With the colder months quickly approaching, it’s very important that we keep in mind our pets who might be suffering from arthritis. Colder weather can wreak havoc on diseased joints and cause great discomfort. With these tips and a visit to your vet, you can help prepare for cold months ahead and keep your pet’s head held a little higher!
You may be thinking your family pet is just getting older and moving slower, but what you might not know is that they could have a medical problem that can be helped. The signs to look for arthritis may be subtle, but be on the lookout for your pet moving slower when rising from the floor or a seated position. With our feline friends, we want to be on the lookout for them being reluctant to jump up on their normal spots.If your pet is showing signs of moving much slower or reluctant to do their normal activities, it’s always good to visit your vet. Once the diagnosis of arthritis is confirmed, there are many treatment options to help your pet age gracefully!
Don’t hesitate to get your pet the treatment they may need! There are many treatments you can try out with your pet:
1. Heat can help aid the aches and pains your pet may be experiencing. Using a heating pad is a great option to relieve pain. If you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, you can make your own heat source for your pet! Filling a tube sock or knee length sock with four cups of rice and then tying the end will provide the perfect heat source for your pet. Just stick it in the microwave for a minute, and you have a heating source! Be sure to check the temperature before giving to your pet, because they tend to heat up quickly. You can also find heating pads for your dog online at websites like Amazon or in many pet stores!
2. Exercise is still important for our pets to keep their muscles from stiffening up, just be sure to keep the exercise controlled, gentle, low impact and for a shorter duration. Dog treadmills are always a good option to help keep a controlled pace for your pooch.
3. Lose the weight! Helping your pet slim down will make them feel better. Extra weight can cause strain on joints and worsens the pain of arthritis. Combining a healthier diet with low-impact exercise will help your pet feel better in the long-run!
4. Ramps and pet steps can also provide a little relief for our furry friends. It lessens the strain on our pets if they can have a little assistance. Some options for pet steps or ramps can be found here.
5. Prescription medication is the most well-known choice for arthritis treatment. These medications can be a lifesaver for many dogs and cats! It is very important to seek your vet before deciding on a medication for your pet. Some of the most popular options for prescription treatments are Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, Metacam and Zubrin. Be sure not to give your pets any over the counter medicines, they do not have the same effects in pets as they do people.
6. Natural remedies can also be an option to treat arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate support join function and can help reduce inflammation. These are great additions to other treatments for your arthritic pet that help slow down the process of inflamed joints. They typically aren’t strong enough to solely treat arthritis, especially in later stages.
7. Acupuncture is not just for people! It has been shown that pets who get acupuncture have reduced pain and an increase in endorphin release which often reduces the need for prescription medications.
There are many ways to manage our pet’s arthritis. The most successful ones combine multiple treatments to have the best results. With the help of a veterinarian and your commitment to your pet, you can do a lot to help your arthritic pet live out their life with grace!