How to Help a Dog With Arthritis

Did you know that approximately 20% of adult dogs suffer from arthritis in one or more joints? The pain of arthritis can greatly diminish a dog’s quality of life.

Signs of arthritis in the back or hips include limping, getting up slowly, stiffness after sleeping, and a “bunny hopping” gait when going downstairs. Dogs usually don’t cry or whine when they have arthritis, but the pain can be severe.

Take some time to watch your dog move around indoors and outside during his normal activities. If you suspect he may be uncomfortable, ask your veterinarian to check him over. This will involve a thorough physical examination, and probably some x-rays.

How to Help a Dog with Arthritis

Many people are surprised to learn that one of the most helpful things for dogs with arthritis is weight loss. Researchers have found that overweight dogs with hip osteoarthritis and hip pain have a significant decrease in lameness following weight reduction. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, moderate daily exercise is also very important. Other things that are thought to be helpful in arthritis include Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate. Talk to your vet for more complete/specialized recommendations.

For dogs with moderate to severe arthritis, veterinarians often recommend including a prescription for pain relief. Remember that all prescription medications should only be given under a veterinarian’s supervision, and monitored carefully for side effects. Years ago, there was no way to bring pain relief to dogs with arthritis. With new advances in modern animal medicine, a dog’s quality of life can be greatly improved. For more information on the subject, contact Parkgate Animal Hospital by telephone or appointment.