Easing Your Pet’s Arthritis
Like us, dogs, cats and other pets can get arthritis. Use these tips and tools to recognize the signs and to make your pet’s daily life with arthritis easier and less painful.
By Bryan D. Vargo | Oct. 31, 2024
If you’ve noticed your dog, cat or other pet has trouble getting up the stairs, into the bed or car, it may be that they’re experiencing joint pain and stiffness. Like us, our pets can get arthritis. In fact, 1 in 5 dogs has arthritis. The condition in dogs and other pets may become evident as they age. The good news is proper care and treatment can help control their aches and pains.
The first step? Learn to recognize the signs of arthritis in your pet, according to Bernadine D. Cruz, associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in California who specializes in companion animal medicine. Cruz says here are key signs to look for:
Stairs and Ramps
Getting up and down are often the greatest challenges for pets with arthritis. Cubes and ramps by Puppy Stairs (starting at $60) help dogs and cats climb stairs or furniture in your home. Each is made of foam rubber with a machine-washable cover. When you’re on the go, the portable ramp by PetSTEP ($155) can help dogs and other pets get in and out of vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. The ramp is weatherproof and provides a non-slip surface for your pet.
Orthopedic Beds
“Pet beds made from orthopedic foam [commonly called ortho-beds] offer comfort,” says Cruz. One to try: the Bedsure Orthopedic Pet Bed (starting at $37). A heated bed is also a nice comfort for pets’ achy joints. K&H offers a line of heated beds and shelters (starting around $65) for different pets. The foam core bedding distributes heat and your pet’s weight to relieve pressure on joints.
Elevated Feeding Stations
Raised food and water bowls mean less bending and strain on your pet’s neck and spine, says Cruz. Luckily, there are many options — even those with food storage underneath — for different sized pets available at pet retailers (starting at $15) like petsmart.com and chewy.com.
Joint Treats and Medication
Under no circumstances should pet owners administer “people” medications. “Even aspirin can be toxic to some animals,” Cruz says. Supplements such as glucosamine and drugs like Rimadyl are pet-friendly and available through veterinarians. Glucosamine treats by Veterinarian’s Best may help pets’ aches and pains. But getting regular vet checks, maintaining a healthy weight and getting sufficient exercise can also help your pet keep full range of motion in their joints and live a long, healthy life.
How do you pay for all this? Some pet health insurance companies have exclusions for pre-existing physical conditions, including arthritis. So, check policies carefully when shopping for coverage.
If you’ve noticed your dog, cat or other pet has trouble getting up the stairs, into the bed or car, it may be that they’re experiencing joint pain and stiffness. Like us, our pets can get arthritis. In fact, 1 in 5 dogs has arthritis. The condition in dogs and other pets may become evident as they age. The good news is proper care and treatment can help control their aches and pains.
The first step? Learn to recognize the signs of arthritis in your pet, according to Bernadine D. Cruz, associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in California who specializes in companion animal medicine. Cruz says here are key signs to look for:
- Your pet used to “drag” you down the street when leashed but now they lag behind.
- Your pet doesn’t “bounce up” when awakened or at feeding time.
- Your pet takes extra time getting up from a lying position.
- Your pet expresses pain (such as whimpering) when their leg joints are touched.
Stairs and Ramps
Getting up and down are often the greatest challenges for pets with arthritis. Cubes and ramps by Puppy Stairs (starting at $60) help dogs and cats climb stairs or furniture in your home. Each is made of foam rubber with a machine-washable cover. When you’re on the go, the portable ramp by PetSTEP ($155) can help dogs and other pets get in and out of vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. The ramp is weatherproof and provides a non-slip surface for your pet.
Orthopedic Beds
“Pet beds made from orthopedic foam [commonly called ortho-beds] offer comfort,” says Cruz. One to try: the Bedsure Orthopedic Pet Bed (starting at $37). A heated bed is also a nice comfort for pets’ achy joints. K&H offers a line of heated beds and shelters (starting around $65) for different pets. The foam core bedding distributes heat and your pet’s weight to relieve pressure on joints.
Elevated Feeding Stations
Raised food and water bowls mean less bending and strain on your pet’s neck and spine, says Cruz. Luckily, there are many options — even those with food storage underneath — for different sized pets available at pet retailers (starting at $15) like petsmart.com and chewy.com.
Joint Treats and Medication
Under no circumstances should pet owners administer “people” medications. “Even aspirin can be toxic to some animals,” Cruz says. Supplements such as glucosamine and drugs like Rimadyl are pet-friendly and available through veterinarians. Glucosamine treats by Veterinarian’s Best may help pets’ aches and pains. But getting regular vet checks, maintaining a healthy weight and getting sufficient exercise can also help your pet keep full range of motion in their joints and live a long, healthy life.
How do you pay for all this? Some pet health insurance companies have exclusions for pre-existing physical conditions, including arthritis. So, check policies carefully when shopping for coverage.
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