Dogs with Arthritis

Have you ever felt a little bit stiff in your joints at the onset of winter? Experienced some pain moving around or noticed some swelling around your knees and ankles? If so, you will know that it’s pretty unpleasant to live with.

Your pooch is also susceptible to all the misery of aching joints, especially in the cooler months when the temperatures intensify the symptoms of arthritis. However, as a dog owner there are some things that you can do to make your furry friend as comfortable as possible.

Firstly it’s important to recognise the symptoms of arthritis.

If your notice your pooch doing any of the following it is important to seek treatment:

• Difficulty getting up and down.
• Walking stiffly.
• Lameness in one or more legs.
• Reluctance to go up and down steps.
• Reluctance to jump up or down (onto/off furniture or into/out of a vehicle)
• Reluctance to be touched on some parts of the body.

Be sure to let your dog groomer know your dog’s condition on your next visit to ensure they give it suitable care and attention. You can also ask your local pet groomer if they have any over the counter medications available that could help alleviate the pain of arthritis making your dog feel more comfortable.

Lastly, make sure you have a warm environment for your dog to live in. Arthritic dogs may have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so the warmth can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Soft bedding or blankets for them to lie on are a great start.

So don’t let arthritis rob your pooch of happiness. Look out for the signs and act accordingly to ensure their tail keeps wagging.