Arthritis is a common ailment that affects not only humans but also our loyal canine companions. As dogs age, their joints may undergo wear and tear, leading to arthritis, a painful condition that can significantly impact their quality of life.
In this article, we’ll share how to recognise the signs of arthritis in dogs and what treatment options to consider. We’ll also delve into the proactive measures you can implement to slow the progression or help prevent the onset of dog arthritis.
Identifying arthritis in dogs
The first step in addressing arthritis in dogs is recognising its symptoms. Because dogs can’t verbalise their pain, it’s essential for Pet Owners to be observant.
Common signs of arthritis in dogs include limping, stiffness, difficulty getting up or lying down, reluctance to climb stairs, and a decrease in overall activity levels. Additionally, behavioural changes such as increased irritability or shying away from touch may indicate discomfort.
It’s important, though, to consult a Vet if you think your dog may have arthritis. Getting professional advice is the first step toward providing the best care for your dog.
Treatment options for arthritis in dogs
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for dogs with arthritis. Excess weight places additional stress on joints, exacerbating the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
- Regular exercise: While it may seem counterintuitive, regular, low-impact exercise is beneficial for dogs with arthritis. Gentle activities like swimming, short walks, and controlled play help improve joint flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles. However, it’s important to avoid high-impact activities that could worsen joint damage!
- Physical therapy: Certified canine physical therapists can create personalised plans to address your dog’s specific needs, focusing on strengthening weak muscles and enhancing joint flexibility.
- Pain management: Pain relief in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be offered as a way to ease your dog’s discomfort. This may include, for example, a course of injections to help combat the effects of arthritis by increasing joint fluid production and helping the body repair joint cartilage.
- Joint supplements: A holistic approach to joint care and overall wellness is a more popular treatment that Vets recommend. A natural anti-inflammatory such as Antinol®️ Plus helps to prevent and relieve joint pain and is safe for long term use, preventative care or when there is an inability to use traditional NSAIDs.
Tips to help prevent the onset of arthritis in dogs
- Nutrition: Providing a well-balanced, nutritious diet is fundamental for preventing arthritis in dogs. High-quality dog food, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, supports overall joint health. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can contribute to joint flexibility and reduce inflammation.
- Regular Vet check-ups: These are essential for early detection and intervention. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s overall health, identify potential joint issues, and provide guidance on preventive measures.
- Appropriate exercise: Ensuring your dog engages in regular, controlled exercise from a young age helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes strong muscles and joints. Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the joints can prevent premature wear and tear. This can also include simple activities such as jumping on and off furniture. Consider ramps or steps to reduce the impact of these movements on their joints.
- Comfortable sleeping environment: Provide your dog with a comfortable and supportive sleeping area. Orthopaedic and high-quality dog beds with generous padding can alleviate pressure on joints and contribute to better sleep quality.
- Maintain dental health: Poor dental health has been linked to systemic inflammation, potentially exacerbating arthritis. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, can contribute to overall well-being.
- Daily joint supplements: As they say, prevention is better than cure. Daily intake of a proven joint supplement for dogs is a proactive measure to help their overall health and wellbeing.
Researching the best joint supplement for dogs
When researching the options for canine joint care, getting insights from other Pet Owners can always help to discover what brand is best. Finding pet parents who share their stories of success – including what success looks like for each dog – will give you reassurance when making the decision on the best joint supplement for your dog.
Antinol®️ Plus for Dogs is one such product that’s proven to improve dogs’ joint health. Studies show that 90% of dogs showed enhanced mobility in as little as two weeks¹’².
Antinol®️ Plus contains green lipped mussel oil – 125x more potent than green lipped mussel powder – reducing inflammation faster and more effectively than mussel powder products.
Having been reviewed internationally by Veterinarians in 15+ independent peer reviewed studies and published trials, it’s seen as safe to use and does not interact with other medications.
Antinol®️ Plus takes the position as the most independently and clinically proven pet joint supplement in the world. And if that wasn’t reassuring enough, every batch is tested for stability and purity and it is routinely recommended by Veterinarians around the world.
In addition to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, Antinol®️ Plus also promotes a luscious healthy coat and soothes and protects the skin barrier from allergies.
Caring for a dog with arthritis requires a holistic approach that combines proper nutrition, regular exercise, and targeted treatments. By being proactive in recognising and addressing arthritis symptoms, pet owners can significantly improve their dog’s quality of life. Additionally, implementing preventive measures from an early age can contribute to a longer, healthier, and more active life for our canine companions. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalised advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
