Dear Cathy,

Our dog Lady is 10 years old.  About a year ago, I noticed she was limping with her right shoulder.  The veterinarian said it was arthritis and recommended we start her on Omega 3. A few months ago, I noticed she was also limping with her right leg.  The veterinarian said Lady’s arthritis is now in the right knee and will work its way to her spine. This makes me sad.

Lady has been a good companion and friend to me all these years through a lot of difficult times, including the death of my husband, moving, and remarrying.  We keep her as active as we can with one long and two short walks a day. We got her an extra soft bed, and a ramp to get in the car, but she does better with me lifting her into it. She can still get up and down on the couch by herself, but not as easily as she used to.  

Do you have any other recommendations on how to help dogs with arthritis, other than what we’re doing?  I don’t like to see her in pain. – Nancy

Dear Nancy,

I understand how concerning it must be to see Lady struggling with arthritis. It’s great that you’re already giving her Omega 3 supplements, ensuring she has comfortable bedding, and maintaining her activity with walks. Here are a few additional suggestions that might help Lady manage her arthritis more comfortably.

Have you considered going to a canine acupuncturist? Acupuncture can be highly beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation and improving mobility. You can ask your veterinarian for a referral to a practitioner or look for a holistic vet in your area.

Ask your vet for a referral for physical therapy. Depending on where you live, you may have the option to take Lady in for hydrotherapy. It provides exercise without putting stress on her joints. Many veterinary clinics and pet rehabilitation centers offer this service, which involves walking on an underwater treadmill.

Try giving Lady a 10-minute massage every day. Focus on the areas around her joints, but be gentle and watch for any signs of pain. A gentle massage can help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Your vet probably has already mentioned this, but switch Lady to a prescription diet specifically designed for joint health. This will provide her with nutrients that support joint function and reduce inflammation.

Consult your vet for recommendations on the best supplements for Lady. Besides Omega 3, consider other joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help maintain joint cartilage. If Lady’s pain becomes more severe, your vet might recommend pain relief medications. These can significantly improve her quality of life when used appropriately.

Additionally, you might want to consider heat therapy using a warm compress on her joints to reduce stiffness and pain. Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial to minimize stress on her joints, so keep an eye on her diet and weight. Gentle, low-impact exercises like swimming can also be beneficial, as they allow her to stay active without putting too much strain on her joints.

Meanwhile, continue to cherish your time with Lady, providing her with the love and care she’s known all these years. You’re doing a wonderful job, and your dedication to her well-being is heartwarming. 

Send your pet tips, stories and questions to cathy@petpundit.com. You can read her blog, Animals Matter, at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals/. Cathy is the author of several children’s books.