Canine Arthritis

As with people, arthritis is a common occurrence in older dogs, causing joint pain and stiffness. In fact, 20% of adult dogs in the US are afflicted with arthritis. Injuries in younger dogs can facilitate the development of arthritis in their senior years. Longer body dogs, such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds, are prone to back problems and are more likely to develop arthritis as they age. Hip dysplasia, a genetic disease more often seen in larger dogs, is a very common cause of arthritis in the hips.

We can’t rid the world of arthritis, but there are things we can do to help ease the discomfort felt by our fuzzy friends. Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega 3s work to restore and regenerate your dog’s damaged joints by aiding in the synthesis of new cartilage. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help with pain and inflammation but should be approached cautiously because they are hard on internal organs. Consult with your vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Other tips for alleviating the pain caused by arthritis:

Weight control - Extra weight only puts more stress on arthritic joints.

Moderate exercise – Swimming and short walks are excellent ways to keep joints moving. Avoid the temptation to “baby” your dog by not exercising, and just let her determine how much she can do. (Tootsie’s idea of a good workout now consists of doing a loop all the way around the outside of the house.)

Comfortable bed – Keep your dog warm at night and away from drafts. Orthopedic dog beds with memory foam may help cushion achy bones.

Rugs and cushions – Strategically placed rugs and cushions provide soft places for your dog to relax, and can also help her to navigate slippery surfaces such as hardwood and tile floors.

Stairs and ramps – Pet stairs and ramps allow your dog to join you on the couch or bed without jumping and potentially injuring her legs. (Our agility teeter totter is now serving as a ramp to help Tootsie traverse the steps leading from the doggie door. How things change.)

For just one minute, I wish that I could see Tootsie as that crazy young pup running around the house. But, I’ll just have to settle for my memories and laugh at some of the new tricks she’s developed in old age. One of her favorites is to hound me every evening until she gets her evening treat. Then she seems to pretend that she didn’t get the treat and starts bugging me again a half hour later – like she’s doing right now. Better go give her another treat.

Please let us know what kinds of things you've done to help your old dogs.