How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs in 2024: Effective Methods
Arthritis is very common in older dogs. It causes joint pain and discomfort.1 This happens because their joints get inflamed and swollen. This can be due to genetics, age, or injuries. The best way to help dogs with arthritis is to use different medications and joint supplements.
There are many ways to treat arthritis in dogs. These include helping them keep a healthy weight, regular exercise, therapy, medications, supplements, and alternative treatments. These methods aim to improve the dog’s life by reducing pain and discomfort.1
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis is common in old dogs, making their joints hurt. It’s about swelling and pain in the joints. This can happen for many reasons, like getting older, injuries, or certain diseases.2
What is Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis hurts dogs’ joints over time, bothering them when they move. The soft cushion between their bones wears away, causing pain and stiffness. Things like being too heavy, doing the same activity a lot, and getting hurt make it more likely for dogs to get arthritis.3
Common Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
Dogs with arthritis might struggle to stand up, climb, or jump. They walk and stand differently, and their back leg muscles might weaken. Moving or standing up can be very hard for them if it’s in their spine.2
If you think your dog has arthritis, talk to a vet. They can examine it and perform tests to determine the cause.
Weight Management and Exercise
Managing your dog’s weight is key to reducing joint pain. Excess weight puts more pressure on their joints, causing pain.1 Maintaining your dog’s weight is vital to help them stay healthy. Ask your vet for advice on this.4
Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight
If your dog has arthritis, keeping their weight down is crucial. Too much weight stresses their joints.4 Aim to get your dog to a healthy weight. Your vet can help with a plan for this.5
Low-Impact Exercise Options
Various exercises and therapies can ease your dog’s joint pain.1 Your vet might suggest moderate daily walks. Stick to a steady, low-impact walking routine to keep your dog moving without worsening the pain.5 You should also ensure your dog gets regular veterinary care and stays current on preventive medicine and hygiene.5
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
A specialist in small animal physical rehab can also be a big help. They’ll guide your dog through exercises that are easy on the joints.1 Techniques like gentle stretching, walking over obstacles, and treadmill sessions can work wonders.1
How to treat arthritis in dogs 2024
Arthritis in dogs doesn’t have a cure, but many medications and treatments can help. They make your dog’s life better.1 Dogs with joint pain usually benefit from Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Galliprant®, carprofen, and meloxicam are some. These are safer for pain and swelling than products you can buy without a vet.1
Prescription Joint Supplements
NSAIDs aren’t the only option. Joint supplements with MSM, glucosamine, and fish oils are also great. They help the body make healthy cartilage and lower swelling.14
Adequan Injections
Adequan® shots are another choice. Your vet administers them. They reduce swelling and make the joints smoother in arthritic dogs.1
Corticosteroids
Some dogs need corticosteroids for short or long periods. These drugs lessen swelling and pain. But remember, don’t mix them with NSAIDs. Doing so can lead to more side effects.1
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Are you a pet parent to a dog with arthritis? You might want to think about alternative treatments that work alongside usual medicines. These can help lessen your dog’s pain. Options like acupuncture, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and electrical stimulation all offer benefits for arthritis management in dogs.
Acupuncture for Arthritis Relief
Acupuncture is known to reduce long-term joint pain in dogs. When part of a broader treatment plan, it can be very effective.4 This technique, first used in ancient China, places thin needles in special parts of the body. It aims to boost energy flow and spark healing.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy sends focused light deep into the body’s tissues, boosting oxygen and blood flow to the joints. As a result, it can ease pain and reduce swelling in dogs with arthritis.4 It’s a treatment that doesn’t require surgery, making it a popular choice for many pet owners.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical or neuromuscular stimulation may help build muscle and prevent muscle loss in dogs with limited movement.4 A form known as TENS can also be used to manage pain.
There are more options beyond these.6 Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupressure, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are also available. When deciding on a treatment plan for your dog’s arthritis, it’s crucial to consult with your vet. Together, you can figure out the right mix of treatments for your dog’s case.
Conclusion
When your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, it can be worrying. But many ways exist to help them manage the pain and enjoy life more. Studying the facts shows that combining different approaches is best. This mix includes keeping their weight healthy2, making sure they exercise2, and trying physical therapy7. It also involves using the right medications and supplements2 and exploring alternative treatments.2
Arthritis is more common in dogs than people because of their horizontal spines.2 As dogs age, they are at a higher risk of spinal arthritis.2 But, keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly can ease the pressure on their joints. Using certain supplements can also help manage spinal arthritis2. This shows the importance of a holistic approach in taking care of dogs with arthritis.2
Factual Data highlights many ways to treat arthritis in dogs. These include medicines, supplements, and other therapies. By making a plan that fits your dog specifically, they can have a better, pain-free life. It’s all about working closely with your vet and staying informed on the latest treatments for dog arthritis.
FAQ
How is arthritis in dogs typically treated?
Arthritis is a common issue for many dogs, especially as they age. It causes joint pain. The best way to help them is to combine medicines and joint supplements.
What are the common symptoms of arthritis in dogs?
Dogs with arthritis may find it hard to stand up. They might also struggle with stairs or getting on furniture. Often, they stand with their back legs close together. You might see their back leg muscles getting smaller, too.
How can weight management help with dog joint pain?
Keeping your dog’s weight in check is key to easing joint pain. Being overweight puts more stress on their joints, making moving around painful. Helping them stay at a healthy weight can make a big difference as they grow older.
What are some low-impact exercise options for dogs with arthritis?
Vets might suggest daily short walks. Start with 10 or 15 minutes, but avoid high-impact playing. It’s important to do this daily. Therapeutic exercises led by a certified practitioner, like stretching or using underwater treadmills, can also benefit your dog.
What medications are typically used to treat arthritis in dogs?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Galliprant®, carprofen, and meloxicam help a lot with joint pain. They are safer than non-prescription options for managing pain and inflammation. Joint supplements with MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin are also good for overall joint health.
What alternative therapies can be used to help relieve dog joint pain?
You can try alternative therapies along with standard treatments. These include acupuncture, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy. Electrical stimulation helps strengthen muscles and reduce muscle loss in dogs with trouble moving.
Source Links
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-arthritis-treatment-how-to-help-a-dog
- https://www.stemcellvet.co.uk/spinal-arthritis-in-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dealing-with-canine-arthritis/
- https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/health-and-wellbeing/how-to-treat-arthritis-in-dogs
- https://twinpinesvet.com/signs-of-arthritis-in-dogs/
- https://archcreekanimalclinic.com/dog-arthritis-101/
