Arthritis is a nasty disease. It sneaks up on our pets and always seems to rear its ugly head as the weather starts to cool down.
But don’t worry – if our expert vets diagnose your pet with arthritis, there are plenty of things you can do at home to help them feel more comfortable. Click here for the signs of arthritis in dogs.
We recommend a multi-pronged attack as this helps to reduce the need for large amounts of medication and will lessen the potential side effects of any one treatment.
Here are Caroline Springs Vet Hospital’s 7 tips for an arthritis-friendly home:
- Keep your pet’s weight under control to help reduce the load on their joints.
If you need advice on diet and exercise, please ask our vets Deer Park pets love to visit. - Consider feeding your pet a diet specifically formulated for arthritis.
We stock Hill’s and Royal Canin prescription pet foods at our vet hospital near Taylors Hill. - Please continue to exercise your pet – in moderation.
Gentle daily walks for dogs help keep the joints moving and muscles toned. - Provide a warm and comfortable bed.
Use plenty of blankets and padding, and you can also use pet coats for warmth in winter. Place the bed on a firm and flat surface rather than a hammock or sprung bed. - Use a portable ramp to help your dog in and out of the car.
- Provide an additional piece of furniture (like an ottoman) so your cat doesn’t have to jump so high to reach his favourite spot.
- Daily massage can be relaxing and calming, and improve circulation.
Heat packs are often well tolerated and can be placed over sore muscles and joints to relieve tension and improve circulation.
Ask us for more information on how to make your home arthritis-friendly.
Before winter sets in, May is a great time to arrange an arthritis checkup for your pet at Caroline Springs Vet Hospital – call us today.
