The problem is widespread.
There’s a widespread belief that arthritis is an “old dog” problem. But is this the case? This myth could be doing more harm than good. Why? Because it’s leading pet owners to believe that their old dog is doomed and that there’s nothing they can do to help them. It leaves younger dogs in pain without owners realizing the dog needs treatment.
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The truth is that dogs of any age can get arthritis – and there are plenty of ways to prevent and treat the condition. Don’t let this old dog myth hold you back from helping your dog live a comfortable, pain-free life.
Arthritis is a rapidly increasing problem in dog populations worldwide, for young and old dogs alike. According to a veterinary specialist in New York City, arthritis affects about 60% of all dog breeds by age ten years old and up to 80-90% of older dogs over age 12 years old. It is less common in puppies and younger dogs but still can occur.
How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has Arthritis?
When your dog’s joints are stiff, they will often show discomfort, such as reluctance to move. Does your dog refuse to jump or fetch? Does your dog lumber along slowly instead of sprinting? These could be signs that your dog is feeling pain.
They may also lose muscle mass, affecting their overall health and quality of life.
You should first figure out if your dog does indeed have arthritis and is not suffering from trauma or injury or is sick.
Suppose your veterinarian tells you it is indeed arthritis. In that case, they will determine what type of joint disease your dog has — the most common kinds include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
A Healthy Life Now Can Avoid Pain Later
Prevention is the key to keeping arthritis at bay. To prevent pain and inflammation, your dog needs plenty of exercise and must eat a balanced diet. In fact, one of the best ways to prevent arthritis in dogs is by providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
If pain or inflammation becomes a problem, there are many things you can do to relieve symptoms. From taking over-the-counter pain medications to undergoing physical therapy, there is a course of action that will work best for you and help your dog achieve optimal health.
Take your dog for regular walks to help keep them strong and healthy, and supplement their diet with glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, fish oil, and ginger extract (among others). If your dog is already suffering from arthritis, be sure to consult a veterinarian to find the best treatment options for them.
Ways to Ease Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain
A veterinarian will typically perform a physical examination to identify signs of arthritis and may order blood work to determine if there is an underlying medical condition. It is worth visiting the vet to determine the possibility of your dog having some form of arthritis.
Treatment will likely involve medications and surgery where necessary.
Things You Can Do To Help Your Dog
We, dog owners, know that our furry friends are loved and cherished.
As anyone who’s ever had an old dog knows, arthritis can be an old dog problem – wrong. Dog owners can do many things to help their pets with arthritis, from giving them plenty of exercise and good nutrition to relieving pain and inflammation with warm baths. If your vet recommends using acupuncture or laser treatment on your dog, don’t hesitate. The most important thing is to be aware of your dog’s pain and have strategies ready to help keep them comfortable and healthy.
If walking is already difficult and painful for your dog, a smooth, slippery floor surface will compound the difficulty and pain. Anytime your dog slips on a smooth floor can cause them pain. Luckily, there are some cost-effective products that you can use. You should be able to quickly make your home floor surfaces less slippery.
You could lay out area rugs or carpet runners in the areas where your dog walks most. Keep anti-skid mats handy in areas where your dog likes to walk around. You could also try carpet tiles instead of rugs or runners to avoid slippery surfaces in those areas.
Installing non-slip stair treads will make your hardwood stairs much more stable. They’re a bit pricey, but they are practical and easy to use. They’re easy to vacuum, and they don’t leave a residue or marks behind when you lift them.
ToeGrips are an additional accessory that can be used to increase a dog’s grip on slippery surfaces.. For nails to grip correctly, they need to be trimmed to cover the end of the nail and be filed so that they have a grip.
Dog booties can help. These are worn indoors and outdoors, are reusable, and are inexpensive enough to toss out when they get worn. Some people believe that booties and grippy socks should not be used on dogs, as they can cause significant problems for some dogs.
If your dog has difficulty jumping into/out of your vehicle, get them a ramp for the car, SUV, or truck,
If you have a dog struggling to get onto furniture, consider purchasing a set of pet steps or a ramp to make life easier for you and your pet. Sometimes steps are too steep, and the ramp can help make their climb up and down easier. Some ramps are pretty large, but the slope angle is gradual.
If you’re looking for an excellent option for treating dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other mobility issues, GingerLead supports are a great choice!
When walking your dog, provide them with the necessary support and assistance. They make harnesses with a handle that allows you to assist your dog in getting up. It might be a solution if your dog has trouble getting started on its own.
There is even such as thing as a doggie wheelchair for severe cases. It can be great for walks around the block and outdoor adventures for dogs with advanced backend mobility problems. These cart-like devices can provide much-needed stability, helping to ensure your dog won’t fall over or have to drag and injure its paws. A doggie wheelchair helps your dog be more self-sufficient and mobile.
Doggie massage.
Dogs can benefit from a massage; it feels just as good to them as it does to you. Beyond petting, a massage works the deep muscle tissue to provide soothing relief from arthritis pain. You can perform a massage yourself or find a local professional with experience.
Conclusion
Arthritis is not just an old dog’s problem. No dog should have to suffer from arthritis, and we’re committed to helping you find the answers to preventing and treating this condition. So, check back for more helpful dog-related content, as we have plenty of tips and tricks to share