Arthritis is an inflammation that occurs in the joints and can cause stiffness and pain. Unfortunately, it is quite common for older dogs and cats to suffer from arthritis, especially during the colder months. Dogs and cats can’t always effectively communicate with us about the pain or discomfort they are feeling, so it is critical to know the signs and symptoms of arthritis to look out for and to understand the best ways to make our furry family members feel better.
Older and larger breeds of dogs are more likely to suffer from arthritis, which is also a common condition in cats over 10 years old.
Continue reading to learn more about how to help your pets who are suffering from arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Some of the common warning signs to look out for in dogs or cats include:
- Less active: One of the first and most common signs of arthritis is noticing that your pet is less active and playful. You will notice a clear difference in the activity levels of your pet.
- Sleeping more: Older pets suffering from arthritis may rest more and generally slow down.
- Difficulty jumping up or down: Your pet may be hesitant to jump up or down from a height, or it may take them more effort than usual.
- Less willingness to play with toys: Your pet may not be as interested in toys as they once were.
- Spend less time grooming themselves: Dogs and cats with arthritis are generally less flexible, so their grooming habits may slow down or stop altogether. This results in their coats looking matted or scruffy.
- Increase in accidents: As your pet will be slower on their feet, they may not always make it outdoors or to their litter box in time, resulting in more accidents around the house.
- Slow to get up from sitting or lying down: If your dog or cat struggles and takes longer to stand up from a lying or sitting down position, it could be a sign of arthritis.
- Hissing or yelping while moving: If your pet makes a hissing or yelping sound when they move, it indicates they’re in pain.
- Limping: You may notice your dog or cat limping when they walk.
Treatment Options
While arthritis can’t be cured, it can be treated to give your pet some relief. Your vet will most likely prescribe or recommend the following treatments:
Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Meloxicam and Firocoxib are the most common type of medication for dogs and cats suffering from arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medication reduces swelling in the joints and relieves pain.
Pain Relief
Pain relief medications, including Tramadol, Amantadine and Gabapentin, can be prescribed to manage your pet’s pain. These medications can often be used alongside anti-inflammatory medicines.
Pentosan Injections
Injections containing Pentosan can be administered weekly for a month. Pentosan assists in reducing inflammation and facilitating cartilage repair, improving overall joint health and your pet’s mobility.
Each treatment is individually tailored, and the vet will assess your pet to decide on the best number of injections.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections can be directly injected into an affected joint for pain relief. Pets may need to be sedated for this injection.
Food Supplements
Supplements like nutraceuticals can be added to your pet’s food. These supplements include Omega-3 and other fatty acids that aid in strengthening the joints. Available as Fish Oil tablets, powders, or contained in pet food.
Beransa and Solensia Treatments
Some of the latest advancements in pet arthritis treatments include the Beransa (for dogs) and Solensia (for cats) treatments. It includes monthly injections to neutralise the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which transmits pain signals.
These treatments have been proven to be effective for pets that have previously been less responsive to other treatments.
Physiotherapy and Exercise
A few simple exercises can make all the difference by offering pain relief and building muscle. Vets will recommend some simple exercises for you to try with your pet.
Diet
A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids will benefit your dog or cat with arthritis. Non-fatty proteins and foods with antioxidants are also great options. Your vet will recommend the best types of food for your dog or cat and put them on a diet that will aid in their arthritis treatment.
Things You Can Do
Along with your vet’s prescribed treatments, you can also do things at home to make your furry friend’s life easier and assist with their treatment. These include:
- Easy access: Move your dog or cat’s bedding, food, water, and toys downstairs so they can easily access them.
- Diet: Follow your vet’s dietary recommendations to give your pet the best quality of life.
- Exercise: Provide gentle exercise or activities for your pets to help them maintain muscle strength and joint mobility.
- Provide comfortable bedding: Provide a comfy bed for your dog or cat. There are specially designed pet beds for dogs or cats with arthritis, including memory foam or supportive orthopedic beds.
- Regular vet visits: Keep up your regular vet visits to stay on top of your pet’s treatment and give them the best possible care.
Although you can’t completely cure your pet’s arthritis, there are many treatment options available that can help relieve their pain and improve their quality of life. Work alongside your pet’s vet to give them the best care possible.
At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen anytime, resulting in sky-high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki and petinsurance.com.au offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to get a quick quote and see our different cover options.