Managing Canine Arthritis
Canine arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can strike at any age, but it is more common in middle-aged and senior dogs. Risk factors include obesity, injury, elbow or hip dysplasia, Lyme Disease, genetics, and poor nutrition.
Once a pet develops arthritis, there is, unfortunately, no cure. With pain management for pet arthritis, your dog can live a long and happy life even with this condition. Bayside Animal Hospital is here to partner with you in managing arthritis in pets.
How to Manage Your Pet’s Arthritis
The best way to manage arthritis is to get ahead of the disease altogether. If your dog has any risk factors, the team at Bayside Animal Hospital can monitor her for signs of arthritis. Maintaining an active lifestyle and providing proper nutrition to your pet go a long way toward keeping your dog’s joints healthy.
Keep an eye out for signs of arthritis and bring your pet in as soon as you notice symptoms. These can include limping, irritability, weight gain, and difficulty getting in a position to urinate or defecate. If your dog already has the condition, here are some of the ways to help manage your pet’s arthritis.
Diet for Pet Arthritis
A high-quality diet can help reduce your dog’s arthritis symptoms. The most important component of a diet for pet arthritis is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This omega-3 fatty acid can help keep inflammation under control and curb the damage arthritis does to your pup’s joints.
Look for dog food that contains salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, or other fish rich in omega-3s. Your Bayside Animal Hospital veterinarian can help you map out the best diet for your pet’s arthritis.
Exercise for Pet Arthritis
It might feel counterintuitive to make sure your arthritic pet gets regular exercise. But light, low-impact exercise can help keep your pet’s joints from getting too stiff. It also helps prevent them from gaining weight, which can exacerbate arthritis.
Swimming is one of the best exercises for pets with arthritis. Taking your pet for a daily, 20-minute walk on a leash is another excellent choice.
Avoid high-impact activities like jogging with your pet, playing fetch, or letting your dog run and play with an active puppy. These types of exercise can make arthritis symptoms worse.
Pain Management for Pet Arthritis
Part of an arthritis management plan involves easing your dog’s joint pain. If your pet has arthritis, or you’re worried they might be developing the disease, schedule an appointment with our caring veterinary team. We can work with you to create a treatment plan covering diet, exercise, and pain management.
Together, we can help your furry family member live the best possible life—even with arthritis.