Arthritis in dogs refers to any condition that causes inflammation of the joints between bones (arthritis literally means joint inflammation). This inflammation causes pain and stiffness around the joints, which can make normal activities more difficult for your dog. Arthritis affects millions of pets each year; if not managed properly, it can cause significant pain and dramatically reduce your pet's ability to live a happy, active life. With that said, there are plenty of ways you can help your arthritic dog live a happy, healthy lifestyle without allowing his condition to slow him down.
We’ve outlined some tips to consider to help your arthritic dog:
SLIPPERY FLOORS
Place rugs, runners or yoga mats along routes used by your dog
Limit access to problem areas of the house
Keep nails trimmed short
Utilize nail grips
Keep foot fur trimmed
STAIRS
Limit access to the stairs by installing a gate
Ramps may be suitable for some steps
Use carpet or anti-slip tape on slippery steps or stairs
Carry your dog up and down the stairs (if it’s safe to do so)
Use a suitable harness/sling to assist your dog up and down the stairs
SLEEPING
Get a large enough bed to ensure your dog has enough space to position themselves comfortably.
• Invest in a memory foam bed.
• Place the bed on a non-slip floor or place a rug under the bed so your dog has something safe to step on to help with stability.
• Provide ramp/stairs for your dog to access your bed/couch or lift them (if it’s safe to do so)
EATING & DRINKING
Consider getting a raised food/water bowl; the height should be at the dog’s shoulder.
Use a shallow bowl to prevent the dog having to over bend their neck when eating.
Pace the water bowl on an absorbent material such as a towel to prevent wet and slippery floors becoming a slip hazard
Consider having your dog stand on carpet or getting to eat
If you have multiple dogs consider feeding separately so neither dogs are rushed and feed in a quiet area where they will not get disturbed
EXERCISING
Review the length and difficulty of the route you walk and keep it more consistent
Consider adding on-lead time to control the quantity of exercise and prevent your dog from excitedly over-doing it
Encourage some calm exercise such as sniffing, scent work and enrichment activities
Place your weekend walks looking at how long, far and difficult it will be and adjust to keep consistent with weekday walks
Consider reducing the length of walks but increase the frequency
Divide the walk into sections with short rest periods interspersed
Monitor what terrains your dog struggles with (trips, slips, stumbles or slows) and adjust your route to suit, possibly drive to safer areas
Consider a stroller or carrier training
Try to vary the route you walk so your dog has new sights and smells, allowing them to enjoy it and stop for a sniff every now and then
Consider using a harness while on walks because it disperses pressure over a larger area of the body, reducing strain on the neck and back
If your dog is affected by arthritis (degenerative joint disease) and you’re looking for conservative options to help their symptoms, limit the progression and prevent compensations in other parts of their body, we’d love to talk with you. Call 720.350.4353 to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION or Book online.