ANTI – INFLAMMATORIES (PAIN RELIEF). Most arthritic pets will require some medication to control their pain and the progression of the disease. Regular anti-inflammatory medication will control arthritis pain and allow a more normal life. These medicines work really well and are very safe in the majority of dogs. There are many good veterinary anti-inflammatories and pain relievers to choose from. Make an appointment with one of our vets who will examine your dog thoroughly and prescribe the best one for your dog.
STEADY, GENTLE EXERCISE, USE THE CAR FOR THE DIFFICULT BITS. Most stiff pets will benefit from doing some exercise. It is important to keep stiff joints mobile and to keep the weight down. Several short periods of moderate exercise a day are best. If the back legs are affected try a long, steady walk downhill (using your car for the uphill bits!). If the front legs are affected a long, steady walk uphill (using your car for the downhill bits!). Some older dogs dont want to go for walks. They are slow and difficult to get to walk. As soon as you turn for home they speed up and trot! Get a member of the family to drive you and your a short distance then walk home! Vary the routes to keep them interesting.
WEIGHT LOSS. If your dog is overweight, weight loss can help a great deal. Less weight for the legs to carry! Aim for your dog to be slightly underweight if possible. You can use our waiting room scales free of charge to weigh your dog if you like. If you wish you could make an appointment with one of our nurses or vets who can advise you of how you can get your dog to lose weight and check for other problems too. Simply phone us to make an appointment.
SWIMMING. If your pet likes water then swimming can help build up muscle without stressing damaged joints. There are now several pet hydrotherapy facilities in Lancashire. If your pet is swimming in a river or open water make sure there is an easy access ramp for getting back out of the water.
Old dogs can struggle to walk, limp, climb stairs and stand up after lying and can no longer do a circuit of the park or do their normal walks. This is most commonly due to aches, pains, arthritis and stiffness and less commonly due to spinal nerve degeneration (dogs with this often are unsteady on their hind quarters and place their hind feet poorly, they are particularly bad on smooth surfaces).
Improving the Dog’s Mobility
Cause of a Fear of Going Up and Down Stairs
Many dogs who are afraid of stairs develop the fear because of a lack of early exposure. If you live in a single story home, its possible that your dog wont see stairs until a little later in life. Some dog owners may have discouraged their puppies from going on the stairs to keep them contained to a limited area.
In some instances, a dog may develop a fear of stairs from a traumatic experience. For example, a dog who falls down the stairs may be left with a phobia of climbing stairs.
Dog Is Afraid Of Stairs (Easy Fix)
Aging dogs are like aging humans– they begin to have mobility problems. The movement that was once effortless for an old dog can be challenging and much more labor intensive. These issues with older dogs often manifest as stumbles, unsteadiness, and hesitance. One of the most common issues in senior dogs, however, is moving upstairs.
Though it may be distressing to witness your dog seeming too stiff or too weak to climb stairs, there are solutions to this mobility issue that improve your aging dog’s quality of life.