How do I know if my dog has arthritis?

What do you give a dog for arthritis pain?

If you suspect that your pooch is suffering from arthritis, then your first step of action should be to book an appointment with the veterinarian, who will probably prescribe a special type of anti-inflammatory medicine.

The most important thing to remember is that dogs cannot be treated in the same way as humans can with arthritic pain – so don’t reach into your medicine cabinet to treat them.

There are a series of over-the-counter remedies to help ease the pain for your four-legged friend.

Equally, there is a whole range of homoeopathic remedies and practical solutions that can also work wonders, upon your vet’s recommendation.

The best non-medical options for your dog include:

Dietary adjustments

You should focus on keeping their diet lean if movement is limited. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA have been proven to be effective in reducing joint inflammation in dogs.

Weight management

It’s important to monitor how much they weigh, to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your dog’s joints. Some breeds are more prone to weight gain than others, so keep an eye on them.

Appropriate activity and exercise

While mobility might be limited for a dog with arthritis, it’s also important to keep them moving with low-impact exercise to loosen up stiff joints.

Physical rehabilitation

Yes, your hound can reap the benefits of physio, too! There is a whole range on offer for dogs, including canine muscular massage, range-of-motion exercises, and warm water hydrotherapy.

There are even underwater treadmills to help improve the mobility of canines without putting pressure on the joints.

Other non-medical therapies

Dogs suffering from arthritis can also undergo acupuncture to relieve joint pain. There are endless options to explore to improve your pooch’s quality of life.

What can I give my dog for arthritis over the counter?

First things first - never self-diagnose your dog with arthritis. You should always ask for the vet’s advice before purchasing any over-the-counter pain medication, and have it confirmed that it’s indeed degenerative joint disease.

At Purely Pets we actually offer a free, 24-hour vet helpline as part of our dog insurance policies where you can get advice and reassurance if you have any concerns.

If your vet prescribes something for your dog, it’s likely to be one of the following:

Feed supplements

The vet might prescribe your dog a Glucosamine-type supplement for arthritis relief. It’s best used as a long-term treatment, and the earlier you give it to them, the slower onset of arthritis. It can either be taken as Glucosamine or as Glucosamine in combination with Chondroitin Sulfate).

They might also recommend an all-round dietary supplement which provides a range of nutrients.

NSAIDs

For immediate pain relief from arthritis, they may also prescribe your dog NSAIDs, which stand for Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Cartilage protectors

These are designed to reduce damage exerted on cartilage. They help to promote repair of the joint and replenish synovial fluid.

Should you walk a dog with arthritis?

Yes – moderate, low-impact exercise is encouraged no matter what. This can, in fact, help doggies with arthritis move easier, and also prevents weight gain which can add further stress to their joints.

If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, they might not enjoy activities that they previously did, such as high-impact running, jumping or agility games.

However, this is by no means a sign that they should stop exercising altogether.

Take it step-by-step. Instead, the goal should be to increase their heart rate sufficiently so that they remain active.

It’s fundamental that they maintain some form of muscular strength, and that you as their owner do all you can to preserve their remaining mobility.

Try a couple of minutes of gentle playing or walking before initiating a range of low-impact exercises, or short, frequent walks. Gentle exercise or walking can also help to reduce cramp, injury or sprains.

What home remedy can I give my dog for arthritis?

Once it has been confirmed by your vet that your dog has arthritis, the good news is that there are many ways to improve their health and make life easier for them at home.

There’s a lot to be said for natural, anti-inflammatory foods to reduce swelling around the joints affected by arthritis, for example.

Keep a health journal for your canine to figure out which treatments work, and which they’re not so fond of.

Dogs cannot tell you if they’re in pain, so it’s important for you to monitor their behaviour. Here are some of the best things you can do for your dog:

Supportive bed

When it’s time for bed, make sure that they are entirely comfortable with a soft place to sleep. This can prevent lameness from getting worse and helps reduce lethargy in your pooch.

Change exercise routine

Regular exercise should be maintained, but perhaps a few adjustments need to be made to reduce strain on their joints. If you are taking them for long walks, change it for frequent, shorter ones.

Provide anti-inflammatory foods suitable for dogs

When your dog's mobility is limited, their diet should be prioritised. Many anti-inflammatory foods are suitable for humans but toxic to animals – such as garlic or onions. You might be surprised how well dogs with arthritis respond to certain nutritional supplements.

Check out this list of anti-inflammatory foods that are suitable for dogs. Omega-3 is a sure contender for reducing inflammation, so oily fish such as salmon and mackerel will be a welcomed treat for your dog.

Protect your dog against slipping

If you notice that your dog is sliding or falling, you must certainly take steps to prevent this, as it can exacerbate stress on the joints. You can try installing carpet runners or anti slip mats, to prevent an arthritic dog from slipping, particularly on hardwood floors.

Keep nails trimmed

When a dog’s nails are too long, it can affect their skeletal posture and worsen arthritis in the feet. Make sure that they’re always trimmed.

Look into purchasing a mobility device

Look out for whether they’re having trouble walking on their own, or getting in and out of bed. There are various devices on the market nowadays to help promote mobility for your pooch: including slings, wheelchairs, carts, harnesses and ramps.

Protect your pet with dog insurance from Purely Pets

If you’re looking for dog insurance that you can trust, Purely Pets can help you. From our wide range of Lifetime cover available, all of your dog insurance documents are available online so you’re able to manage your policy flexibly, whenever it suits you best.

Additionally, our free 24-hour vet helpline operates 365 days a year, giving you instant access to RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) registered nurses who have at least three years of practical experience.

There’s also no upper age limit at Purely Pets, so if you are thinking of finding pet insurance for your older dog, there are many options available.

Get a quote for dog insurance today, and see how much you could save.