Arthritis Management

Signs of Arthritis

As an owner, you are with the dog day in and day out and are the most qualified to notice subtle changes in your dog’s mobility or behavior.

So what should you be on the lookout for?

• Slowness when changing positions or when rising from lying down
• Stiffness that may or may not go away after a bit of walking or movement
• Intermittent lameness, especially after exercise
• Hesitant to jump in the car, onto the couch, or go up the stairs
• Slowing down on walks or less willing to go the normal distance
• Unusual or increasing amount of stops during walks

Treatment Approaches

Our first instinct may be to start administering joint supplements or pain meds to help our dogs feel better, but the truth is, that it takes a multimodal approach. A multimodal approach is one that includes the following things:

• Pain Control
• Weight Management
• Regular Low-Impact Exercise
• Joint Protection
• Physical Rehabilitation

Unfortunately, our first inclination is to let our dog relax and not “push too hard," similar to our sweet grandparents whom we love to lock arms with and help up every curb we see.

But as you can see from the list, our multimodal approach is going to take some targeted exercise and rehabilitation techniques to start making a difference.

How Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Can Help

At Alpha Rehabilitation and Fitness, our Canine Rehab Practitioners are trained to evaluate your dog from a movement and functional perspective. Ask yourself the following:

• Is your dog having trouble taking the stairs?
• Have you stopped being able to take your pup out on the weekends with your spouse to hike?
• Is your dog no longer able to jump on the couch and lie down with you to cuddle?
• Is there a muscle flexibility restriction, pain in the joints, or a decrease in body awareness or balance?

These are all examples of functional activities, and as canine rehabilitation practitioners, we identify what specifically is holding your dog back from being able to do those things.

If you notice any signs of Arthritis in your dog, do not hesitate to contact Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness at (908) 454-2273.