Arthritis and Cold Weather
Helpful Information for Your Arthritic Pet
When you think about the cold weather season, you may not realize the painful effect it can have on senior dogs and cats with arthritis. Like humans, animals with arthritis experience increased pain and stiffness as a result of the cold weather. When you add the risk of pets overeating (or eating unhealthy, fatty foods) during the holidays, the problems become much worst. Here are some valuable reminders and ways to help your dog or cat find relief from their arthritic condition.
What is Arthritis in Dogs and Cats?
Arthritis is more common in older pets but can begin at any age. Animals develop arthritis when the cartilage between the joints degenerates, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. To determine if your cat has arthritis, look for a change in activity and behavior. Cats with arthritis will limit their jumping and climbing. Their gait or walk may be different and more awkward as they try to find a less painful way to get around. Difficulty getting in and out of their litter box may also be more noticeable.
Dogs show more outward signs of pain and discomfort due to arthritis; while cats typically hide their signs of pain. Dogs will experience more signs of weight-bearing joints such as hips, shoulders, ankles, knees and spine.
Managing Your Pet’s Weight
During the winter months pets can become less active, resulting in weight gain and added pressure on arthritic joints. It’s important to make sure pets maintain a healthy weight during the winter in order to reduce the pain and stiffness of their arthritis. Every effort should be made to avoid feeding (or pets sneaking) fatty, holiday foods. Serious problems such as pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and choking can occur…definitely not the holiday cheer we seek during this time of year.
If your pet is overweight and needs help with their diet, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help with a weight-management plan specifically designed for your pet.
Keep Your Pet Warm and Comfortable
During the cold winter days, you can help reduce your pet’s arthritic symptoms by keeping them warm. If they need to be outside, a warm pet sweater will help keep them less susceptible to cold temperatures. It is also helpful to provide your pet with comfortable, supportive bedding. This will reduce pressure on their joints and help lessen their pain and stiffness.
Physical Therapy and Medication for Arthritic Pets
With advances in treatment options for pet arthritis, you now have several options to treat this painful condition. Physical therapy is a non-invasive option that provides pets with specific exercises to help increase range of motion and comfort. New medical devices such as the Assisi Loop and cold or non-thermal laser therapy, provide pets with a noninvasive option to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. The Assisi Loop therapy is designed for in-home use, making treatment easier and more convenient.
To see how physical therapy can help your pet, visit our special
webpage for information and video demonstrations. If your pet can benefit from this therapeutic option, our doctors will design a program specifically based on your pet’s needs. Each physical therapy treatment plan will also incorporate at-home exercises, allowing you to play an active role in your pet’s recovery.
Arthritis is also effectively treated with pet approved medications (NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and supplements (like glucosamine and chondroitin). NSAIDs are used to manage joint inflammation due to arthritis. But before you think an NSAID you may be taking is the same as a pet’s NSAID…
it’s not! Pet medications are different than those prescribed for humans. It is also important that you
NEVER give your pets Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. These medications can cause serious, potentially fatal problems when given to dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, arthritis is not curable, but it is manageable by providing your pet with effective pain relief. After a thorough exam, our doctors will create an individualized plan for your pet that may include such treatment options as; weight management, physical therapy, medications, and supplements. If you feel your pet is experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of arthritis, call us today at
(205) 967-7383 to schedule your pet’s exam.
A Passion for Pets
Sincerely,
Julie Grimes, DVM
