Few sights will spur a
pet owner to action like the image of a beloved pet hobbling around
due to arthritis pain. If your dog has developed arthritis, rest
assured that you can make their life easier and happier in a number
of ways. Here are some valuable steps you can take to help your
arthritic pet cope.
Try Medications to
Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Medications can often
help control the inflammatory pain, swelling, and damage of
arthritis. The first line of defense may involve a prescription for
canine-friendly NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These
drugs decrease the amount of pain-causing substances called
prostaglandins.
If NSAIDs don't provide
your dog with much relief, you can step up to corticosteroids. These
drugs, which supplement the production of steroids in an animal's
body, packs more anti-inflammatory power than NSAIDs. They also carry
certain risks, however, so you may want to reserve them for severe
arthritic episodes.
Dogs occasionally
receive prescriptions for opioids, but only for the most severe and
unmanageable pain. If your pet struggles with arthritis of this
intensity, you might actually consider surgery as an alternative. For
instance, a joint fusion procedure limits motion, but it also stops
the bone ends from rubbing together painfully.
Make Nutritional and
Dietary Changes
Some well-considered
nutritional and dietary changes can help your dog experience less
trouble with their arthritis. Weight loss can prove crucial if
obesity has placed extra stress on the joints. Your dog may benefit
from fewer or smaller feedings, or from low-calorie pet foods
designed to combat obesity.
In addition, you may
also need to look at the ingredients in your pet's menu. Some foods
tend to promote inflammation, while others actually boast
anti-inflammatory properties. Raw foods cause less inflammation than
cooked ones as a general rule.
Since dogs are able to
get their nutrients from many kinds of foods, including fruits and
vegetables, your pet may have a variety of anti-inflammatory options.
Try supplementing his diet with dark, leafy greens, cruciferous
vegetables, berries, fatty fish, and other rich sources of
anti-inflammatory substances.
Additionally,
seasonings don't just add interest to meals; some of them can also
help fight inflammation. For instance, two of the herbs that commonly
grace kitchen counters, turmeric and ginger, appear to reduce
inflammatory pain in animals.
Don't neglect the
potential value of veterinarian-approved nutritional supplements in
your pet's battle against arthritis symptoms. Dogs who don't eat fish
can receive valuable anti-inflammatory aid from omega-3 supplements
instead. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may also help by
enhancing joint lubrication.
Encourage Gentle
Exercise
Arthritic animals (and
their human counterparts, for that matter) tend to resist doing
anything that makes their pain worse. As a result, your dog may
naturally choose to sit quietly instead of running around. In truth,
however, gentle exercise can actually help to ease pain and preserve
joint mobility.
Seek veterinary advice
on what kind of exercise plan would suit your dog's individual needs
and condition. A brief, easy, daily walk may be all they can do, but
it may also make a dramatic difference in their longterm comfort.
Dogs who suffer from
severe joint pain may still be able to exercise with the aid of water
therapy. In this approach, the dog exercises in a pool or tank partly
filled with water. The water provides buoyancy, supporting the
animal's body and allowing for less painful weight-bearing joint
motion.
Make Your Home More
Ergonomic
The last thing your
arthritic dog needs is unnecessary physical obstacles. You can
prevent this issue by making your household more accessible. Maintain
a clear pathway to your dog's bed, with food and water bowls in easy
reach. You can also add gently sloping ramps as an alternative to
stairs.
An arthritic dog may
move too slowly to get outdoors before his bladder or bowels revolt.
Make certain that your pet can still use the doggie door or other
provided exit path. If all else fails, there's nothing wrong with
diapering your dog (as long as you administer regular changes and
cleanings).
Give your canine the
quality of life they deserve, arthritis or no arthritis. ContactPet Medical Center of Vero Beach to schedule a veterinary
consultation.
