Did your pet pass the pain scale with flying colours? If not, don’t be discouraged. There are many things you can do to help. If you didn’t get a chance to use a pain score assessment yet, see the previous article for a link to the scale.

Medical care for arthritis is most effective with multiple treatments. This is because the pain signals in the body have multiple mechanisms. When multiple routes of the body’s “pain-pathway,” are targeted, the pain and inflammation are controlled more successfully. Treatments are aimed to be proactive, starting as early on in the disease process as possible. Veterinarians rank treatments to prioritize the most successful regimens, which can vary from animal to animal.

Highest Ranking Proven Ways to Manage Arthritis

1. Weight Loss and Caloric Management

A dog only needs to lose about 6% of their body weight to see significant

improvements in their mobility and comfort. Fat tissue actually releases inflammatory

cells that are a factor in the progression of osteoarthritis.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids & EPA

These natural anti-inflammatories disrupt cartilage breakdown and reduce inflammation.

3. Pain Relief Medications

Pain and inflammation create a vicious cycle—pain leads to more inflammation, which causes your pet to avoid using the affected joint. This leads to muscle loss. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications help break this cycle.

4. Modify the Environment

Make your home easier to navigate:

● Non-slip pads or carpets on stairs and hardwood floors

● Ramps for beds, couches, and cars

● Heating pads under blankets or beds to soothe aching joints

● Make bathroom trips more accessible: try to eliminate the need for stairs to access the litter box or grass, use litter boxes with a low rim

5. Gentle Exercise

Regular, low-impact exercise helps maintain muscle strength and prevent further injury. Walking can be a protection against hip dysplasia. Also, swimming is a fabulous activity!

Lower Ranking Proven Ways to Manage Arthritis

6. Stretching and Rehabilitation Exercise

Stretching is best done after exercise, when muscles are warmed up. Ask your vet for specific stretches designed for your dog’s needs, or contact a Registered Animal Rehabilitation Therapist.

7. Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Turmeric & Other non-Omega Supplements

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are the building blocks of cartilage, and Turmeric is known to reduce inflammation. Other supplements may help, but have limited research to back their claims.

8. Laser Therapy, Acupuncture

These therapies, offered by some vet clinics, are highly effective at reducing inflammation and improving mobility.

9. Joint Stabilization

Joints can be stabilized with braces that are custom-fit to your dog. To make sure the treatment is working well, check your pet’s comfort level at least once weekly and bring your pet in for check-ups every 3-6 months. Also, home videos are

great assessment tools - take videos of your dog or cat engaged in an activity to show them to your Vet. With preemptive care, your best friend can continue to enjoy a happy, active life–even with arthritis.

References:

https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-pain-management-guidelines-for-dogs-and-

cats/