RELIEVES THE PAIN OF ARTHRITIS IN DOGS IN COLD WEATHER
Many dogs suffer from joint pain disease. Most arthritis is painful in the colder months and requires special care in the winter.
The relationship between temperature and pain is believed to be due to the effects of low temperatures and air pressure on muscles and tissues, but it is not clear.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for diseases that cause inflammation of the joints. The causes vary, and can be primarily due to age-related wear, such as cartilage aging, or due to viruses, infections, or trauma.
Symptoms vary, with some being local and some being systemic. If a friendly dog doesn’t like contact with people, or a dog that loves jumping doesn’t like jumping or running, pain may be the cause. If you are less active, frustrated, crouching or getting up, you may have inflammation in your bones and joints.
In addition, arthritis can be caused by constantly licking the same place (alternative behavior of massage), dragging legs, walking on three legs, getting nervous, hair loss (to keep licking), eating and drinking in a strange posture, etc. It is a sign that you are suffering from.
If joint pain is acute, proper treatment and medication will work. Even in chronic cases, care such as treatment, environmental care, diet and exercise can relieve or slow the progression of pain.
Care 1) Diagnosis by a veterinarian
The first step in caring for a dog with arthritis is to get a veterinarian’s diagnosis and consider the right treatment.
It should be noted that joint pain is not the only cause of trauma and cartilage wear. Much more serious illnesses, such as bacterial infections, cognitive dysfunction, or certain cancers, can cause pain. In this case, you will need a different drug than the one used for normal bone and joint diseases. It is important to identify the cause by blood test, X-ray test, and MRI test if necessary.
If the test reveals that you have arthritis, you should consider a cure. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs reduce joint swelling and make exercise easier. Surgery may be an option depending on the situation and the age of the dog.
Supplements do not require a prescription, but they can affect other illnesses, so consult your veterinarian before use. Glucosamine and chondroitin are said to improve cartilage regeneration, but their effects are not yet well understood.
Care 2) Weight management and weight loss
For chubby dogs, dieting is effective. By reducing the stress on bones and joints by weight loss, chronic pain can be suppressed.
Care 3) Create a joint-friendly environment
For dogs with arthritis, there are some difficult things and places in daily life, such as steep stairs, slippery floors, and road edge gratings. By devising and avoiding it, dogs can live more comfortably and confidently.
Place a carpet or rubber mat in the place of meal to prevent slipping. The use of tall tableware reduces the strain on the legs. If you have a multi-story dwelling, you can reduce the burden of moving by placing a bowl of water on each floor. Also, carpet or wax the floor to make it less slippery.
If your dog cares about resting on the bed or sofa, prepare a dog step or ramp. Getting on and off will be easier. Install gates to prevent popping out in places where dogs should not go (stairs, etc.) .
Use a walking aid harness. There are some great products on the market, and if you’re walking for a short time, it’s a good idea to use a thick, durable, wide cloth such as a towel or canvas to help you get up.
Let’s warm the bed. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel, insert a heat pad that can be heated in a microwave oven into the bed, or move the bed to a place where there is no draft during the winter.
If your dog likes to spend time in the yard, allow her to watch over her as she walks around. Dogs with arthritis are vulnerable to attack from other animals and can fall or be injured. Joint pain becomes hard in cold and humid weather. If you can’t see clearly through the door or window, go outside and spend time with them.
Groom regularly. Cut excess hair between the paws and diligently cut your nails to prevent accidents such as slipping or getting caught.
Care 4) Activities and exercises
Moderate exercise strengthens muscles and keeps ligaments flexible, while preventing obesity and reducing joint strain. For dogs with joint pain, take some warm-up time, such as a massage or a slow walk before exercising. Exercise with your dog little by little every day (aim at least four times a week if you can’t) .
For dogs that are reluctant to walk or exercise due to pain, use incentives such as guys and toys to encourage them to exercise slowly. Set up plenty of love sessions before and after exercise so that you can enjoy your play time. With the help of a professional trainer, it would be good to have them teach you exercises that do not put a strain on your body.
If your dog originally prefers active activity, keep an eye out for sudden and violent movements (running and jumping). Stop exercising as soon as you see signs of fatigue or pain. It may exacerbate arthritis.