Canine Osteoarthritis : How to help your dog at home?

Osteoarthritis, also known in layman terms as inflammation of joints, is a common old dog issue. It could also start prematurely in younger dogs with prior injuries, fractures or congenital issues. Some signs of osteoarthritis include (but are not limited to): Stiffness from resting, difficulty going up and down stairs, difficulty getting up from a sleeping position, reluctance to go for long walks. Even though there is no cure, there are many ways to manage the condition and delay progression. Once it has been diagnosed by the Veterinarian, here are some ways you can help your dog at home.

1. Follow your Veterinarian’s treatment plan to manage pain
   
   Your Veterinarian may prescribe medications to help manage pain and inflammation such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gabapentin or opioid pain relief and anti-inflammatory supplements. It is important to consult your veterinarian before administering any non-prescribed medications. Keep track of your dog’s progress while on their treatment plan.
2. Consider adding joint supplements to current treatment plan
   
   High quality Omega 3 (check out our other article on choosing omega 3 supplement) has anti-inflammatory properties. Do consult your veterinarian to find out which supplement is best suited for your dog’s current condition. We have many patients on Antinol, a dietary supplement with anti-inflammatory properties for the relief of osteoarthritis and support of other joint mobility conditions in dogs. For more information: https://antinol.com.sg/
3. Monitor your dog’s diet
   
   Maintaining your dog’s weight is important as extra weight (overweight) places additional pressure on the joints. If your dog is overweight, introducing a weight-loss regime will benefit your dog in the long run. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific calculated calorie diet or prescription diet designed for weight management.
4. Exercise
   
   Moderate exercise helps to keep your dog limber and maintain muscle mass. However, too much exercise or high-impact activities may put too much pressure on already painful/inflamed joints. Short brief walks and gradual climb uphill (grassy slopes are good!) are good for maintaining muscle mass especially at the hips. In addition to walks, swimming is also a good low-impact exercise. Here are some hydrotherapy places in Singapore : https://www.vetmobilesg.com/articles/list-of-hydrotherapy-places/
5. A good dog bed
   
   Providing a good bed that is easy to get on and off is important. Many dogs with osteoarthritis find it hard to get up from a sitting/laying position.
6. Modify your home
   
   Since your dog spends most of their time in your home, it is important to help your dog navigate your home better and minimise chances of injury. Adding rugs, non-slip mats, and even yoga mats around the house help provide traction as your dog navigates your home. Place your dog’s water bowl on a towel or an absorbent mat so that they do not slip on any water spillage. You may consider placing your dog’s food and water on an elevated surface and a non-slip rubber mat at their feeding area as well. Makeshift ramps and steps can help your dog to access higher furniture (bed, sofa) if needed. If you prefer not to have your dog climb long flights of stairs at home, placing a baby gate will help to deter them from doing so. Blove has some good non-slip mats and ramps: https://blove.sg/collections/dfang-play-mats
7. Get a good walking harness
   
   A good walking harness could assist you with stabilising your dog and prevent falls. We like this one from ruffwear : https://ruffwear.com/products/web-master-harness