dog, looking after your furbaby can be a complex, challenging and extremely rewarding experience. 

With loving care and attention, you can ensure that you’re providing your furbaby with the best possible life. As you know, you receive back tenfold in the enjoyment of having them a part of your life.