Does your dog suffer from arthritis? When my dog was diagnosed with arthritis last year, at age 3, I was very surprised.
It's not that your dog cannot be active if he has arthritis. You just need to change your routine. Here are some tips for exercising a dog who has arthritis.
80 percent of dogs have arthritis by the age of eight
By the age 8 of a dog, he already has an 80 percent chance that he will have arthritis. And 20% of dogs show signs of the condition by age 1.
According to these statistics, many dog owners will need to manage arthritis at some point during their dogs' lives. While it's not a diagnosis that anyone would want to hear, it doesn't have to mean you can't enjoy the activities you used to. While it may seem counter-intuitive to keep an arthritic pet active, the right amount can help your dog stay mobile and in good shape.
Canine Arthritis: Symptoms and Treatment
Do you think your dog may have arthritis? Canine arthritis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- After exercise or at night , you may experience a feeling of stumbling (especially after exercising).
- Difficulty standing up
- Legs that are a little lame
- Muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle mass
Some dogs with arthritis develop spinal problems that lead to a hunched position. Make an appointment with your vet if you suspect that your dog has arthritis.
What Exercises Can You Do With a Dog with Arthritis?
Exercise with arthritis can be a delicate balance. Too much can make the condition worse. Keep your dog active to keep their muscles strong and improve circulation in those painful joints. The condition will worsen if you don't exercise. Joints become more stiff and achy.
How can you find out which exercises you and your dog can do together? Laika and I tried a variety of routines to find one that didn't hurt or cause discomfort for her. After a lot trial and error I am confident that we have finally found a good exercise routine (that is also fun) that does not leave her sore. This is how we did it.
Consult Your Veterinarian First
Consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog may have arthritis. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored for your dog. The treatment options for arthritis in dogs vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. There is no cure for arthritis , but there are ways to reduce the pain and discomfort.
A wide range of treatment options are available. Physical therapy, surgery and supplements are available. Exercise routines, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medication, and supplements can also be prescribed. Your vet will determine the best options for your dog after a thorough physical examination.
Maintaining a healthy weight helps with arthritis
The extra weight of your dog will put extra pressure on his joints, which are already sore. Weight management, through diet and exercise, can ease arthritis symptoms.
Many studies show that reducing weight can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life. Weight loss can make it easier to do everyday activities like climbing stairs, getting into a vehicle, or even standing up. – Lawrence Veterinary Hospital
Warm up before you start
When they first stand up, many arthritic pets are stiff. Start any exercise by taking them for a low-impact walk. This will help to get their joints moving. After a few minutes of walking, most dogs are able to move more easily.
Introduce new exercise routines slowly
Weekend warriors are those who work all week long and squeeze as much as they can into their weekends. When it comes to exercising an arthritic pet, sudden bursts can lead to injury and stress. Instead of a weekend workout, try to stick with an exercise routine that you can maintain daily or every other day.
5 Low-impact Exercises for Dogs with Arthritis
Exercise is still important for your dog even if they have arthritis. You can still have fun together with low-impact activities. Here are 5 great exercises for dogs with arthritis.
1. Swimming
Swimming is the most popular form of exercise due to its low impact on the joints. Swimming is an exercise that does not require your dog to bear any weight. It will increase their range of motion, and help build muscle mass. You don't know where to swim regularly? You can check to see if you have any dog-friendly hydrotherapy centers, swimming pools, public beaches or dog parks that include a water feature in your area.
2. Leash Walking
It is easy to keep your dog active by walking around the neighborhood, or in a nearby park. You don't need to take your dog for a long walk every day. Instead, you can go on several shorter walks during the day.
3. Short Hikes
Find a level trail with little or no incline. You might want to begin with short hikes depending on the condition of your dog to ensure they are comfortable and don't show any signs afterward.
4. Indoor Games & Activities
Indoor Games can keep your dog entertained and active when the weather's not great. You can teach your pup some basic nose work, such as “finding the treats,” or use interactive toys.
5. Enjoy Short Gentle Play Sessions
Play some tug or fetch for a few minutes. After the session, pay attention to any signs of discomfort in your dog. If your dog is having trouble, try a gentler routine. Some dogs can still play the tug for short periods of time, and others are able to play fetch on carpet or a softer surface.
Laika and I play fetch in the living room. The carpet is soft and I bounce the ball instead of encouraging her to catch and jump for it.
Play a few games indoors to find out what your dog likes. Afterward, watch for signs of discomfort in your dog. If your dog seems achy after the session, it could be because you went too long or that the activity was too intense.
It's a vicious cycle. Arthritic pets don't exercise. This leads to weight problems, which then lead to arthritis. Low-impact exercises such as walking, combined with a healthy diet are extremely beneficial for arthritic animals. – Dr. Jessica Vogelsang
Avoid Running & Jumping Exercises
It is not advisable to encourage dogs with arthritis to run or jump around excessively. While it is fun to watch your dog jump and play rough, it can put a lot more stress on their joints.
Avoid activities such as long distance fetch and frisbee if your dog suffers from arthritis. It is also advisable to discourage your dog from sitting up straight or walking on its hind legs as this puts a lot of strain on the joints.
Massage Time or Cool Down Period
Spend some time relaxing and making your dog feel comfortable at the end of a workout. Heat can soothe sore joints, so I warm up a heating mat and place it on her hips. You can also use a heated blanket, hot water bottle or other heating products available in stores for your pet. Just make sure that it is not too warm when you put it on.
After the heat treatment, I give her a nice massage. Although I'm not sure how much massages will help in the long term, I know she enjoys them.
Do not forget to add some mental exercises
It's not just about increasing your dog's daily physical activity. All dogs will benefit from more mental stimulation and interactive playing.
Add in some extra activities and games for your dog in the house. You can easily give your dog more mental stimulation by giving him a puzzle toy or a Kong stuffed animal, playing tug with them, or letting them explore and sniff while on your daily walks.
Find a Medicine that Relieves the Pain of Arthritis
Unfortunately, arthritis is progressive and your dog will still have days where they are in pain. Laika has some bad days, even with all the precautions. On those days, she takes pain relievers as well as plenty of rest. (and a puppy massage, but it's optional).
You can buy glucosamine supplements in pet stores and online. They can reduce inflammation and help regenerate cartilage. Speak to your vet about pain management and the best medication for your dog. Some dogs may need daily pain relief, while others only require it on bad days.
Your dog can still be active and have fun if he has arthritis.
You may need to experiment a bit before you find the amount of exercise your dog needs. We go on adventures every day and play a lot of tug. Laika still plays, swims and walks. She also tugs and fetches.
Think of the fun activities that you and your dog can do together. This lesson took me a while to learn. Laika is just as happy as ever and doesn't seem bothered by her new routine. It was me who kept dwelling on the past, thinking about “what ifs”. Her happiness and health are not dependent on her previous habits.
Laika taught me to live in the moment.
Growing up is optional; getting old is compulsory. Chili Davis
What low impact exercises does your dog enjoy?
How do you exercise an arthritis dog? Do you swim a lot with the dog? Do you walk your dog every day? Do you have any favorite activities that you enjoy with your dog?
Please consult a professional veterinarian if your dog is suffering from arthritis, or if need help determining a treatment plan. We've worked closely with our veterinarian throughout the process. This post was written for educational purposes, to demonstrate that dogs with arthritis can (and should continue to be active).