Dog Arthritis Treatment

Knowing that your dog is in pain can be devastating. Luckily, there are ways to treat and prevent conditions like arthritis in dogs. At Alum Rock Animal Hospital in San Jose, CA, our veterinary team can help treat dog arthritis.

How Our Vet Can Help

There are several things that you can do to help with your dog's arthritis. The first step is to take your dog to our veterinarian. We will first diagnose your dog to determine if it is suffering from arthritis. This condition causes pain in the joints and can make it difficult for your dog to walk. Our team will be able to recommend effective treatments, such as chondroprotective agents, dietary supplements, and anti-inflammatory medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed in order to minimize pain and inflammation. Chondroprotective agents will help your dog's body restore cartilage and stimulate its function.

Managing Pet Arthritis

There are several things you can do at home to make your dog more comfortable while treating arthritis.

• Control your dog's diet and weight. Arthritic joints will deteriorate at a faster pace in overweight dogs. If your dog loses weight, this will take some of the strain off of its joints and bones. Special diets that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can bring relief as well.
• Provide a soft bed. A dog bed that is made of memory foam can help support the bones and joints of your dog. If your dog is thin, this could provide it with extra comfort as well, since the bones could otherwise rub on hard surfaces.
• Install ramps, cubes, and flooring that does not allow for slippage. It can be difficult for senior dogs to navigate hardwood and tile floors, as well as stairs. Ramps and cubes can be helpful when your dog is trying to climb the stairs or move down and up from sofas. Rugs and carpets on slippery floors will also help your dog be steadier on its legs.
• Massage and exercise your dog. Massages can be good for your dog’s flexibility and mobility, as well as circulation. Daily exercise can also help strengthen your dog's ligaments and muscles and minimize the risk of injury.
• Groom your dog. If a dog has arthritis, it likely won't be able to clean itself as well. Make sure to brush your dog's hair on a regular basis in order to get rid of tangles and matting, and make sure you are gentle while you are doing it.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Vet

If you suspect that your dog has arthritis, seek treatment right away. At Alum Rock Animal Hospital in San Jose, CA, our veterinarian can provide treatment and tell you how to make your dog more comfortable. To schedule an appointment, call us today.