Arthritis in Dogs: Understanding Symptoms and Ways to Manage

image_of_arthritis_in_dogs_symptoms_from_discountpetcare

As your beloved canine companions age, they begin to face various health issues. One of the conditions that gradually grabs them is arthritis. It’s a common condition that affects the joints and gets worse with time, which cannot be cured. The lack of a cure for arthritis can make you feel disheartened, but we are here to tell you that your dog does not have to submit to a grim fate.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything from the fundamentals to common signs of arthritis and ways you can manage this condition. Having this knowledge will help you assist your dog in their moment of distress and improve the quality of life.

Let’s start with the basics!

What is Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis, also known as Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease in dogs, is a condition in which the joints gradually lose their strength due to deterioration of cartilage. It’s a chronic, progressive joint disease that affects dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes but is more common in adult dogs. Osteoarthritis can be caused by multiple factors such as age, injury, disease, repetitive stress, body conformation, weight, etc.

The cartilage in joints acts as a cushion that allows the joints to operate smoothly and support motion. However, with the gradual loss of this protective cushion, the dog begins to experience pain, inflammation, and a reduction in the range of motion. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the lower spine and the limbs.

What Are the Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?

Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals, here are the common telltale signs of arthritis in dogs:

infographic_image_of_Common_sign_of_arthritis-In-dogs_from_discountpetcare

Arthritis in dogs often observed through stiffness or limping, lethargy, and noticeable weight gain due to reduced activity. You might also observe swelling in their joints, pain when touched, and excessive licking of sore areas. Over time, this condition can lead to muscle loss as the dog’s mobility decreases.

Common Affected Areas in Arthritis

The following infographic will present the bone and joint areas that are most affected by arthritis in dogs.

image_of_arthritis_in_dogs_affected_area_of_dog_from_discountpetcare

Ways of Managing Arthritis Pain

Unfortunately, there’s no specific cure for Osteoarthritis; however, there are multiple ways to manage the symptoms and help your dog navigate the pain and improve joint health. In this segment, we’ll discuss these approaches:

Weight

Minding the diet and watching the weight is important for every dog, especially for dogs with arthritis, as excess weight exerts pressure on joints. Obesity can also become the cause of developing arthritis. The ideal approach is to consult your vet and get the best possible diet and weight management plan based on your dog’s condition and medical history.

Exercise

Daily exercise in moderation is the ideal way to manage joint pain. It’s best to start with short, 10- to 15-minute walks multiple times each day. Combine it with therapeutic exercises that do not increase pain or stress on joints, such as passive stretching, swimming, or controlled walking with obstacles to improve the range of motion.

Physical therapy

Another effective treatment approach is physical therapy, which focuses on restoring or improving the mobility, joint function, and quality of life in arthritic dogs. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, weight loss, inflammation, improve balance, and increase range of motion. A typical physical rehabilitation program includes:

  • Stretching
  • Massage
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Swimming
  • Treadmill
  • Underwater treadmill

Arthritis Treatments

There’s no cure for arthritis; however, there are a few treatments that can help relieve arthritic pain in your dog. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are highly effective in controlling joint pain and inflammation. Apart from NSAIDs, there are pain treatments and muscle relaxers to manage joint pains. However, it’s crucial to consult your vet and select a suitable treatment as it can inflict potential side effects on your dog.

Surgery

If the treatment approaches discussed above do not yield satisfactory results, you can opt for surgery. Depending on the cause, location, and severity of your dog’s arthritis, surgery can help restore the joint and improve mobility. Furthermore, if your dog’s arthritis is a result of an injury, sometimes surgery may be the only option to repair the damage.

Best Supplements to Support Joint Health in Dogs

Along with the management methods mentioned above, you can use the following supplements to improve the arthritic symptoms in your dog. They can help speed up the recovery process and provide your dog with much-needed relief.

Arthritis Care Tablets

Arthritis Care Tablets are formulated with natural ingredients such as Glucosamine, MSM, and Green-lipped mussel extract to help manage the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Bob Martin Arthripet Extra Strong

Bob Martin Arthripet Extra Strong is a potent oral supplement that aids in supporting the bone health of adult dogs. It is loaded with premium-quality ingredients, which help in managing moderate to severe joint pains and increase flexibility.

Arthrimed Joint Supplement Powder

Arthrimed Joint Supplement Powder is an amazing supplement with a dual-action formula. This powder supplement is designed to manage inflammation and prevent further cartilage damage.

Arthrimed Tablets

Arthrimed Tablets are easy-to-give joint supplements designed to support optimal functioning of joints by reducing the signs of aging and aiding in cartilage development. This oral treatment lowers the risk of arthritis and helps control the wear and tear of joints.

Key Takeaways

Arthritis is common in dogs of all ages and breeds and hampers the quality of life your pooch lives. However, you can manage the arthritis signs with varied means discussed in this blog. However, always remember to consult your vet before opting for any pain management approach or supplement for the safety of your beloved dog.