Osteoarthritis, or inflammation of the joints, is a common condition seen in some pets as they age. In fact, an estimated 1 in 5 dogs and 40-92% of cats will experience joint issues in their lifetime according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Pets with osteoarthritis can experience decreased mobility as well as worsening pain and stiffness over time. While there is no known cure for arthritis in pets, there are a number of ways we can help slow down its progress and keep your four-legged friend comfortable as they get older.
Find ways to provide increased grip for your pet when walking. Arthritic pets typically struggle with walking on slippery surfaces such as hardwood or tile floors, wet sidewalks, and patches of mud. Luckily there are several ways to help relieve them from this slip, such as laying carpet runners over highly-trafficked areas in your home, walking them on as much grass as possible when going outside, and adding orthopedic beds/floor mats around the house for them to rest on if their joints start to ache as they go from room to room. Additionally, products like Toe Grips and Help ‘Em Up harnesses are available to provide assistance with getting arthritic pets wherever they need to go.
Maintain a healthy weight through light exercise. Overweight pets often experience a faster progression of arthritis as they age due to their joints needing to support excess weight. While excessive exercise is not recommended for pets with arthritis, some light activity such as walking, swimming, and low-impact play can help maintain muscle mass and mobility over time as well as keep them at a healthy weight. Additionally, limiting snacks and table food will help your pet maintain a balanced diet while they adjust to a lighter exercise regimen.
Consider joint supplements and/or pain medication. Joint supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin act as mild anti-inflammatories for the joints and promote overall joint health by rebuilding cartilage and lubricating the joints. At any of our NAH locations, you can pick up MOVOFLEX Advanced Soft Chews for your pet that also contain krill oil and other special ingredients to provide increased joint lubrication. Ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and hyaluronic acid work together to promote flexibility and support the joint structure. In addition to joint supplements, your veterinarian may also recommend pain medication or injections to help relieve your pet’s chronic arthritis symptoms.
Avoid the stairs. While a lot of homes in Florida do not contain staircases, it is still important to know that stairs are a no-no for arthritic pets due to the impact they have on our pets’ joints. If your home has stairs, it may be helpful to consider installing a ramp or carrying your pet up and down when stairs are unavoidable.
Get your pet started on acupuncture. Veterinary acupuncture is a virtually painless service that involves inserting thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body to help relieve the chronic pain and inflammation caused by arthritis over time. Here at NAH, we have a number of veterinarians at our 39th Avenue, Main Street, and Newberry locations that are here to help you navigate your pet’s arthritis with an integrative approach like pet acupuncture. For more information on this service, visit www.newberryanimalhospital.com/holistic-services.
Avoid cold weather. Low temperatures can reduce blood flow to the joints, making them stiff and increasing pain & inflammation. While we don’t typically experience cold weather here in Florida, it is still important to avoid leaving your pet outside for an extended period of time during the short cold seasons that we do get. Pet owners in colder climates (or those simply visiting one) can get their arthritic pet a sweater or jacket for outdoor excursions, as well as a warm bed and cozy blankets for them to snuggle in once they get back indoors.
While arthritis in our pets is common, we believe it does not have to define them. Whether your pet has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or you suspect they may be just starting to experience joint pain, we are here to help create a management plan that works for both of your lifestyles. Give us a call at any of our locations today to schedule a consultation:
39th Ave & Holistic: (352) 332-2292
Newberry: (352) 472-7035
Main Street: (352) 372-5391
Springhill: (352) 373-7208
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