Arthritis - what you need to know

Arthritis affects many dogs and their owners across the UK, particularly at this time of year when the weather is colder. It can be very painful, but with the right care can be managed and most dogs live with it for many years happily.

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint, generally where there has been an injury or trauma, on an X-Ray you would see the joint looking fuzzy rather than clear bone definition. Its the inflammation that causes the pain and this can result in stiffness and slower movement.

So how can you help your dog if you suspect he or she has arthritis?

• Always see your vet to get this diagnosed, Arthritis can be secondary to other conditions which your vet can help you treat, or in fact it might not even be arthritis.
• If it is arthritis, ensure you keep your pet warm. If you keep your pet outside you might want to bring them into the home particularly in the winter
• Don’t over do it on walks, smaller more frequent walks are sometimes better. Your dog will let you know when he/she is struggling.
• Invest in a coat, something warm and thermal to keep your pet warm
• Often stiffness can be apparent after sleeping, ensure your pet has a comfortable bed. Orthopaedic with memory foam are better as they support the joints and allow your pet to get a good nights sleep
• Hydrotherapy is a great way to strengthen the joints and muscles, and the hydrostatic qualities of water can help with pain relief. Always pick a good, accredited therapist who is in the water with your pet
• Massage therapy is another great way to ensure your pets muscles are healthy, this allows the blood to flow to the bones and joints more efficiently therefore increasing movement. Again pick an accredited massage therapist
• Magnetic collars are a great way to help, the magnetic pulse aids healing and provides relief
• There are a range of holistic products on the market all of which are designed to help with conditions such as arthritis:
• Glucosamine Chondrotin helps maintain the health of the cartilage on the bones
• Devils Claw is natures anti inflammatory and can provide pain relief as a result

If in doubt always speak to your vet.

We provide a range of products and services to help dogs with arthritis. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.