5 Exercises for Dogs with Osteoarthritis

5 Exercises for Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Diagnosing your dog with osteoarthritis (OA) is a shock that affects around 80% of dog parents. Canines over 8 years of age and potentially up to 35% of dogs of all ages suffer from OA. Though there are clinical treatments available to cure osteoarthritis, exercising is a great way to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Dogs with any stage of arthritis, with both moderate and severe symptoms, can benefit from exercising.

This blog will guide you with the top 5 exercises for dogs with osteoarthritis. These exercises will also help them to maintain a healthy weight, prevent muscle loss, and lessen the strain on their joints.

Therapeutic Home Exercises for Dogs with OA

Once your pooch is warmed up and good to go, you can start with some light-impact activities. Note that being consistent and patient with these sessions is the key.

Below are the 5 vet-approved exercises for dogs with osteoarthritis:

On-leash Walks

Just because your furry friend has arthritis does not mean going out for leisure walks should be out of the syllabus. A daily walk for an hour helps to get their joints moving. Remember, not to let your dog go off the leash. It is recommended to go for an on-leash walk at the park and avoid hard surfaces like concrete to avoid further pain.

Swimming

Dogs and puppies with OA mostly find exercising painful but they can still be comfortable with swimming. It is a form of exercise that puts less pressure on the joints due to the lightness of water. However, it is advised to let your dog swim in a temperature-controlled pool to avoid the risk of cold shocking their joints.

Gentle Stretching

Mild stretching can help with joint flexibility as well as muscle strength in dogs and puppies with OA. Simply, concentrate on stretching the muscles surrounding the affected joints, like the knees and hips. Also, you can request your veterinarian to demonstrate some stretching exercises and range of motion exercises for you to try at home.

Scent Hunts

Activities related to nose work help with mental stimulation and can be as fulfilling as exercising. It is also said that sniffing lowers the heart rate and works as a stress buster. Try scent hunt activities that allow your pooch to follow the smells at a slow and relaxed pace. You can simply start by hiding your dog’s favourite treat somewhere around the house. You can also use essential oils and professional equipment advised by experts.

Indoor Activities

Playing outside may involve jumping and running which may cause more joint pain. Hence, it is a great idea to involve your canine in indoor games and activities like fetch, hide and seek, etc. It will also help to limit their excitement and lessen the chances of injuries. Do not forget to offer low-calorie treats to reward your Fido after activities to promote more indoor playtime.

Safety tips for exercising your arthritic dog

Your canine’s doctor will probably advise you to make sure they get regular exercise if they are diagnosed with OA.

Walking and swimming are fantastic kinds of exercises that may help strengthen your dog’s muscles and reduce discomfort and disability. Moreover, it will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and will strengthen your relationship with them.

However, it must be carried out properly!

Here are the 5 safety tips for a good therapeutic home exercise program for your arthritic dog:

Warm-up and cool down

From swimming to indoor playtimes, it is important to warm up before starting to exercise. It helps to loosen stiff muscles and stimulate the joint fluid. Warming up can act as a building block for your dog’s exercise journey. This can be as simple as home training your Fido to sit down, stand up, wait, shake hands, etc.

Like, warming up, it is also crucial to bring cool-down activities to the table. It helps slow down their heart rate. You can simply do this with gentle rubs or a massage to relax your pooch and allow them to rest.

Don’t push too hard

Start slow and easy and avoid activities like fetch games, jumping, pacing, etc. Rather, go for low-impact activities that will limit the strain on their muscles and joints. Initially, it may be challenging and boring, however, it keeps away any potential risk of injury.

Consider the weather

Winter is an especially painful season for arthritis sufferers. When you take your dog outside, a warm jacket can help stiff and sore joints. However, your dog may require a little more time to warm up during cold weather. During the rainy season, remember to avoid wet surfaces that might be slippery and hazardous.

Watch their body language

Sometimes our fur babies get overexcited and do not realize that they are pushing themselves too hard. Because of this, it is necessary to watch for the signs of fatigue and to supervise your dog while playing or exercising. You must be aware of your dog’s body language and be able to identify the signs and symptoms of discomfort, even after they are done with the exercise.

Consult a vet

Should an arthritic dog be exercised at home? Yes, but be sure to speak with a veterinarian before beginning a new exercise program. The vet will help you evaluate your dog’s physical condition and assist you in creating a safe exercise regimen. Further, they may also talk about other joint pain relief therapies like hydrotherapy and/or canine physical therapy.

Bottom Line

Dogs with arthritis may experience severe pain and disability, but you can help them manage the condition. Consult a vet who can help in providing them with an exercise regime to enhance their quality of life. Additionally, you can also purchase joint pain relief essentials like sprays and supplements on from SingaporePetCare that are formulated to provide relief from pain and stiffness.

When exercising, always go at a slow and easy pace while keeping an eye out for any indications of pain or discomfort. Also, try to make necessary adjustments to your pet’s daily routine and cherish the time you spend with them.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *