Treating Dog Joint Pain
Old age, overweight, or common health concerns for certain breeds may be causing your dog to experience joint pain. Regardless of the reason, it is hard to see your dog in pain. The good thing is that there are several things that you can do to help alleviate some of their pain. This article will give you ideas how you can make a difference!
First, it may be helpful to know the symptoms of joint pain. These include:
- Trouble climbing stairs
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or lying down
- Slowness
- Reluctance to jump
- Decreased activity
- Limping
- Joint swelling or stiffness
We recommend that you visit the veterinarian if your dog experiences any of these symptoms for over two weeks. Your vet will take x-rays of your dog and perform a physical examination. The course of treatment will depend on the cause of your dog’s joint main and the level of severity. Surgical treatment may include injections, tissue replacement, joint replacement, or arthroscopic cleaning of the joint.
There are things that you can do if surgery isn’t required.
Strengthening – Better muscle mass and function will protect your dog’s joints. Regular, safe exercise such as physical therapy can aid in strengthening.
Weight Management – If your dog is at a healthy weight, it reduces the strain on their joints and can also decrease joint inflammation caused by fat.
Medication – Anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids offer relief from joint pain and inflammation.
Diet & Supplements – Many foods and supplements contain ingredients or additives that can improve joint health for dogs. Fish oil does a great job of decreasing inflammation and chondroitin has regenerative properties for joints.
As always, consult with your veterinarian for the best advice. The information stated above should never substitute professional advice.
