Hi 👋

 

At Fifth and Fido we would love for all pets to have a perfectly healthy life! 😁

 

The reality is that they often suffer from similar issues to us, particularly as they get older. One of the most common issues for dogs to deal with is that dreaded word – arthritis.

 

Arthritis simply refers to inflammation of the joints and is caused by a joint having an uneven or worn out surface, often due to cartilage change or damage. This increased friction leads to new bone forming around the joint which can create stiffness and inflammation. Whilst this can cause problems for your doggo, there are plenty of solutions that can help manage the condition.

 

Below you can find some useful information about the symptoms and causes of arthritis, treatments and prevention techniques:

 

 

 

SYMPTOMS

 

 

Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:

 

·      Limping

·      Slowing down on walks

·      Stiffness

·      Low energy

·      Reluctance to jump or go up stairs

·      Swollen joints

 

If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, then it would be worth booking an appointment at the vets to discover the cause.

 

CAUSES

 

There are multiple reasons for your dog developing arthritis:

 

·      Normal wear and tear

·      Genetics

·      Abnormally shaped bones or cartilage

·      Injuries

 

Unfortunately for some dogs, it is inevitable that they will struggle with arthritis at some point in their lives, as it may be down to genetics such as being born with abnormally shaped joints. For others, the cause may be down to wear and tear of the joints, which is often accelerated by injuries earlier in their life.

 

PREVENTION

 

Whilst for some dog’s arthritis is inevitable, prevention is the best solution out there to ensure your dog has a healthy arthritis free life. Three recommended things to do are:

 

·      Weight control

·      Regular exercise

·      Good quality food

 

By providing your dog with controlled portions that are high in nutrients it should allow them to maintain a healthy weight and joints. Regular exercise will also assist in keeping them slim but also help build vital muscles that can take the stress off their joints.

 

TREATMENT

 

Treatment for your dog’s arthritis can include both medical and home care solutions, including our HempGold Hemp Oil for dogs.

 

Medical solutions include:

 

·      Pain relief

·      Joint Supplements

·      Surgery

 

Pain relief drugs will help reduce swelling and pain and can often allow your dog to lead a more normal life, while supplements may be recommended by your vet to assist in managing the condition. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to try and fix or replace the joint.

 

Homecare solutions include:

 

·      Covering slippery floors in your house with mats or carpet

·      Regular short walks

·      Comfortable beds

·      Keeping your dog’s joints warm

 

An ideal combination is to ensure your dog is comfortable when they are not moving while also making sure they are still active to an extent to prevent the joints from becoming too stiff. Warmth is great at soothing inflamed joints, so a comfy bed with a blanket or heat pad under the bed should work well. Covering any slippery floors inside should reduce the strain on your dogs’ joints, prevent further injury and give them the confidence to be active still throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

Please note: There are varying degrees of arthritis so different solutions will work for different dogs. It is recommended to visit a vet before any treatment plans are started.

 

We hope you have found it useful learning a bit more about how to help your dog deal with arthritis. If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions please feel free to email us at hi@FifthandFido.com.