Arthritis is unfortunately a common condition in older dogs. As dogs age, their joints can become painful and inflamed due to normal wear and tear. There are many things that can help provide relief and improve quality of life for an older dog with arthritis.
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down over time. This causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain. It can affect any joint, but most commonly impacts the hips and elbows in dogs.
There are several factors that may contribute to arthritis in senior dogs:
- Old age – The natural aging process causes cartilage to gradually weaken.
- Injury – Joint injuries, like ACL tears, can lead to osteoarthritis later on.
- Obesity – Carrying excess weight puts more pressure on joints.
- Genetics – Some breeds are genetically prone to developing arthritis.
Dogs may start to show signs of arthritis as early as 6 years old, though it more commonly affects 8-10 year old dogs. Larger breed dogs tend to develop arthritis at a younger age. Some of the most common signs of arthritis in dogs include:
- Stiffness and limping, especially after rest
- Difficulty standing up, climbing stairs, or jumping
- Lagging behind on walks
- Reluctance to run, play, or go up and down stairs
- Crying out in pain when moving
- Personality changes due to chronic pain
Seeing a veterinarian is important if you notice any of these signs of arthritis in your senior dog. Though arthritis cannot be cured, there are many ways to help a dog feel more comfortable and improve their quality of life. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed and treated, the better.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some simple lifestyle changes can really help an arthritic dog. Low-impact exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using ramps/stairs, orthopedic dog beds, and physical therapy are some great options. Here are some top lifestyle tips:
Low-Impact Exercise
Regular gentle exercise helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong, without overexerting them. Short, slow leash walks and swimming are great low-impact exercise options. Avoid having an arthritic dog jump in/out of vehicles – use a pet ramp or steps instead. Limiting play with balls and Frisbees can also reduce joint stress.
Ideal Weight
Extra pounds put more strain on painful joints. Talk to your vet about your dog’s ideal weight, and adjust their diet and exercise accordingly. Measuring food portions, reducing treats, and substituting low-calorie veggies for some kibble can help dogs shed excess weight. This will help improve mobility and reduce arthritis discomfort.
Ramps and Stairs
Going up and down stairs or jumping on furniture requires bending and twisting that can aggravate arthritic joints. Provide pet ramps and steps to reduce joint impact. Place ramps at the foot of beds or sofas your dog likes to cuddle up on. This reduces the need to jump up or down.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
Cushioned orthopedic beds provide sofa-like comfort for achy joints. Look for a bed with thick, high-density memory foam or an egg crate design to evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure points. Bolster edges give extra support when standing up. Place beds in your dog’s favorite sleeping spots around the house.
Physical Therapy
Canine physical therapy includes therapeutic exercises, stretches, massage, and other techniques to maintain joint health. A vet or specialized therapist can recommend a program tailored to your dog. This helps strengthen muscles, increase range of motion, and delay loss of mobility. Many dogs enjoy the extra attention too!
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements are a safe, effective way to help control arthritis pain and inflammation. They contain active ingredients that restore cartilage, lubricate joints, and reduce swelling. Here are some of the most common and beneficial joint supplement ingredients for senior dogs:
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the building blocks of cartilage. Supplementing it can help repair and regrow damaged cartilage in joints. Multiple studies show glucosamine helps decrease arthritis pain and disability in dogs.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin supports joint health by increasing shock absorption and flexibility. It also inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage. Chondroitin works synergistically with glucosamine and is commonly paired together in joint supplements.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can significantly reduce arthritis swelling and discomfort. In clinical trials, MSM provided pain relief comparable to certain prescription NSAID medications with fewer side effects.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s from fish oils fight inflammation and arthritis pain through several mechanisms. They block inflammatory chemicals and convert into anti-inflammatory compounds inside the body. Omega-3s also boost joint lubrication. Salmon, menhaden, and krill oils are good sources.
Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric has been shown in studies to be more effective at reducing arthritic inflammation than many NSAIDs. Look for joint supplements containing turmeric with black pepper, which increases curcumin absorption.
Veterinarian-formulated joint supplements like Dasuquin, Cosequin, Glycoflex, and ActivPhy contain blends of these ingredients at therapeutic dosages. They come in easy chewable tablets or liquid that can simply be added to food daily. Many owners see significant improvements in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Prescription Medications
For more severe arthritis, prescription medications may be necessary to get pain under control. Some common prescription drugs used for canine arthritis include:
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Rimadyl, Metacam, and Deramaxx reduce inflammation and arthritis pain. They should always be given under a vet’s direction to monitor for potential kidney or liver side effects.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin can alleviate chronic neuropathic pain through its effects on the nervous system. It is often prescribed with other medications since it targets pain through a different mechanism than NSAIDs.
Adequan Injections
Adequan is a prescription drug injected into the muscle or joint containing polysulfated glycosaminoglycans. It assists joint lubrication and protects cartilage. Most dogs require injections every 4-8 weeks.
Stronger pain relievers like Tramadol or steroids may also be options for short-term use. A veterinarian can recommend if prescription medications are appropriate based on your dog’s health status and degree of arthritis.
Alternative Medicine Approaches
Some alternative veterinary approaches such as acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and essential oils may also help dogs with arthritis. Always check with your vet before starting alternative therapies. Some options to consider include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to provide significant pain relief in arthritic dogs. Fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves and blood flow. It releases natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and cortisol in the body.
Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy directs specific wavelengths of low-level light energy into joints and tissues. This reduces inflammation and swelling, while speeding healing and improving circulation. Most dogs tolerate the treatment very well with no side effects.
Hydrotherapy
Warm water therapy in special pools or underwater treadmills enables low-impact exercise that takes pressure off joints. The water’s warmth and buoyancy help relax muscles and increase range of motion too. Many dogs find the sensation calming.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils like lavender, ginger, turmeric, frankincense, and helichrysum have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety benefits. They can be diluted and used for soothing massages or bath soaks. Only purchase high-quality therapeutic-grade oils.
Integrative vets may incorporate these complementary modalities along with conventional pain medications for the most comprehensive arthritis management approach.
Home Care Tips
In addition to medications and supplements from your vet, there are many things you can do at home to help maximize your senior dog’s comfort and wellbeing:
- Gentle daily massages over muscles and joints
- Keeping warm – arthritis may worsen in cold weather
- Provide soft, cushioned beds around house
- Use harnesses instead of collars for walks
- Help with stairs/car access if needed
- Maintain a consistent routine and schedule
- Keep nails trimmed to avoid slipping on floors
- Use lifting harnesses or slings for assistance
- Avoid over exertion or high-impact activities
Being patient and attentive to your dog’s needs can make a big difference in their comfort at home. Help them adapt to changes in mobility and create a safe, low-stress environment.
When to See the Veterinarian
If your senior dog is showing any signs of arthritis like limping, stiffness, or difficulty moving around, schedule an exam with your vet. They can perform a physical exam, x-rays, or other tests to evaluate the joints and determine the degree of arthritis present.
Let your vet know about any recent changes in your dog’s mobility, behavior, or appetite along with how long symptoms have been present. Bring them a thorough history of any past injuries or joint issues too.
Based on the exam findings, your vet will discuss treatment recommendations specific to your dog’s needs. They can provide prescription medications for pain and inflammation, advise on joint supplements, refer you to physical therapy or alternative medicine veterinarians, and instruct you on safe home care techniques.
Follow up regularly with your vet to monitor your dog’s condition and response to treatment. Alert them if your dog experiences any side effects or new symptoms. Managing arthritis is an ongoing process, but your vet can ensure your dog stays as comfortable and active as possible.
When to Use Caution
While most arthritis treatments are very safe for dogs, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- NSAIDs can cause stomach, liver, or kidney problems in some dogs. Use only as directed by your vet and report any side effects.
- Steroids like prednisone can have significant side effects with long-term use. Follow your vet’s dosing instructions closely.
- Never give your dog any human arthritis medications like ibuprofen – they are toxic to pets.
- Introduce supplements gradually to watch for allergic reactions or tummy upset.
- Laser therapy should only be performed by a trained veterinary professional.
Alert your vet if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions before starting new medications or supplements. Certain ones may not be appropriate. For example, NSAIDs and fish oils could be problematic for some dogs with kidney disease or bleeding disorders.
With a vet guiding treatment and monitoring response, you can feel confident knowing you’re providing the safest, most effective arthritis care for your senior dog.
Conclusion
As dogs reach their senior years, arthritis is a common and painful condition many will develop. From prescription drugs to joint supplements to lifestyle changes, there are a variety of ways to make an arthritic dog more comfortable. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop the best treatment plan and don’t be afraid to try different options until you find what works best. With the right treatment approach, your dog can continue to enjoy a good quality of life for years to come despite arthritis. The most important thing is keeping their joints as healthy, mobile, and pain-free as possible.
