Let’s Get Moving! Arthritis Awareness

This month is Arthritis Awareness Month…for humans and animals alike!

Joints are as vital, and as vulnerable to injury and disease, in our pets’ bodies as they are in ours. Arthritis, the painful inflammation and stiffness of joints, can be debilitating to our pets, but they do not usually tell us when they are hurting. There are several things we can do to protect our cats and dogs from joint distress.

What causes joint pain?

A number of things can lead to joint pain: genetics, injuries, inflammatory diseases, aging and over/improper use. A few of these things cannot be prevented; some can be helped.

Does my pet have joint pain?

This answer is largely dependent on the daily observations of the family. Does your pet have difficulty with steps, a hard time getting up or lying down? Is he moving slower on walks, or does he look stiff when moving? Does he avoid jumping, or limp after exercise?

How can joint pain be prevented?

”An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This could not be more true! Joint health should be considered from the earliest stages of a pet’s life to give them the best chance of combatting pain as they age.

First: Be mindful of what you feed! The right diet is key. From the time they are babies, it is important to provide your pet with proper nutrition. Your vet can advise on the best food for your particular breed.

Second: Provide proper exercise. This is fairly easy to provide. If we walk or jog daily with our dogs, or play ‘Fetch’ with them regularly, their muscles and joints have a better chance of staying “in shape.” Our feline companions benefit from exercise too! Using toys to get your cat moving not only entertains them, but will help them keep in shape and out of pain.

Third: Visit your veterinarian. He or she is a valuable partner in caring for your pet, and can provide an objective view of your pet and evaluate their overall health. Regular visits to your veterinarian will allow any health issues to be identified sooner.

Fourth: Consider joint supplements. There is really no age too young to start supplements. Different breeds/ life stages and lifestyles have different requirements; your vet can help determine the best course for your pet. Are you intending to include your dog in your daily run or weekend hikes? Are you thinking of specific dog sports? The more physically active your dog will be, the more supplements may help to keep him fit.

Fifth: Keep your pet at a healthy weight. This is in no way the “fifth’’ in importance! Maintaining your pet’s healthy weight is incredibly important in the overall health of an animal’s joints – and overall well being. More weight puts more wear on joints and causes a cascade of issues, almost all of which can be prevented. It definitely ties into the first item on this list. Consult your veterinarian about the best diet and feeding schedule for your pet starting with the first visit.

Sixth: Prior to your baby becoming a senior, be sure to provide comfortable bedding, this does not have to wait until they have joints that hurt. This is a prevention that is easy to provide at any time. Also getting ramps and/or steps for the bed or back or a car never hurts, it’s great to have them learn early that jumping is not always necessary.

How do we treat joint pain/arthritis?

We addressed ‘prevention’; the ‘cure’ part of the saying is a bit more complicated. Sometimes, no matter how much we work to prevent something, bad things happen, right? Treating the pain of arthritis is going to depend on your pet, his lifestyle, and the level of discomfort. There are some amazing treatment options now available, including injections that build up the joint fluid, oral medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain, as well as a cold laser which reduces inflammation and encourages healthy tissue. There is also massage therapy, acupuncture and rehabilitation therapies that can be incredibly effective if being treated by professionals and licensed therapists.

Just remember that joint health is so important for our pets but is often overlooked because our friends do not generally show pain or discomfort (most pets anyway - we have all met those who get a little dramatic - I have my own drama queen…silly Kimber). It is our responsibility to keep our pets happy and comfortable for as long as we possibly can. Next time you come in, talk to us about how we can help prevent joint pain and increase joint health.

Join us at the Arthritis Awareness Walk 5k May 14th in Avalon Park.

Sabrina Beck, CVT, CVBL

Avalon Family Vet AvalonFamilyVet.com 407-275-3430