Canine Arthritis Exercise
" Canine arthritis exercise is an important and necessary part of slowing down arthritis. Walking is a preferred form of exercise for periods of 20 minutes or more, depending on your pets strength. Swimming is also a good alternative to walking. "
Canine Arthritis Exercise
Canine arthritis exercise and changes in a dogs exercise routine is one of the first questions asked after arthritis is diagnosed.
This can be a difficult question to answer since exercise may put too much strain on arthritic joints, while no exercise may contribute to weight gain, muscle weakness and decreased joint flexibility.
According to the anti-inflammatory drug Zubrin(tm), low-impact exercise has the following benefits for dogs with arthritis:
- Exercise increases strength and stamina
- It helps joint mobility
- It aids weight management
- Exercise stimulates joint cartilage metabolism
- Decreases the need for pain relieving medications
According to an article published by Denis J. Marcellin-Little DEDV, dogs with osteoarthritis will benefit from activities such as "walking and trotting, walking with resistance provided by water or elastic bands, sit-to-stand exercises, swimming, and walking on an underwater treadmill."
Podcast on Managing Arthritis in Dogs
The American Veterinary Medical Association developed this podcast full of helpful tips for managing arthritis in dogs.
Low Impact Arthritis Exercise For Dog
Low Impact Exercise such as walking is an option. Start with short walks on a leash for 10 to 20 minutes. Add time as your dog is able. If your dog is unable to walk or has trouble standing. you can help by slinging a towel under the belly and then pulling up on both ends, lifting the dog into a standing position.
If your dog has osteoarthritis, it is possible that your dog's level of pain will change depending on the day. You know your dog and can see if he or she is excited to go for a walk or is acting lethargic.
Until you know your dog's condition you want to avoid activities that strain the joints such as jumping (onto or off a couch for example), stairs, running on hard surfaces such as the street, soft services such as sand, catching games or spinning.
Many dogs just want to have fun, but health first, so you need to be the parent of an active dog.
Low Impact Canine Arthritis Exercise Routine
10 Minutes - Warm Up
Spend 5 to 10 minutes in a slow warm up such as a slow paced walk
20-30 Minutes - Aerobic
Match activities to your dogs ability such as a fast leash walk. Your dog could accompany you while you jog or even bike. Build up to 5 days per week.
If you have access to a place where your dog can swim, it is an excellent way to introduce low impact aerobic exercise.
20-30 Minutes - Play
Play is a great way to keep your dog active. Go with your dogs favorite game, or play with a ball, Frisbee or anything else that keeps your dog interest.
5-10 Minutes - Cool Off
Slow down the pace with a gentle walk and be sure to give your dog water.
Arthritis exercise for dog is an important part of their arthritis treatment.
Nutritional Management for Dog Arthritis
In addition to exercise, nutritional management can help a dog with arthritis. Common approaches include the use of supplements such as fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3.
Natural remedies can also help to improve joint and muscle health and reduce the severity of symptoms. One product to consider for this purpose is Joint and Muscle Support.
Non Traditional Approaches to Helping a Dog with Arthritis
Many of the approaches that have been proven helpful in people are being used to help dogs with arthritis. These approaches and canine arthritis exercise can be administered by a canine physical therapist. Non traditional approaches include:
Dog Massage: Canine massage may help to decrease muscle tension and pain. It can also help to relax tissues, decrease muscle spasms, improve blood flow and improve flexibility.
Dog Joint Mobilization: This approach is involves the manual displacement of one bone to another. Human studies have shown this approach to be helpful in osteoarthritis of the knee.Acupuncture:
often used in addition to other therapies in dogs.
Magnetic Therapy:
This approach uses magnets to decrease muscle pain and improve
function.
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References:
American Veterinary Medical Association
Pain Management for Canine Osteoarthritis, P. Roudebush, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, USA.
Benefits of physical therapy for osteoarthritic patients
Denis J. Marcellin-Little DEDV, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ECVS
College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, North Carolina
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