A Comprehensive Guide to Support Arthritic Dogs

October 24, 2022

Arthritis is a condition that causes discomfort in dogs and concerns in their humans. Helping a dog with arthritis is no easy task, especially when there are signs of pain and inflammation.

As a compromised organization with pets’ well-being, we understand how overwhelming it may result in all the dispersed information about this degenerative joint disease. For that reason, we’ve resembled a complete guide to managing arthritis with the love they always deserve.

If you have an older dog or a young dog with arthritis as part of your family, you’re probably already familiar with that disease. However, since this condition can last a dog's lifetime, it is never too much information.

In this ultimate guide to pet owners, we will go over what arthritis is, how it affects our pets and some ideas for taking the best care of your bionic pet.

Understand the Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

A joint is a place in the body where bones come together to facilitate mobility.

Arthritis characterizes by the degradation of the cartilage lines of the joints or the joint fluid. The joint fluid provides lubrication and avoids friction between two bones.

When one of those two elements fails, it produces inflammation, joint swelling, and thickening of tissue around the joint. Arthritis can cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness in the legs, hips, elbows, and other areas of a dog's body.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Lameness or stiffness, particularly after getting up from a long rest.
Reluctance to walk or run, jump or play fetch.
Difficulty getting up from a lying spot or going up and down the stairs.
Decrease in activity levels.
Excessive licking of a particular joint.
Whining or whimpering when touched.

How Arthritis Affects Your Dog

This condition does not only affect animals' health but also their emotional state. Most of the time, when a dog is in pain, it may become withdrawn and depressed.

Arthritis pain can make it hard for dogs to do what they love, like going on walks, playing fetch, or even getting up from a nap. When our furry friends can no longer enjoy their lives to the fullest, we, as pet parents, also suffer.

If you want to create a routine focused on making your arthritic dog happier, mobile, and active, follow the next detailed steps.

Steps to Help Your Dog With Arthritis

Avoid Surgeries and Try on Pet Prosthetics Instead

When treating arthritis, there a several ways to try to eradicate it. However, this procedure can be exhausting for our dogs, and sometimes it’s unsuccessful.

Pet prosthetics have emerged as an excellent alternative to comfort your arthritic animal without risking its health. Bionic Pets create custom braces and mobility devices depending on the needs of each pet.

Not everyone is a candidate for prosthetic devices, but we will always ensure we’re helping - never hindering - each pet we work with.

You can learn more about dog prosthetics by visiting our youtube channel.

Give Them Massages

Massaging your dog’s limbs and muscles can help increase circulation and flexibility. Just be careful not to rub any areas that are already inflamed or painful.

Help Your Dog Stay Active and Mobile

Exercise is important in managing pain and improving joint function in dogs with arthritis. Give them short walks multiple times a day, and ensure they have access to a yard where they can run and play.

When exercising, start slow and gradually increase the intensity over time. And don’t forget the mental exercise! Dogs love games like hide-and-seek and fetch—they’ll have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re getting a workout.

Provide Comfortable Resting Spots

Just like people with arthritis, dogs need a comfortable resting place when feeling pain. Make sure your dog has plenty of soft bedding to lounge on, and consider getting a ramp or set of stairs so they can easily get up on the couch or bed.

Adjust Their Diet

Certain ingredients in some commercial dog foods, such as fillers and grains, can aggravate arthritis symptoms.

Talk to your veterinarian about switching your dog to a joint-health formula food or an all-natural diet. You might also consider adding supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to their food.

Give Your Best Friend the Chance to Live a Quality Life

Arthritis is a common condition that affects dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes—but that doesn’t have to be painful for them.

While it’s not always possible to cure arthritis, there are many ways that you can help your dog live a comfortable life despite their condition.

We hope this information will help dog owners feel more understood and empowered when helping their beloved friends cope with arthritis.

At Bionic Pets, our goal is always to educate and empower our community to help their pets with mobility differences.

Finally, if you’re looking for custom and affordable pet prosthetics designed specifically for your furry friend’s needs, please visit our website and fill out our contact form!