Arthritis, otherwise known as DJD (degenerative joint disease), is an irreversible, degenerative condition affecting the joints of many middle-aged to senior pets.
It can develop naturally with aging or occur due to factors such as previous joint injuries or developmental joint disorders (e.g. hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia).
If your pet is developing degenerative joint disease, here are the four “D-J-Do’s” that we recommend to keep your pet comfy and support their long-term joint health!
1. Weight management
Ensuring that your pet’s body condition is slim and healthy is a key step in treating arthritis, as being overweight puts extra strain on their joints and can limit their ability to exercise.
For an assessment of your pet’s weight and advice on how to safely help overweight pets return to a healthy body weight, consult our knowledgeable team.
2. Management of inflammation and pain
Fortunately, there are a variety of long-term medication options that help relieve pain and inflammation in pets affected by arthritis, even those with other organ health issues.
These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, long-acting pain relief injections, medications to reduce your pet’s sensitivity to pain, and general joint health support products (also known as chondroprotective agents) such as pentosan polysulfate injections and omega-3 supplements.
3. Help at home
You can help pets with reduced mobility to move around safely and more easily by placing carpets or non-slip matting tracks along common routes around the house.
We also recommend keeping claws short, and providing thick, padded bedding (placed in a warm room during cold weather) to keep your pet’s joints feeling comfortable.
4. Appropriate exercise
It’s essential that pets with arthritis are encouraged to perform daily, low-impact exercise (such as walking or swimming), as this will improve their joint mobility, maintain their muscle mass, and help control their weight.
For more personalised advice on safely and effectively supporting your arthritic pet’s quality of life and comfort, consult our veterinary team.