QUOTE BY PLUTARCH
A GOOD MAN WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS HORSES AND DOGS, NOT ONLY WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG, BUT WHEN OLD AND PAST SERVICE.
A cheery welcome to all.
In this article we will be taking a brief look at arthritis and how it can affect the older dog.
Arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease, affecting one or more of the joints in the dog’s body.
Dogs, like people, can develop arthritis in their senior years, although some dogs are more prone to it than others. Larger breeds of dog have a higher incidence of arthritis than smaller breeds.
Signs your dog might exhibit at the onset of arthritis
- He might be reluctant to go on his daily walk,
- You will notice that he begins to show discomfort when getting up after lying down, and sitting down might also be difficult for him.
If your dog shows any of these signs CONSULT WITH YOUR VET – the sooner you begin treatment the better for your dog.
It is not only older dogs that can be afflicted with arthritis. Some very young dogs have been diagnosed with the condition as well, and will exhibit the same symptoms as older dogs.
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are various ways you can help your dog.
The quality of your dog’s life should be your main concern. Your vet will advise as to what supplements and medications should be administered, as well as what treatments are available.
By simply making a few changes to your dog’s surroundings you can make his daily life far more comfortable.
YOUR DOG’S WEIGHT
Ask your vet for his advice on what your dog should weigh – weight is usually a major factor when managing arthritis in dogs.
Stop ‘overtreating’ your dog– only treat once a day (when not in a training session).
Do not use food dispensers, as these encourage your dog to eat all day and he will continue to eat as long as the food is available.
All treats should be part of his normal daily food allowance.
I will deal with correct feeding guidelines at a later stage.
SURFACES
Keep the floors covered, as slippery surfaces can make it difficult for a dog to gain traction. Place rubber mats or runners on the floors. An arthritic dog may have lost muscle mass causing weakness and making traction difficult. By giving him good footing you will be assisting him to get around safely. If you have a dog who will be happy to wear a pair of socks with grippy rubber bottoms, let him wear these constantly. Some dogs will however not tolerate anything on their feet.
Keep your dogs nails short – this will also help him to get more traction as well as stopping him from walking awkwardly, causing even more stress on the joints.
EXERCISE
Get out with your dog, he still needs his exercise to keep his joints moving, but DO NOT take him on long walks. Rather go on several short walks at a slower pace. If your dog can manage gentle slopes try walking him up and down, this will help to rebuild muscle loss in the limbs, increasing overall strength and stability.
Swimming is an excellent way to exercise the joints, but bear in mind that cold water is not ideal. Living at the coast has the advantage of not having the severe winter cold and dogs can enjoy swimming most of the year. Always dry your dog immediately after swimming and keep him warm.
Use of ramps is helpful for big dogs especially if you are taking him in the car. Small dogs can usually be lifted into the car. This is only for dogs that struggle to get into and out of the car. If your dog is struggling with stairs, you can assist him by putting a towel under his belly and supporting him.
Get a good comfortable dog bed – my personal choice is a good quality cushion with a sheepskin cover. I don’t recommend a round bed or basket as your dog will be uncomfortable if he is in a cramped space. He might have slept curled up in the past, but if he has an arthritic spine or hips, you will notice he lies down flat on his side. A cushion that will give your dog enough space to stretch out is a good choice.
TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
Arthritis is not curable, you can only use the various treatments to alleviate some of the inflammation.
Do not give your dog ANY anti-inflammatory drugs unless they have been prescribed by your vet, you could harm your dog. Do not use any of your own medication to treat him, your medication is not always suitable for your dog and could do him more harm than good.
Your vet might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs which seem to work well for arthritis, but long term use could have significant side effects. However, under the guidance of your vet and depending on the severity of the arthritis, some dogs cope well and can still lead a fairly active life. Your vet will advise you on the use of supplements.
Some dogs respond well to massaging the stiff joints with various essential oil blends. Many of these oils help to relieve pain, but here again consult with your vet. Most vets do recommend massaging as a good treatment for arthritis.
There are other diseases that affect older dogs – to be dealt with at a later stage.
Take care
Regards
Yvonne Eland ADIPCBM (UK) with distinction
Specialising in Canine Behaviour and Management
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