Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is a common condition in dogs caused by the deterioration of cartilage. This results in the progressive worsening of joint inflammation, pain, and often the formation of bone spurs.
In a survey conducted on 500 dogs, a veterinarian confirmed the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in about 38% of patients. When compared to the total number of pet dogs in the U.S., the picture becomes clear.
If your dog is struggling with osteoarthritis, this guide will help you take better care of it at home.
What Are the Steps to Follow?
Treating osteoarthritis in dogs is more than just taking them to a vet and administering medicine. Here are some additional things you can do to make it easier for them:
Control Your Pet’s Weight
An overweight pet is prone to illnesses, and if your dog has osteoarthritis, it’s important to take care of its weight. Obesity puts extra pressure on the joints, which are then at risk of damage, leading to inflammation, pain, and the production of cartilage-eating enzymes that worsen the condition.
Giving your dog regular exercise is a simple way to control their weight. But before starting anything, make sure your vet recommends it to avoid the risk of over-straining the joints. The same goes for their diet, which can also help manage obesity.
Understand the Prescribed Medicines
Medicinal drugs are fundamental for the treatment of degenerative joint disease in dogs. Depending on your dog’s condition, the vet may recommend steroids or, more commonly, NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approves the use of Carprofen, Fircoxib, and Meloxicam for dogs, among others. While all of these medications are suitable for treating osteoarthritis in dogs, they differ in chemical composition and efficacy.
For instance, Meloxicam has a longer half-life than both Carprofen and Fircoxib. Its dosage for every kilogram (or pound) of the dog’s body weight is much lower. Additionally, safety precautions are more stringent for Meloxicam.
As the owner, you must not only administer the medicine in the right dosage but also understand its side effects. Every NSAID can cause side effects which your vet needs to know about right away to determine the right course of treatment. The pharmacy (online or offline) you buy it from can also give you pointers about this.
PetRx, an online pet pharmacy, mentions that NSAIDs are associated with gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney side effects. These can be mild or serious, such as vomiting and soft stool or diarrhea. The FDA further adds loss of appetite, decrease in activity, and stomach or intestinal ulcers to the list.
Knowing about the medicines can help you recognize any of these side effects. This means you can act when the situation demands it.
Hire a Qualified Physical Therapist
Physical therapy can be very useful for osteoarthritis in dogs, alleviating their pain to a great degree. The best form of treatment depends on the dog’s condition, weight, age, and other factors, so it’s important to hire a professional and experienced therapist for the job.
After diagnosis, the therapist can suggest different therapy options such as massages, heat and cold therapy, hydrotherapy, and more. Additionally, they can also suggest other exercises to improve joint mobility that can be comforting for your pet.
Get Accessories For Your Dog’s Comfort
If you’re wondering what else can be useful for treating osteoarthritis in dogs, you must take a look at braces. These are specifically designed to provide your dog with additional support and stability and ensure joints are not put under excessive pressure. These also restrict the range of motion, which further helps control inflammation and pain.
However, know that braces alone won’t be of much use unless combined with physical therapy and medication. Also, before you buy a brace for your pet, make sure to take the advice of a professional physical therapist to know which braces to use, how, and when.
Modify Your Home
The degenerative joint disease affects your dog’s joints. Hence, you can make alterations to make its environment comforting. For instance, raise the food bowls to a height that allows access without much straining.
Older dogs, especially, have a hard time handling hardwood, tile floors, and stairs. To make it easier, you may install dog ramps, area rugs/yoga mats, and carpets to make the floor less slippery. Another useful accessory is an orthopedic foam bed that allows your dog to sleep better.
Summing Up
No treatment can entirely reverse osteoarthritis in dogs. However, pet owners can ensure their pet receives the right medication and therapy for relief.
While it may be a difficult time for you and your pet, they can live a normal life with a tailored care plan for degenerative joint disease. And a part of the plan is to follow the tips mentioned here.
