Tips to relieve your dog from pain
Here is some advice that may alleviate pain if your dog is suffering. However, keep in mind that the best thing to do is to get a diagnosis from your veterinary surgeon.
Relieving joint pain in dogs
Healthy joints can be maintained through diet and exercise. Excess weight puts more pressure on the joints, so overweight dogs are more prone to developing joint problems. Just as in people an ideal body weight comes from a healthy lifestyle, which means that a good balance has to be found between energy intake (through feeding) and energy output (through exercise).
Overweight dogs often live a sedentary lifestyle, the underuse of muscles leads to muscle wasting and can result in premature degeneration of joints. Excess weight also puts more stress on the joints, making the animal suffer more.
For both these reasons regular exercise is important for a healthy dog.
For more information on diets and exercise, see overweight dogs.
If your overweight dog suffers from osteoarthritis, keeping it on a low-impact exercise regimen will help increase blood flow through the joints and reduce inflammation. This will also help with weight control.
Examples of safe exercise for dogs with osteoarthritis:
- Walking on a flat surface
- Avoiding where possible climbing stairs or steep slopes
- Swimming (the best exercise because of its low impact on the joints)
Exercise sessions should be short, initially only 5-10 minutes long.
Because canine arthritis is a painful disease, your dog’s life needs to be as comfortable as possible.
A ramp might be necessary to help your dog get in and out of the car. Make sure that fresh water and food can be easily reached. Dogs appreciate a comfortable bed in a quiet area.
In terms of recommended diets specific for osteoarthritis, please visit the “Diets for dogs in pain” section.
Pain relief after surgery
Do not let your dog lick its sutures.
If necessary, ask for an Elizabethan or space collar. This is a protective collar to prevent the dog from biting or licking itself to give the wounds or injuries time to heal.
If your dog is overly active, cage rest is usually recommended to allow healing and to prevent re-injury (your veterinary surgeon will give specific advice on this).
Just like for arthritis, comfortable sleeping conditions and a more comfortable life are also of importance. If your dog is recovering from surgery, make sure he/she doesn’t overdo it. Limited activity is recommended for at least two weeks. This means leash walks of less than five minutes, several times a day and confinement to one level of the home with minimal or no use of the stairs. Consult your vet for specific advice on your dog’s individual circumstances.
For recommended canine diets after surgery, see “Diets for dogs in pain”.
After an outdoor walk, check your dog’s paws. Cuts and scratches may be causing your dog pain.
If your dog is limping, a paw could be injured. Do not hesitate to consult your veterinary surgeon.
Remember - Ask your vet for advice!
