How to Care for a Dog With Arthritis

Does it seem as if your dog isn't her old playful self? Well, did you know that arthritis affects not only humans—but one in every five adult dogs in the United States? Since your dog can’t tell you if it’s arthritis—it’s up to you to pay close attention to the signals. Signs that your dog may have arthritis include limping, difficulty sitting, standing, climbing or getting up, hesitancy to run or jump, sleeping more, less interest in play and listlessness. If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, arthritis may be a possibility—and here are some ways to ease the pain and discomfort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Take your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation which will likely include an examination and X-rays. If arthritis is the diagnosis, blood work will likely be done and a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will be prescribed for pain and inflammation.

2. Keep your dog on a healthy diet and exercise to maintain the proper weight. Excess weight hinders movement and aggravates arthritis. Several short walks a day are better than one long walk.

3. Give your dog supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 (fish oil), which have been shown to relieve arthritis symptoms. These supplements can be found in capsules or in powder form and in certain dog foods.

4. Make sure your dog has a comfortable and warm enough place to sleep. There are dog beds designed for arthritis that distribute their weight evenly to take excess pressure off the joints. A foam mattress topper for humans that conforms to body contours will also work as a bed.

5. Massage gently with a kneading motion around the painful joint and on the surrounding muscle to help ease some of the pain. You can also apply moist heat to the aching joints, such as a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in warm water (wrung out).

6. Let your dog out only briefly during cold and damp or rainy weather. This type of weather aggravates arthritis in dogs, as it does in humans.

7. Put down mats and rugs. Slippery floors cause further wearing of the joints.

Tips & Warnings

• To determine if your dog is overweight, check for a "waist.” Dogs at the proper weight will have a visible indentation behind their ribs. Place both hands (palms down) lightly on your dog's ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs, but they shouldn't be sticking out. If you can’t feel the ribs, chances are he’s overweight.
• If your dog has to climb steps, consider getting a ramp for her instead. And if she sleeps in your bed, it's also a good idea to have a ramp.
• Engage your dog in therapeutic exercises for arthritis. Swimming is great therapy because it exercises the muscles without putting pressure on the joints.
• Acupuncture can be used to treat dogs with arthritis, but it should only be performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
• There is a special leash/harness available called "Bottom's Up" that is designed for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. It works by supporting a portion of the dog's hind legs while he walks or attempts to go up/down stairs. (See Resources below)
• Never give your dog human pain medication such as aspirin, without checking with your veterinarian first. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs if the wrong dose is administered.
• Rimadyl is an NSAID that is often used to treat dogs with arthritis. Sometimes it can be toxic to the liver, so make sure blood work is done before administering it to your dog. Also, if your vet prescribes Rimadyl, inquire about other NSAIDs that are more gentle on the liver.
• Large dogs are more prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Resources

• Bottom's Up Leash