Osteoarthritis is problem we have a number of different ways to help:
- Weight management there are several studies that show that weight reduction can help in many ways with reducing the pain of osteoarthritis. We know that losing weight off your pet seems daunting and difficult but we can support you through this process.
- Regular exercise to prevent joints from becoming “stiff” and encourage blood flow to the cartilage. Consistent, little and often is the best approach, try every other day if your pet is really sore after walking. Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise for arthritic pets.
- Joint supplements help to reduce inflammation in the joint and in-turn creates healthier joint fluid. This can slow down progression of arthritis as well as reduce pain levels. Beware not all joint supplements are created equal. They take 6-8 weeks to start to take effect, ideally use for 2-3 months before judging the response.
- Formulated diets there are several veterinary quality diets that are formulated with the joint supplements in the diet. These diets are scientifically proven to help with osteoarthritis.
- Pain relief in some cases we can try all the options above and our pets may still struggle with pain. In these instances, or with moderate to severe arthritis we can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We have several different options to trial and also closely monitor for any side effects.
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