Dog Arthritis Treatment Through Canine Rehabilitation

Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis shows up differently in every dog. Some dogs might not show any noticeable signs of arthritis, while other dogs may display visible pain while performing simple tasks. At its worst, arthritis can become so disabling and painful that a veterinarian may recommend euthanization.

Canine arthritis doesn’t happen overnight, so you should be on the lookout for subtle clues in your senior dog. The condition typically starts out as mild symptoms, then worsens as time progresses. 

How quickly a dog with arthritis becomes ill depends on a variety of factors, like the dog’s health status, genetic makeup, and activity levels. 

Types of Arthritis in Dogs 

The three most common forms of canine arthritis are osteoarthritis, immune-mediated polyarthritis, and septic arthritis. Although all these conditions involve inflammation of the joints, they’re caused by different factors. 

Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Joints are vulnerable areas because they connect two or more bones together. Most joints are held together by the joint capsule. The joint capsule is made up of durable fibrous tissue, synovial fluid, and cartilage. The synovial fluid lubricates the joints and allows for smooth movement. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones and reduces friction. 

Over time and constant use, the cartilage wears away and becomes brittle and dry. In cases of severe osteoarthritis, the cartilage at the joints may detach from the bone. Large or overweight dogs are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, because the excessive weight can place significant stress on a dog’s joints. (3)

Septic Arthritis in Dogs

Septic arthritis occurs due to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. In septic arthritis, the joint becomes infected and inflamed, leading to arthritis. It can be caused by joint surgery, physical injury, osteoarthritis, systemic infections (Lyme disease), etc. As with most types of arthritis, larger breeds are at a higher risk of developing septic arthritis.

Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis in Dogs

Immune-mediated polyarthritis, or simply referred to as polyarthritis, develops when a dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. Polyarthritis typically affects all joints and is caused by genetics, medications, or disease. 

How is Arthritis Diagnosed in Dogs?

If you suspect arthritis in your dog, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your veterinarian. Your vet can confirm a diagnosis through an assessment and x-rays, if necessary. A veterinarian can also recommend treatments like medication, at-home intervention, and canine rehabilitation to keep arthritis pain at bay.

Treatment Options

A multimodal treatment plan works best to target arthritis symptoms. These plans include:

●      Pain Control via Prescription Medications & Supplements

●      Weight Management

●      Regular Low-Impact Exercise

●      Physical Canine Rehabilitation

The goal of treatment for canine arthritis is to improve a dog’s quality of life. By reducing the pain and discomfort brought on by arthritis, dog owners can ensure their dog’s well-being throughout their lifetime.

Prescription Medication from Your Veterinarian  

Your veterinarian may suggest a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) to alleviate arthritis pain and inflammation. Dosages typically depend on a dog’s weight and size.

Can you use human medications for your dog? It’s not recommended! As convenient and harmless as this may seem, human medications can be toxic for dogs. For example, NSAIDS that are meant for human consumption, like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, are harmful for pets.

Joint Supplements

Like their human owners, aging dogs sometimes need nutritional supplementation. Joint supplements can both prevent and alleviate arthritis in dogs. The following are the most common joint supplements used for arthritis in dogs. (4)

Glucosamine 

Similar to humans, a dog’s body produces glucosamine naturally to help repair damaged tissues like cartilage. Over time, however, a dog’s body begins to slow its production of glucosamine. Glucosamine supplements boost the levels of glucosamine within the body. The increased glucosamine levels support joint cartilage, thickens the fluid at the joints, and allows dogs to remain active for as long as they can.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Though not as well known as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is similar to glucosamine in that it’s also naturally produced in the body. As with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate production slows with age. While glucosamine assists with joint repair, chondroitin promotes elasticity and lubrication at the joints.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for aging joints due to their anti-inflammatory properties. These unsaturated fatty acids are found in oily fishes and other food sources, but not in sufficient amounts to provide pain relief or reduce joint inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids work well when administered with other joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications.

Weight Management

However, it’s not only overweight dogs that can benefit from weight management. As a dog becomes less active due to old age or pain, they may lose muscle mass and develop body fat instead. The reduction in muscle tone — combined with an increase in body fat — places additional strain on a dog’s painful arthritic joints, even if a dog is not obese. Weight reduction helps to lighten the load on joints for dogs of any size!

A crash diet or severe calorie restriction is typically not recommended. Most dog owners will see weight changes simply by limiting treats and slowly cutting back on mealtime calories. Sometimes, losing just a few pounds can ease pain and boost a dog’s mobility. What’s more, maintaining a healthy weight helps ensure a longer, healthier life for your dog.

Regular Low-Impact Exercise

A major part of any treatment program for arthritis in dogs is low-impact exercise or physical rehabilitation. To maintain mobility and range of motion in inflamed joints, it’s essential to encourage a dog with arthritis to move.

It might seem counterintuitive to move painful joints, but allowing your dog to remain sedentary only stiffens the joints and encourages more swelling. Therefore, exercise and physical rehabilitation are key to slowing the progression of arthritis in dogs. (1)

Unfortunately, movement may be especially stressful and painful, which is why choosing the right exercises — and getting professional rehabilitative assistance when necessary — makes all the difference for a dog with joint inflammation.

Short and Light Walks

Activities with a lot of jumping and running might not suit your arthritic dog’s joints, but your dog can still enjoy leisurely walks. Short walks at a pace that your dog is comfortable with may provide enough movement to keep joints flexible, and it’s an activity that can be done at home. Hour-long fast-paced walks may be out of the question, but your dog can still get exercise and enjoy stimulation from shorter and more frequent strolls.

Impact-Free Games

As much as they’d like to play, games that call for running and jumping can be uncomfortable for a dog with arthritis. A canine rehabilitation specialist can provide you with a list of impact-free activities to enjoy with your dog. Activities that deliver exercise without impacting painful joints are vital for maintaining mobility and keeping a dog’s spirits up. Tug-of-war, for example, allows a dog to move without putting pressure on sensitive joint

Canine Rehabilitation for Dogs with Arthritis

A clinical massage works for dogs much in the same way it benefits their owners. Arthritic dogs have special needs when it comes to massages, therefore a massage should only be done by a professional. Clinical dog massage consists of muscle tissue manipulation and the release of fascial tissue to rehabilitate injured soft tissue areas.

When Surgery is the Only Option  

Most cases of canine arthritis are treatable without surgery. Surgery is not a cure for arthritis and doesn’t return the joints to normal, but it can relieve pain and improve range of motion. For dogs who are not tolerant of medications and are experiencing severe pain, surgery may be an appropriate choice. (1)

The three primary types of joint surgery for arthritis in dogs are:

●      Joint replacement

●      Joint fusion

●      Removal of part of a joint

After surgery, veterinarians may recommend professional canine rehabilitation to promote adequate healing and improve a dog’s mobility. (1)

What Can You Do?

Modify Your Home to Accommodate For Your Aging Dog

If you notice signs of arthritis in your dog, it might be time to start modifying your home to make it a comfortable and safe haven.

Rather than have dog food bowls flush against the floor, you may need to elevate them. Bending down can be painful for an arthritic dog, so make meals comfortable by raising the height of dog food bowls. You can also improve the area your dog sleeps by purchasing an orthopedic bed. An orthopedic bed takes pressure off a dog’s joints, making for a more restful sleep.

Dogs with arthritis need help getting to areas that they could have easily jumped onto in the past. Installing small step stools or stairs enables an arthritic dog to get to their favorite places, like the couch or bed, without causing them pain. A canine rehabilitation specialist can work with you to make your home a safe and comfortable place for your pet.

Seek Arthritis Treatment for Your Dog

Early intervention can slow the progression of arthritis in dogs. By being proactive, you can ultimately reduce the pain and distress your dog might experience when it comes to arthritis.

If you're interested in joint rehabilitation for your senior dog, speak with an experienced Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist today. Keep arthritis pain away with the help of the professionals at Austin Canine Rehab & Wellness. Your fur-ever friend deserves the best treatment!