Beyond Pain Relief: A Multi-Modal Strategy for Treating Arthritis in Dogs

Approaching arthritis from all angles

Arthritis is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. This means that damage to your dog's joints cannot be repaired. But if you start your dog on treatment early, it is a disease that can often be managed for many years, allowing your dog to continue to live life to the fullest.

Types of treatment for arthritis include:

• Pain medication
• Joint supplements
• Physical therapies
• Diet
• Weight management

Part of your dog’s arthritis journey will involve regular visits to your vet to reassess your dog's condition. We want your pet to receive the individual care they deserve, so their treatment plan should be tailored for their needs.

Medication options for managing pain

Coming to terms with your dog starting long-term pain medication can be upsetting. However, medication can be very effective at controlling pain when started early. It can be hard to know when your dog is in pain - after all, they can't tell us! Almost all dogs with arthritis are experiencing pain and will benefit from effective pain therapy.

There are several different pain relief options available through your veterinarian. Be wary of supplements advertised on-line that make big claims about relieving pain - these may not be backed by scientific evidence. Instead, talk to your vet about effective pain relief options.

Physical therapies for treating arthritis

You may ask how will physical therapy help my arthritic dog? Is physiotherapy really going to keep my dog mobile? Can laser therapy really reduce my dog’s pain? The simple answer is yes, physical therapy for dogs with arthritis can have multiple benefits and even reduce your dog’s reliance on medication. However, for the best results, these therapies should be started sooner rather than later.

Physical therapies available include:

• Physiotherapy – This uses specific exercises for dogs with arthritis to improve their mobility and increase their strength, helping them stay active.
• Hydrotherapy – This uses exercises in water to strengthen your dog’s muscles while minimising stress on joints and is a great way to increase your dog’s activity levels.
• Acupuncture – Small needles are placed in specific acupuncture points to relieve pain, making your dog feel more comfortable. Only a vet is permitted to perform acupuncture on animals; however, there is now a small but growing body of research into the technique.
• Laser therapy – Laser energy targets specific tissues to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. The jury is still out on exactly how effective it is for arthritis, especially in larger dogs, but many vet practices are reporting great results.

Why weight management is important

It might not sound obvious, but one of the most important things you can do to manage your dog's arthritis is to keep them in a healthy weight range. In fact, studies have found that even a 6% weight loss in overweight dogs can significantly improve their arthritis signs. Weight management for arthritic dogs is essential, but how do you achieve this goal?

We understand how guilty you feel for ignoring your pet’s sorrowful eyes when you won’t top up their food bowl and how hard it can be to resist giving them their favourite treat. However, your vet will support you through this process, so don’t feel alone. Many vets and vet nurses run weight clinics where you can get diet advice, find out how much to feed your dog and have regular weigh-ins so you can see your dog’s progress. They are always happy to answer your questions and will be the first to celebrate with you when your dog achieves their target.

What is the best diet to feed my arthritic dog?

Choosing a diet for your dog can feel overwhelming at the best of times. There are lots of options available, so where do you start when trying to find the ideal diet for your arthritic dog?

There are several diet options for dogs with arthritis that you could consider, in consultation with your vet:

• A veterinary mobility diet – This diet is formulated using the latest scientific research to help support your pet’s joint health. It already contains a joint supplement, so you do not need to add anything extra to your pet’s food, making it a convenient option for busy households.
• Your pet’s normal diet with a joint supplement added – There are many different joint supplements for dogs for you to choose from, all with varying ingredients and quality. So, how do you choose? Supplements are not regulated like medications, so you should pick a reputable brand, backed by scientific research. The product should also clearly list the ingredients. Your vet will also be able to help you choose an appropriate joint supplement.

We know that watching your beloved dog develop signs of arthritis can be distressing. However, rest assured that there are many treatment options to successfully keep your pet pain-free and mobile, so they can remain the happy, active dog you know and love for many years to come.