When to use heat with an older dog:
Heat should be used for chronic conditions and should be avoided after acute injury, immediately post-surgery or flare-up of an injury or osteoarthritis. It should be used for 15 – 20 minutes over the affected area. Ensure the heat pack is not too hot (roughly between 40 degrees and 45 degrees) to avoid burns. You need to ensure you check your dog’s skin to ensure it is only just warm. Never force your older dog to have a heat pack if they don’t like it. Heat can be used once to three times per day in colder weather.
#6 Acupuncture
Yes, acupuncture. It’s not just for people. Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances. Read about Editor-In-Chief Connie Wilsons experience with canine acupuncture with her dog Kaya here.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Arthritis Pain Relief for Dogs
Some dogs may occasionally need stronger pain medicine for dog arthritis pain, especially if they over-exert themselves, says Dr. Mutascio. “A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory dog medication called Galliprant tablets for dogs recently became available and is approved for use in dogs to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. You can ask your veterinarian if this or other NSAIDs such as Rimadyl chewable tablets and Metacam (Meloxicam) oral suspension for dogs are right for your pet.”
Since pain killers carry side effects, she recommends avoiding long-term use. “If your pet is on long-term pain killers, it is recommended that you visit your veterinarian regularly for checkups and blood tests to screen for systemic side effects,” she says.
Falling can be especially painful for a dog with arthritis. To help your dog rise safely, consider using a sling or a dog lifting harness for additional support, offers Dr. Morrison. “Commercially available options … exist, but a large beach towel can also serve as a sling to provide support. If a sling is used, ensure it does not interfere with your dog’s ability to urinate.” (One option is the GingerLead support and rehabilitation unisex dog lifting harness.)
To prevent falls and slipping outdoors, provide surfaces that give your dog better traction. You should also check your dog’s paws to make sure they’re free of snow, ice and dirt when they make their way back inside after a trip outdoors, says Morrison.
Dr. Knabe says some dogs may benefit from the increased traction that dog socks or dog boots can offer. “These help arthritic dogs navigate smoother surfaces, as the rubber on the pad or nails acts like grippers we use on our shoes. These also help indoors on smooth flooring.” Products like Ultra Paws durable dog boots and Doggie Design non-skid dog socks provide pets with a little extra traction so they can maneuver safely.
Dog steps and ramps can also help your pup get up onto the couch or bed safely without falling.
Treating Arthritis in Dogs – a plan to keep them pain free!
Its always tough to watch your dog age. While getting older is fact of life, seeing your arthritic dog unable to move as easily, or unable to do the things they used to do all the time can be a sad situation. Not every condition is going to have a solution, but here are some ways that you can help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis in your elderly pup.