Easing Arthritis Pain in Dogs: Effective Strategies
We hate to see our furry friends in pain, so dealing with your dog’s arthritis can be difficult. We rounded up the best solutions for easing arthritis pain in your pooch.
What is arthritis in dogs?
Like human arthritis, canine arthritis affects the joints and can make everyday movement painful. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include decreased activity, stiffness when walking, and swelling around the joints. Arthritis in dogs is often treated with medication and pain prevention.
Exercise
One of the best ways to soothe Fido’s arthritis pains is to introduce regular exercise into their routine. We recommend low-impact exercise, like walking. Frequent short walks are great for pups with arthritis. Swimming is also a great form of exercise.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can do wonders for pups with arthritis. Programs can prevent pain and improve mobility. There is a wide range of programs for dogs with arthritis, including swimming, stretching, and mobility exercises.
Massages
Massages are a great way to reduce arthritis pain. Veterinarians can teach you massage methods to ease joint pain. Massages warm up your pooch’s muscles and can also improve its mobility. You can also manually move your dog’s joints during these massages.
Pain Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a great option for reducing joint pain. These medications work by blocking the compounds in your dog’s body that lead to inflammation. Unlike other pain reduction options, these medications act fast. However, they can cause side effects. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend routine blood tests.
Arthritis Injections
Recently, the FDA approved arthritis injections for dogs, Liberla. Librela bonds with proteins in your dog’s body and prevents the canine brain from registering joint pain. However, this treatment is fairly new and can be hard to come by. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing medication into your dog’s health regimen.
Arthritis can be a difficult struggle. But there are ways to manage your pooch’s pain. Always consult your veterinarian before making any medical decisions.