The successful management of arthritis depends on several factors including:​

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Making sure your dog is a healthy weight

You should aim to keep your dog on the leaner side of normal. Good parameters for body condition are:

• A neat tucked up abdomen ​when viewed from the side

• A visible waist (an hour-glass shape when viewed from above)

• ​The ribs & pelvic bones are easy to feel (but should not be visible)

 

Ensuring you give your dog the appropriate amount & type of exercise
 

Exercise should be:

• Consistent & controlled (Regular / consistent daily activity is best. No excessive running, No ball chasing etc. )

• Appropriate (i.e your dog can cope happily with the distance, they don't tire or suffer with stiffness after rest)

• Low impact​ (No jumping, chasing etc.)

• Moderation (think little and often)

• Please visit our page on appropriate exercise for dogs with joint disease ​

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Ensuring your dog has adequate pain relief
 

• NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs are often the medication of choice. SOme dogs are not able to tolerate this or need extra 'break-through' pain relief to cope with more severe flare-ups​.

• Occasionally mild discomfort can be managed through other ways such as Massage, acupuncture and appropriate exercise / lifestyle so as not to AGGRAVATE the condition​.

 

 

Trying supportive therapies

• Physiotherapy​

• Osteopathy

• Massage therapy

• Craniosacral therapy

• Hydrotherapy

• Acupuncture

• Trying joint supplements

  • Omega 3 fish oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and aid in the management of pain related to arthritis​

  • Other natural supplements which have some evidence to slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation are Boswellia and ASU's (Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables)

  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin when taken together have been shown in some studies to help with arthritis symptoms