Arthritis is one of the most common ailments older pets can suffer from. It is a chronic pain that occurs when an unstable joint causes the bones to move abnormally within the joint. Over time, this unnatural movement leads to the erosion of the cartilage lining the joints. As the bones rub against each other, chronic inflammation develops. Large and giant breed dogs are particularly prone to arthritis, but it can affect any dog or cat breed.
Massage therapy helps ease arthritis by improving the range of motion and stimulating blood circulation to the bones, directly nourishing them. Regular massage sessions keep joints well-nourished and lubricated, which maintains or even increases the range of motion. As a result, your pet experiences less pain, and their mobility improves.
So, how can you tell if your dog or cat has arthritis? While an official diagnosis requires a vet (who will conduct a physical exam, an x-ray, or possibly an analysis of joint fluid), there are a few clues to watch for:
- Limping
- “Slowing down” — not walking as much or as far as they used to, taking stairs more slowly, or showing other signs of general fatigue
- Difficulty standing up
- Staying in one place instead of following you around
- Taking longer to recover after a day of playing
- Cats may urinate or defecate outside their litter box because they find it difficult to jump in
- Cats may groom excessively in areas where they feel soreness (dogs may lick sore areas too)
- Irritability due to pain
- Muscle atrophy as they get less exercise
- Behavioral changes, such as not eating as usual or showing signs of depression due to pain
Overweight dogs and cats have a harder time managing arthritis, so one of the best things you can do, besides massage therapy, is ensure your arthritic pet maintains a healthy weight. Supplementation with glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids can help, but balancing your pet’s diet should be done with your vet’s advice. Your vet may also recommend CBD oil or pain medication.
You might also consider hydrotherapy wraps, such as hot wraps placed strategically over the affected joints. This is a service I provide, and I also have a Hydrotherapy How-To (for dogs) video available on the Kurī K9 Massage website, where you can learn how to perform this method at home with your vet’s approval: Hydrotherapy Wraps for Dogs.
Light, brief exercise throughout the day, rather than longer play sessions or walks, can help keep the joints loose and tone atrophied muscles, especially in the earlier stages of arthritis. Traction is important, too, so ensure your pet has plenty of carpeting or yoga mats to walk on. If your pet will wear them, socks with traction pads on the soles can also help. Ramps or steps to assist your pet in getting up and down from the couch or bed are beneficial as well. A comfortable, supportive bed is also key.
Arthritis does not have to be debilitating. As you can see, there are many ways to help relieve your pet’s arthritic pain—and your fur baby will thank you!
Article by Regan Macaulay, Owner of Kuri K9 Massage
After extensive training through Treetops Animal Massage Certification Program (Ontario), I started my mobile business, Kuri K9 Massage in 2013 to help Toronto and GTA pets live healthier, happier lives by relieving physical and emotional pain and tension, thereby also relieving stress for fur baby moms and dads—boosting quality of life together for longer. I offer Swedish massage therapy to dogs and cats young and old, as well as reflexology, lymphatic drainage massage, sports massage, acupressure, and hydrotherapy wraps, as well as distance Reiki.
Website: https://www.kurik9massage.com/
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