Although there may be numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, not all dog owners seem to experience these advantages. Dog health is a noted impediment to dog walking, but specific reasons for and effects of reduced exercise in dog owners with health issues have not yet been documented. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how canine osteoarthritis affected dog walking activity using a qualitative methodology.
Through veterinary practices, owners of dogs with osteoarthritis in the United Kingdom (UK) were sought out to participate in a semi-structured interview about life with an osteoarthritic dog. Before their dog developed osteoarthritis, participants were asked to think back on walks they had taken with him or her and to describe how those walks had changed. Verbatim transcripts of the interviews were used, and thematic analysis was used to create the main themes.
Forty owners of 35 osteoarthritic dogs were interviewed. Before their dog developed osteoarthritis, owners typically chose the distance, speed, and location of their dog walks to meet the needs and interests of both the dog and the walker. After receiving a diagnosis of canine osteoarthritis, owners and their dogs changed the route of their walks. Typically, walks were slower, shorter, and restricted to areas where the owner believed their dog could navigate the terrain, underfoot surfaces, and gradients. Due to guilt and the fact that it was less fun to walk without a dog, the majority of owners did not go on additional walks without their pet. The condition of their dog was cited by many owners as having an adverse impact on their own physical health and reducing their enjoyment of walking.
According to our research, dogs with osteoarthritis may require less walking than their owners are able or willing to provide. This is a crucial finding for those who support dog ownership as a beneficial public health intervention because osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs. There may be ways to make sure that dog owners who experience physical limitations can still benefit from the health advantages of dog walking. Future research on dog walking should ensure that the dog’s health status has been taken into consideration.
Negotiation between walker and dog is a necessary part of the complicated public activity of walking a dog [1]. The majority of dog walking research has concentrated on the health benefits of walking exercise. Dog walking has been shown to have positive effects on owners’ physical and mental health [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. According to a meta-analysis of the dog walking literature [10], dog owners walk for an average of more minutes per week than non-dog owners, and getting a dog may result in a sustained increase in physical activity. Following studies with similar results, some authors have proposed that owning a dog and walking a dog could be beneficial public health initiatives to combat human obesity [5, 7, 8] and to enhance physical and mental health [9]. There is a persistent issue with dog overpopulation, and it is estimated that 50% of dogs visiting veterinary clinics in the UK are overweight or obese [11]. Consequently, an increase in dog ownership and dog walking may have effects on canine welfare.
However, the same meta-analysis [10] showed that not all dog owners walked more than those who did not own a dog. Environmental and psychological factors that drive people to walk their dogs include a sense of duty, the support and motivation a dog offers, a welcoming, safe, and interesting environment, a desire to stay in shape or lose weight, and the chance to interact favorably with other dog owners and their pets [1, 4, 6]. Local laws governing when and where dogs can be exercised, owning a smaller, older, sicker, or less sociable dog, unfavorable weather, the owner’s health, and strained relationships with others using the same dog walking areas are possible barriers [1, 4]. Numerous studies [1, 4, 13, 14] emphasize the value for the owner of believing their dog is appreciating their walk.
While numerous studies have identified the dog’s health as a hindrance to dog walking, their effects on the dog walker have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Osteoarthritis is estimated to affect the joints of 2. 5% of all dogs in the United Kingdom [15]. It results in stiffness and pain, which may negatively affect the dog’s desire to walk and its capacity to do so [16]. Veterinarians may advise dog owners to restrict their dogs’ exercise in order to help manage their condition [17]. However, it has not been studied how a dog’s orthopaedic health status may affect its owners’ walking habits. Involved parties, such as veterinary professionals, owners, and public health policy makers, should be better able to comprehend the complexities of interaction between dog and owner during walking exercise as a result of such research.
The purpose of this study was to determine how dog walks are affected when a dog develops osteoarthritis. Semi-structured interviews with owners of osteoarthritic dogs were used to learn how dog walks changed both before and after the diagnosis.
Fifty-eight owners of osteoarthritic dogs expressed interest in participation. Due to data saturation, four people only expressed interest after the study had ended, and two dogs were put down before their owners’ interviews could be conducted. As a result, fifteen people later declined to be interviewed. The management of 32 osteoarthritic dogs was discussed by 40 participants during 32 interviews. Male and female participants who met all requirements for the sampling frame were chosen from the rural Westcountry to inner-city Scotland (Supplementary Data 1, Additional file 1). Participants ranged in age and background. Interviews ranged from 52 to 170 min in duration. Four themes were constructed. The information below is part of the theme’s subtheme on how osteoarthritis in dogs affects owners. Illustrative exemplary quotes are included. When more than one person participated in an interview, their quotes are referred to as interviewee a or b depending on when they first spoke during the interview.
The importance of warming up first
All human athletes, from swimmers to tennis players, are aware that it is imperative to warm up before putting their bodies through their paces. The same holds true for people who exercise on four legs, particularly if they have arthritis.
Before moving on to something a little bit more taxing, your dog needs to warm up by moving slowly and easily. This gives your dog the chance to stretch their muscles, loosen up their joints, and encourage the flow of joint fluid. Your dog will experience more range of motion, less pain, and a lower risk of sprains and other injuries as a result.
Your dog with arthritis will warm up safely if you follow these easy tips:
Try out some of the top exercises for dogs with arthritis once your dog is warmed up and ready to go.
Possibly the simplest form of exercise for a dog with arthritis is a walk Naturally, this will differ somewhat from the strolls you and your dog used to take when they were younger.
The length of a dog’s walk depends on how much they can handle it, but you should be aware that it will be shorter and the pace will be a little slower than usual. Some dogs may benefit from short, leisurely strolls of 5 to 10 minutes, while others may be able to handle longer walks.
Keeping your dog on a leash will also prevent them from breaking into a run when they see someone or something exciting. A harness rather than a collar can also lessen the strain on their muscles.
Lastly, while slight inclinations and declines are acceptable, stay away from anything too steep.
Swimming is a low-impact activity that is excellent for arthritic dogs. Paddling helps your dog build muscles, improve joint range of motion, and lose weight all while putting little strain on their joints.
Finding a local animal rehab or physio center that offers hydrotherapy is the safest way to take your dog swimming. Another good choice is a swimming pool that is appropriate for dogs, but doing so with other dogs could cause some animals to become overexcited and exert themselves.
As an alternative, look for a nearby lake, river, or dog-friendly beach. However, be cautious of any potential dangers in or near the water, such as soft sand, seaweed, or strong currents.
Your dog’s joints may be sore and stiff, but they are still powerful sniffing machines, so why not take advantage of that and keep them moving?
The main goal of scent games is to train your dog to detect certain odors. You could teach them to find treats you’ve hidden around the house, for instance, or teach them to play hide-and-seek with you. For dogs who are fixated on balls, playing hide-and-seek with a tennis ball is a good alternative.
Regardless of which option you go with, using your dog’s nose to work is a great way to keep them active and stimulate their minds.
A wobble board, also referred to as a balance board, is most famous for being used in agility training to increase a dog’s strength and flexibility. However, a wobble board can also be a very useful tool for strengthening the muscles and joints of an arthritic dog.
The concept is that your dog stands on a tilting platform that shifts their weight from side to side, strengthening the supporting muscles in the process (the degree of tilt is adjusted to meet your dog’s needs). You can learn from an animal physiotherapist how to use a wobble board to treat your dog’s arthritis.
Light exercises like walking and swimming help maintain the flexibility of ligaments and tendons, fight obesity, and increase blood flow to sore joints. Keep them brief but consistent; 15 to 30 minutes five days a week is a great place to start. Due to the fact that the water supports a large portion of the body weight and prevents sudden, excessive movements, swimming is especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis. While cats with arthritis might not be as eager to swim, they can still engage in brief periods of gentle play. Just be mindful to refrain from putting your dog or cat in situations where they must leap, jump, turn quickly, or run. They can cause damage to your pets joints. 3. Warm Up.
A veterinarian will be better able to help you combine your pet’s individual needs with exercise, diet, and medications or therapies. A vet can also keep an eye on your pet’s development and spot any significant health changes. : Annette Shaff / Shutterstock2. Go Low-impact.
For exercise, cool-downs are just as crucial as warm-ups. Your pet may be hyper as they finish their exercise regimen, jumping, running, or engaging in rough play. This is not good and can in fact be harmful. To help them relax, gradually lower their heart rate until it is at an ideal resting level. Cooling down also helps the body remove lactic acids, which decreases stiffness and soreness. Massage therapy during “cool-downs” reduces arthritis-related muscle pain and stiffness. : berna namoglu / Shutterstock5. Watch for Signs of Exertion.
Pets with arthritis can move more easily when low-impact exercise is started after a brief period of walking or gentle play. It also gradually raises their heart rate while easing muscle injuries, cramps, and sprains. Try offering your pet a small healthy treat or some positive affection (petting, cuddling, etc.) as a small incentive if they are reluctant to move because their joints hurt. ). A positive exercise experience is a happy one. : Elena Stepanova / Shutterstock4. Cool Down.
Watch out for signs of overexertion such as heavy panting, pain, and other symptoms. If they do, stop what you’re doing right away and speak with a veterinarian. When exercising, don’t rush things, especially if your pet isn’t used to a lot of activity.
One last thing before we part ways: remember that doing something is always preferable to doing nothing.
Think swimming, walking, and gentle play. Low-impact exercises improve range of motion, burn calories, and stimulate blood flow to stiff joints. They are also great for the cardiovascular system. As the water is very soothing to muscles, supports much of their body weight, and prevents sudden movements that could cause injury, swimming is an especially wonderful activity for dogs with arthritis.
Finding the right level and kind of activity for your dog can be found by abiding by a few straightforward dos and don’ts. Here are the essential guidelines for exercising your arthritic dog safely and effectively.
Avoid engaging in activities that require your dog to jump, leap, turn quickly, or run, like Frisbee or long-range fetch. This is a recipe for injury in arthritic dogs whose joints are already compromised.
Any dog with arthritis needs to regularly exercise, it’s just a matter of finding the right balance.
FAQ
How far should I walk my arthritic dog?
In conclusion, the best medical advice for canines with arthritis is to exercise frequently, ideally for 30 to 60 minutes each day, and to refrain from high-impact activities like running, jumping, and rough play.
Should I walk my dog if he is limping with arthritis?
Owners of dogs with arthritis can take them for walks in their local areas. Dogs could stay active throughout the day by taking brief walks. Without putting undue strain on their joints, this activity will help their muscles loosen up.
How can I help my dog’s arthritis?
- Orthopedic Beds, Steps & Ramps. Provide orthopedic bedding away from cold or damp drafts.
- Massages & Body Work. …
- Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine. …
- Exercise & Water Therapy. …
- Therapeutic Laser Treatment. …
- Joint Supplements. …
- Adequan Injections. …
- Tramadol.
How can I strengthen my dogs back legs with arthritis?
Dogs with hip or back leg arthritis can benefit from ascending hills because it exercises their hindquarters. The gluteals and hamstring group of muscles are tense and extended as the dog walks uphill to provide propulsion. These muscles support the hip joint.