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Arthritis in dogs is a condition that causes joint pain, and one that will afflict most dogs as they age.
What is Dog Arthritis
It is usually a result of the ongoing wear and tear and instability in the joints.
Arthritis can affect one or more joints anywhere in the body; however the most common joints affected in dogs are the hips, knees, shoulders and elbows. Most of these joints depend on a layer of cartilage acting as a cushion which also provides a smooth surface so the adjoining bones can move freely over each other. This movement is assisted by the lubrication provided by synovial fluid in joints.
With arthritis the cartilage deteriorates and the synovial fluid loses its lubricating properties so that movement of the bones becomes less smooth, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
6 Strategies to Ease Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain
An integrative, multimodal therapy regime can maximize your dog’s comfort and well-being and minimize the potential side effects of certain therapies. Here are a few strategies that have been found to be beneficial:
1. Massages and body work
Many arthritic dogs appreciate muscle massages, which stimulate blood flow to atrophying muscles. Certified canine massage therapists are available in most areas of the country; many are willing to show you their techniques. Warm compresses over sore joints can be soothing, but make sure you keep your pup from getting burns from excess heat.
2. Acupuncture and Eastern medicine
Many arthritic dogs can be made more comfortable and more mobile by acupuncture. Alternative veterinary practitioners sometimes prescribe formulations of Chinese herbs to support the benefits of acupuncture.
3. Exercise
Maintaining mobility through reasonable exercise is important, regardless of a dog’s age and the extent of their arthritis. (I’m convinced that what kept a certain red Dober-gal of mine going to 15-plus years was her daily quarter-mile walk down the driveway, albeit at her own pace.) A dog with mild, early arthritis can and should get more exercise than a senior dog with severe cartilage erosion.
4. Therapeutic laser treatment
Class IV therapeutic laser is a form of low-level light energy treatment that can greatly improve arthritic conditions in dogs. The treatment stimulates blood flow to tissues, decreases inflammation, and increases muscle relaxation which promotes faster healing and reduced pain to targeted areas.
5. Joint supplements
Countless joint supplements are available to promote healthy cartilage and joint health. These contain varying combinations of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, and other chondroprotective substances. Many veterinarians and pet parents have found that a small number of these products seem to be helpful.
6. Dog brace
Dog braces provide continual support, helping dogs with arthritis walk with reduced pain. Lovepluspet rear leg support for dogs help to shift your dog's weight off of their good leg and back onto their injured leg so they can walk evenly again. The stability to the joint would help dog leg arthritis to heal.
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