Is Arthritis Keeping Fido from Playing Fetch?
Resist the temptation to give your dog too many treats, which leads to weight gain and arthritis
Did you know that our furry friends can suffer the debilitating pains of arthritis? It’s very true - arthritis in animals is very much similar to arthritis in humans. It’s a degenerative disease that causes stiffness in the joints and muscles. This particularly applies to our aging and overweight pets.
The best way to treat arthritis is to prevent it! Here are a few tips on arthritis prevention for your loyal companion:
1.) Don’t give into your urge to give your animals extra treats - excessive weight gain on a frame that cannot sustain it will lead to extra strain on their joints
2.) Regular exercise is a must! Inactivity will not only lead to weight gain but it will also increase joint stiffness.
If your kitty or pup is already showing signs of arthritis pain, you can help treat it by doing the following:
1.) Physical therapy - passive range-of-motion exercises and stretching can reduce pain and increase their flexibility.
2.) Heat and cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time - this will help in disrupting muscle spasms.
3.) NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - alleviates pain by reducing swelling.
Unfortunately, our fuzzy friends cannot convey the pain they feel in ways that we understand, so it’s important to be aware of subtle signs. These can include inability to jump, playing less, and sleeping more. The sooner you can recognize the problem, the sooner you can help your cat or dog get on the road to recovery and enjoy a better quality of life.
Here are a few additional resources and links:
Useful tips from a recent animal pain management symposium
