Dr. V is a veterinarian and the creator of Pawcurious, a blog that covers amusing, instructive, and sentimental pet-related topics. Each day Dr. V struggles in the drama of life at a small-animal veterinary clinic with dogs, cats, and emotions. Today she shares her experiences with pet osteoarthritis.
Winter is quickly approaching, making it a good time to be aware of the signs of osteoarthritis, one of the most prevalent conditions affecting senior dogs and cats (yes, cats can develop arthritis!).
Cold weather can wreak havoc on diseased joints and cause a great deal of discomfort, as those who have the same condition can attest. But with a little planning and coordination with your veterinarian, your pet can stay cheerful through the upcoming cold months.
What is osteoarthritis? Arthritis (i. e. joint inflammation) can have a variety of causes. Some of the most frequent causes of a painful joint include previous trauma, degenerative disease, developmental disorders, and infection. Even though the majority of people associate arthritis with “old dogs,” it can affect all types of animals and all ages of pets.
The symptoms of arthritis are numerous, frequently subtle, and may not be noticed until the disease is well advanced. Because pets with arthritis don’t typically cry out in pain, many owners mistakenly believe that their elderly pet is “just slowing down” rather than suffering from a treatable medical condition.
Slowness when getting up from the floor or sitting down, especially in the morning, being a little cautious on the stairs, and a subtle but persistent limp can all be noticed by owners. Even more subtle disease symptoms may only appear in cats as a reluctance to jump onto a bed or counter.
There are numerous treatment options that can help your pet age gracefully and feel more spry and limber well into his or her golden years once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis of arthritis.
Options for treatment: Many people who visit my clinic say, “Oh, he’s slowing down, but he’s just getting older,” as if there is nothing that can be done. The following are a few of the potential treatments I discuss with patients in my clinic:
The bottom line is that there are numerous methods for treating arthritis, and the ones that combine more than one of the aforementioned remedies are the most effective. You can do a lot to enhance your arthritic pet’s quality of life with the help of your veterinarian and your own dedication!
How to Help Your Canine with Arthritis Pain on “Bad Weather” Days
You should pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and body language if you know the weather is causing conditions that could make arthritis pain worse. Look out for indications that they are in pain, such as lethargy, a lack of interest in food, a limp or a decreased level of mobility. From there, you can decide for them based on how uncomfortable they are.
So, what are some remedies for your dog’s discomfort and stiff joints brought on by the weather?
What is osteoarthritis? Arthritis (i. e. joint inflammation) can have a variety of causes. Some of the most frequent causes of a painful joint include previous trauma, degenerative disease, developmental disorders, and infection. Even though the majority of people associate arthritis with “old dogs,” it can affect all types of animals and all ages of pets.
Options for treatment: Many people who visit my clinic say, “Oh, he’s slowing down, but he’s just getting older,” as if there is nothing that can be done. The following are a few of the potential treatments I discuss with patients in my clinic:
There are numerous treatment options that can help your pet age gracefully and feel more spry and limber well into his or her golden years once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis of arthritis.
The bottom line is that there are numerous methods for treating arthritis, and the ones that combine more than one of the aforementioned remedies are the most effective. You can do a lot to enhance your arthritic pet’s quality of life with the help of your veterinarian and your own dedication!
Slowness when getting up from the floor or sitting down, especially in the morning, being a little cautious on the stairs, and a subtle but persistent limp can all be noticed by owners. Even more subtle disease symptoms may only appear in cats as a reluctance to jump onto a bed or counter.
Some individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) assert that their joints can signal the arrival of cold weather. Your grandfather might say, “Blizzard’s coming, I can feel it in my knee.” There’s a decent chance that cold weather will cause your dog’s joints to feel stiff and achy in the same way that it does for human joints.
Typically, the synovial fluid within the joint is a little bit thicker than water. The fluid’s increased viscosity during colder weather may cause the joint to feel stiffer. As temperatures drop, it’s also possible that the muscles supporting the joint become less flexible. Additionally, given that people may spend more time indoors during the winter, a pet with arthritis might not receive the regular walks and exercise required to maintain mobility. So, what’s a dog owner to do?.
Although human research on this subject is inconclusive, there are a number of theories In osteoarthritic joints, the cartilage lining the bones’ surface is worn away or damaged, revealing delicate nerves beneath. It’s possible that variations in barometric pressure could aggravate the nerves even more and result in more discomfort.
FAQ
Does the cold make my dogs arthritis worse?
Cooler temperatures can exacerbate sore joints in pets, making them more stiff and painful, similar to how they do in humans with arthritis. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to keep your pet’s joints moving more freely and lessen the effects of the winter chills until springtime returns.
What causes arthritis to flare up in dogs?
Specifically in overweight dogs, age-related joint wear and tear is one of the three main causes of osteoarthritis. Growing puppies with joint damage are typically larger breeds and are caused by a combination of genetics, excessive exercise, rapid growth, and poor diet.
Does warm weather help arthritis in dogs?
The tissues are flexible and easy to move in warm, high pressure conditions. In the warm, sunny months, dogs are more active and generally feel better. However, as the low pressure and cold air move in, tissues may lose their flexibility and joints may swell. This can lead to stiffness, pain, and generally less activity.
Can cold weather make my dog limp?
Winter’s damp, chilly conditions make ill joints swell, which makes them more painful. When first exercising, these dogs stand up from lying down more slowly, limp, or display discomfort. They might not want to go on walks, fetch toys, or even go outside to urinate or defecate.