Arthritis is a chronic condition that impacts humans and dogs alike. Fortunately, there are ways to help manage your dog’s arthritis symptoms from the comfort of your own home.
Canine arthritis is inflammation of the joints characterized by pain and stiffness caused by bones and joints rubbing together due to damage or loss of cartilage.
Arthritis is one of the most common canine health conditions. All dogs, especially older dogs, are susceptible to arthritis. Additionally, obese dogs and large dog breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and Great Danes may be diagnosed with arthritis more frequently and at younger ages due to the greater weight and pressure on joints.
If the cartilage between the joints continues to deteriorate as a dog ages, arthritis may progress into Degenerative Joint Disease, which is the canine version of osteoarthritis. That is why it’s critical to pay attention to the early signs of arthritis, so you can begin your at-home arthritis treatment before the condition progresses further.
Signs of Canine Arthritis and Osteoarthritis to Look Out for
The symptoms of arthritis in dogs are mostly related to stiffness and a decrease in general mobility, including:
- Difficulty getting up
- Stiffness or lameness
- Difficulty squatting to use the bathroom or having accidents in the house
- Decreased stamina
- Short bursts of activity, followed by fatigue
- Exhibiting pain when petted or touched, particularly around the hind legs
- Irritability and behavioral changes
At-Home Support and Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several at-home remedies and practices that can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and allow for pain-free activity.
Braces
Ortho Dog’s Hip Hound Brace was designed specifically to help dogs with arthritis by providing support and stability that minimizes pressure on joints. Reduced pressure means less inflammation and pain.
The Hip Hound brace stabilizes and supports the hip and lower back areas. This stabilization transfers to the hind legs. The Hip Hound brace allows the dog more mobility and endurance allowing the muscles to tone.
The added support of the Hip Hound Brace also helps older dogs feel more comfortable when active, which means they can more easily get the exercise necessary to stay fit and improve overall health.
Read Border Collie Mindy’s Arthritis Recovery Tail.
Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup?
Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia.
CBD
Pain and inflammation are the hallmark symptoms of arthritis. Fortunately, CBD helps with both! While research on CBD for arthritis in dogs and humans is lacking, the industry is growing and more medical studies are conducted every year. Evidence continues to mount that CBD is an excellent option for dog arthritis pain relief.
Supplements
There are several supplements many veterinarians recommend to support overall joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most commonly prescribed dog arthritis supplements. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in healthy dog cartilage that provides pain relief and acts as an anti-inflammatory for arthritic joints. Likewise, chondroitin also may reduce pain and prevent arthritis from progressing.
MSM, methylsulfonylmethane, has also been shown to reduce chronic joint pain and inflammation. Talk with your veterinarian about the right supplements to alleviate your dog’s arthritis.
Diet and Exercise
While it’s not the answer to everything, it’s the answer to a lot of things. Good ol’ fashioned diet and exercise go a long way to support the overall health and wellness of our canine companions. If your dog is overweight, especially your older dog, there may be additional stress on cartilage and joints that can exacerbate the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
Talk to your veterinarian about the right diet for your arthritic dog and add low-impact exercises. An Ortho Dog brace can provide additional help for your dog during exercise time.
When to See a Vet
It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before you begin your dog’s at-home arthritis program; however, most of the techniques for treating arthritis at home are ok to administer without speaking to your vet. That being said, your veterinarian may have additional recommendations for how to manage your dog’s arthritis that will fit into your at-home routine.
For example, holistic and integrative veterinarians may recommend acupuncture or cold laser therapy for arthritis. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused light and small amounts of heat to stimulate cellular growth and regenerative activity, which can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Learn more about cold laser therapy from Sunvet Animal Wellness.
Always see your vet if you have concerns about the symptoms your dog is experiencing or if your dog’s condition deteriorates. Our at-home arthritis management recommendations have focused on the most common kind of canine arthritis. There are, however, less-common types of arthritis caused by infections like canine rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis. Only your veterinarian can diagnose your dog’s specific condition.
If an Ortho Dog brace can help bring back pain-free playtime to your pup, we’re happy to help. Learn more about our Hip Hound Brace or contact us to get started.