11/13/2024
Did you know that the number one sign of arthritis in older pets is decreased activity? There are many pets that have arthritis found on physical examination with a veterinarian, but the owner did not recognize the signs at home. That is because arthritis is a degenerative process. It happens slowly over time, so the signs are much more subtle than an acute injury.
Pets with arthritis do not yelp in pain frequently. They also may not have a noticeable limp (but they can limp on one or multiple limbs). Often, both back or front legs – or even all four legs – are affected, so there is not one leg that hurts more than another, which is usually why dogs limp. Therefore, we must monitor our pet’s behavior closely to notice the insidious signs of arthritis. These may include things like decreased activity - not wanting to play as long or not wanting to finish the normal length of a walk. Stiffness in the morning or when getting up from lying down. Reluctance to jump up on couches or go up and down stairs. Loss of muscle mass in the affected limbs.
Irritability or aggression are also a big sign. Some older pets are uncomfortable around young children that may fall on them or lean on them for support. It is important to separate or closely monitor babies learning to walk or toddles who may easily fall on older pets to ensure neither the pet nor the child is injured.
The dreaded downward spiral of arthritis consists of less activity with a normal appetite, leading to weight gain and increased pressure on arthritic joints. So, the increased pressure causes increased pain, less activity, more weight gain, more joint pain, and the cycle continues.
Often, a multimodal approach is needed to combat a loss of mobility in our older pets. Diet is the number one way you can help your pet at home. Maintaining a healthy weight from an early age is the best way to prevent or slow down the progression of arthritis and keep our companions active for a long time. Joint supplementation is also helpful. The world of joint supplements and the science behind it is ever changing and ever improving as research continues. So, talk to your veterinarian about the options. If your pet is already starting to suffer from arthritis, other options to help are pain medications, additional supplements, Adequan (an injectable joint supplement), laser therapy, Librela or Solensia, and physical rehabilitation.
While you should discuss all your options and the best plan of action for your pet, there are physical rehabilitation exercises you can do at home to help. Here are a few examples (ensure your pet is healthy enough for physical activity before trying these):
1: cookie stretches – this exercise helps with your pet's flexibility: use a treat to coax your pet into turning and bending their head around towards each side, then up above their head, then down toward the floor.
2. mattress/pillow walking – this exercise helps with balance: place a mattress, pillows, or some thick blankets on the floor. (Place a sheet or towel over them to keep dirty paws off if needed.) Walk your pet over the items slowly. If your pet easily walks over the items, look for items with a little more softness/give. If your pet struggles, look for something with a little bit more firmness.
3. home made cavalettis – this helps with limb flexibility: line up the handles of brooms, mops, snow shovels, etc. Leave enough room between each handle so that your pet can easily recover from walking over one object before walking over the next. Your pet will have to flex their joints to step over each item. If your pet is taller, you can raise the items up slightly to ask them to pick up their paw higher.
(Videos in comments)
