How treating dogs with arthritis pain can restore your pet's comfort and mobility

There’s a special kind of ache that you feel as a pet owner when you watch your beloved canine companion start to slow down. Perhaps you notice your dog hesitating before jumping onto the couch, struggling more on stairs, or showing less enthusiasm about their morning walk. These subtle shifts can be heart-wrenching, often leading you to wonder: “Is my dog in pain? Is this just old age, or is there something I can do?” Osteoarthritis can affect dogs by causing pain, mobility issues, and a decreased quality of life, making early recognition and prevention crucial.

What you’re observing might be signs of arthritis in dogs, a common and often painful condition that affects millions of pets. Dogs arthritis can have various causes and symptoms, impacting both aging and active dogs. While arthritis appears more frequently in older dog populations, it isn’t simply an unavoidable part of aging—it’s a medical condition that you can manage effectively. Maintaining your pet's quality of life is essential when managing arthritis, as pain and mobility issues can significantly impact your pet's overall well-being. Treating dogs with arthritis pain requires a comprehensive approach tailored to your dog's specific needs to ensure your furry friend maintains the best possible quality of life.

Arthritis, which we medically call degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is a progressive condition that impacts the joints where two bones meet. Think of healthy joints like well-oiled machines, where the bone ends are covered in smooth, resilient cartilage that allows effortless movement. This healthy cartilage acts as your dog's natural shock absorber and cushion.

When your dog develops arthritis in dogs, this protective cartilage begins wearing down over time, much like tire tread wearing away. As the cartilage erodes, bones can start rubbing against each other, which leads to inflammation within the joint. This inflammation represents your dog's body’s natural response to damage, but it also causes joint pain and swelling.

Over time, this chronic inflammation can lead to changes in the nerves surrounding the joint, making them more sensitive to pain signals. This heightened sensitivity means that even minor movements can become excruciating for your dog—a phenomenon we call nerve sensitization.

The chronic pain from arthritis can also carry emotional components, often associated with anxiety and depression in humans, and we believe this applies to our veterinary patients as well.

Dogs are incredibly stoic creatures by nature. In the wild, showing pain makes animals vulnerable to predators, so they've evolved to hide their discomfort from you. This means that by the time you notice overt limping or crying, dogs with arthritis have likely been suffering for quite a while. As your dog's dedicated caregiver, your keen observation skills become paramount for early arthritis diagnosis.

Here are the subtle indicators that might suggest your dog is experiencing joint pain:

• Changes in mobility: you might notice reluctance or hesitation when your dog tries to jump onto furniture, climb stairs, or get into cars. You may observe stiffness, especially after your dog has been resting, which may improve once they "warm up."

• Activity levels: you'll see a general decrease in your dog's enthusiasm for walks, playtime, or other activities they once loved. Most dogs might lag behind on walks or choose to rest more often when they're experiencing arthritis pain.

• Behavioral changes: watch for increased irritability, snapping, or growling when you touch your dog, especially near affected joints. Some dogs may become less social or withdrawn, while others might seek constant reassurance from you.

• Grooming or posture: look for excessive licking, chewing, or grooming of specific joint areas. You might also notice changes in your dog's posture, such as a hunched back or weight shifting when standing.

Effectively managing arthritis rarely involves a single solution for your dog. Instead, we embrace what we call a multimodal approach, combining several different treatment options that work together to provide better and safer pain relief. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor a treatment plan that addresses your dog's specific needs and maximizes their comfort and joint mobility.

One of the most impactful things you can do for dogs with arthritis is to manage their weight effectively. Obesity significantly worsens joint pain by placing excessive stress on your dog's already compromised joints, and it also promotes chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout their body. Even small amounts of weight loss can lead to substantial improvements in your pet's mobility and create a noticeable reduction in their pain levels.

How we help: We'll work together with you to establish your dog's ideal Body Condition Score (BCS), which is a veterinary tool we use to assess fat levels using a 9-point scale where 4-5 is ideal. Each point above ideal can mean your dog is 10-15% over their healthy body weight. We'll discuss dietary changes with you, recommending low-calorie, high-fiber diets that help your dog feel full while reducing their caloric intake.

Modern veterinary medicine offers you various prescription medications designed to treat arthritis and reduce inflammation in your dog. Pain medication, including NSAIDs and non-NSAID options, is commonly used for managing arthritis pain in dogs. Other medications, such as corticosteroids or alternative pain relievers, may be considered depending on the severity of the condition. Treating arthritis often requires a comprehensive approach that may include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Each treatment option should be considered based on your dog's needs and veterinary guidance.

These medications are often the cornerstone of canine arthritis management for your dog. Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs work by reducing inflammation, which directly eases your dog's pain. It's crucial that non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are only administered under veterinary guidance, as incorrect dosage or human medications can have serious side effects. We monitor dogs for potential adverse reactions, including signs of nausea like salivating, lip licking, eating grass, or yawning.

• Gabapentin and pregabalin: these pain medications primarily target neuropathic pain, which originates from nerve damage or dysfunction in your dog. They can be particularly helpful for the nerve sensitization that often accompanies chronic pain.

• Amantadine: this drug works by modulating pain signals in your dog's brain, essentially "resetting" overactive pain pathways, and we often use it in combination with other drugs for chronic pain management.

• Newer options: veterinary medicine constantly evolves, bringing you new options! We now have innovative treatments like anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibodies available for your dog. These specialized injectable medications work by blocking a key protein involved in pain signaling, offering targeted and sustained pain relief for canine OA.

Critical reminder: Never administer human medications to your dog without consulting your veterinarian, as many can be toxic or fatal to your pet.

These natural compounds, which are not prescription drugs, can support your dog’s joint health and decrease inflammation. Joint supplements are specifically designed to support joint health and reduce pain associated with arthritis, making them a valuable part of your dog’s care. While not standalone treatments, joint supplements can be valuable additions to your dog’s multimodal treatment plan.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin: these are building blocks of healthy cartilage and help maintain its structure and function, providing essential joint health components for your dog.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: found in fish oil, these have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce your dog’s joint pain and improve mobility.

• Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II): emerging evidence suggests that UC-II can offer pain relief comparable to NSAID therapy for some arthritic dogs.

• Hyaluronic acid: this nutritional supplement helps maintain joint fluid viscosity and joint lubrication, supporting the disease process management in your dog.

When you’re considering supplements, choose products that are veterinary-approved or come with a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, as not all products in your medicine cabinet are created equal.

Regular exercise, when done correctly, is vital for your dogs with arthritis. Therapeutic exercise strengthens the muscles supporting your dog's joints, improves flexibility, and maintains range of motion, all contributing to reduced pain and better joint mobility.

• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: these specialized therapies, offered by certified veterinary rehabilitation practitioners, can work wonders for your dog. Physical rehabilitation involves exercises and manual techniques to improve your dog's strength, balance, and flexibility. Hydrotherapy allows exercise without joint impact, like swimming or underwater treadmill sessions.

• Laser therapy and shockwave therapy: these advanced treatment options use targeted energy to reduce inflammation and promote healing in your dog's affected joints.

• Stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma: these regenerative therapies represent cutting-edge treatment options for severe joint disease in your dog, using their body's natural healing mechanisms.

• Controlled walking: focus on short, frequent, low-impact activities like leash walks for your dog, rather than intense, prolonged sessions. Avoid high-impact activities such as jumping or running on hard surfaces with your dog.

• Motion exercises and passive stretching: you can perform these at home under professional guidance to maintain passive range of motion and muscle strength in your dog.

• Therapeutic exercise: working with certified canine rehabilitation practitioners helps you design safe, effective programs tailored to your dog's specific needs.

For severe cases, we may consider additional therapies for your dog:

• Stem cells and regenerative medicine: these treatments help repair damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation in one or more joints in your dog.

• X rays and diagnostic imaging: these are essential for proper arthritis diagnosis and monitoring disease progression in your dog.

• Blood tests: these help us rule out other conditions and monitor your dog's responses to pain medications.

Simple home changes can significantly improve your dog's comfort and safety:

• Ramps and stairs: provide access to elevated surfaces for your dog, reducing painful jumping.

• Non-slip surfaces: place mats on slippery floors to prevent falls and provide better traction for your dog.

• Orthopedic beds: invest in supportive bedding that cushions your dog's joints and provides pressure relief.

• Accessibility: ensure your dog's food and water bowls are easily accessible without excessive bending.

You are the most important member of your dog’s healthcare team. As a dog owner, you play a vital role in managing arthritis symptoms by monitoring your dog's condition, ensuring they receive proper care, and supporting their overall well-being. Dog owners provide crucial observations, dedication, and communication with veterinary teams that are critical for successful arthritis management in your pet.

• Be an advocate: voice your concerns and observations about your dog. We rely on your insights into your dog's daily life and interactions with other pets.

• Commit to consistency: arthritis management requires your long-term dedication. Adhering to medication schedules consistently is vital for your dog's success.

• Monitor quality of life: regularly assess your pet's quality of life. Ask yourself: Is your dog still interacting with family? Do they have a good appetite? Are they comfortable when resting?

• Physical examination observations: note changes in how your furry friend moves, stands, or responds to your touch, especially around dog's joints.

While arthritis primarily affects older dog populations, younger dogs can also develop joint disease, particularly those with hip dysplasia or previous injuries. Early intervention and preventive care can significantly impact long-term joint health outcomes for your dog.

Seeing your dog grapple with arthritis can be challenging for you, but it doesn't have to define their golden years. Arthritis is common and manageable, and with comprehensive, multimodal approaches, we can significantly reduce your dog's pain and enhance their quality of life. By focusing on weight management, appropriate medications, supportive supplements, targeted physical rehabilitation, and comfortable home environments, we can help your dog feel better, move more freely, and enjoy time with your family.

Remember, you and your veterinary team are partners in this journey with your dog. Don't wait for your dog's pain to become unbearable. Talk to your veterinarian today, share your observations, and together, let's create a tailored plan to keep your dog comfortable, happy, and thriving for years to come. With your dedication and proper treatment options, we can make a real difference in managing arthritis and supporting your pet's overall well-being.