7 Tips on How to Help your Pet with Joint Pain

Joint pain don't just occur to senior pets only, some young pets may also suffer from stiff joints. Arthritis and joint inflammation are quite common in pets and you might just save them from a lot of pain by catching it earlier. If you suspect your pet is suffering from joint pain, bring them to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.  

Causes of Joint Pain in your Pet

During the aging process, your pet's joint may naturally degenerate, causing joint pain. Cartilages and ligaments act as a cushion between bones at a joint. As your pet gets older, it may deteriorate and become less flexible. Injury, infection, and dislocation of the joint can also cause arthritis in pets. A traumatic injury scenario where a pet is hit by a car might cause their joint to be exposed to contamination by environmental microorganisms. If your dog or cat is overweight, it might put strain and distress to their joint resulting in arthritis or any other joint disease too.  

Symptom

Pet owners should be wary and attentive to their pet's condition, and if you notice that they are acting weird, don't hesitate to bring your dog or cat to a veterinarian for a quick check-up, it can save you a lot of worries and doubts. Here are a few signs that your pet might be suffering from joints problem

• Decrease activity
• They have trouble getting up
• Your pets avoid walking stairs at home
• They have trouble moving or jumping
• Hesitancy to move
• They get tired of walking
• Stiffness and slowness when getting up
• Limping or holding their limb up

 

How to Help your Pet with Joint Pain

1. Visit a Veterinarian

A quick trip to the veterinary can help your pet get an accurate diagnosis. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose which types of arthritis your pet has and which part of the body is affected. They will be able to advise you on supplements, food, medication, an exercise that can help your pet's arthritis. If you're unsure about which veterinary to visit, here's a list of Vets in Singapore. Keep the list in handy and make sure you take note of vets that are nearest to your home in case of other emergencies too.    

2. Overweight can cause Joint Pain

Obese dogs and cats are the main cause of joint pain, keeping them lean can avoid a long way of health issues. With proper weight loss and diet, it can reduce the strain of joint and decrease joint inflammation in your pet. You can do so by providing the right foods and supplements for your pet. Do so by slowly decrease daily calorie consumption of their meals but take note not to cut their meals in half immediately but lessen their calories intake gradually.    

3. Antioxidants can help your Pet with Joint Pain

Did you know a healthy dose of antioxidant intake can help with arthritis? Antioxidants are very good at fighting free radicals and preventing cell damage, it can also prevent cancer and heart disease. Blueberries, apples, and turmeric (also an anti-inflammatory agent) are examples of food that are high in antioxidants.    

4. Physical Activities

Regular exercise can build up muscle mass that can strengthen your pet's muscles and protect their joints. You can discuss with your veterinarian on particular exercises that can help with arthritis. Vigorous play involving leaping, jumping and turning is to be avoided for pets suffering from arthritis.    

5. Comfortable Bed

If your pet is experiencing joint pain or arthritis, a soft and warm bed can help them heal and rest better. Avoid cold and moisture environment, give your pet a cozy blanket to keep them warm. We heal and recover when we sleep, so does your pet too, so make sure they are comfortable when they sleep    

6. Supplements for Joint Pain

Fish oil has anti-inflammatory property while chondroitin and glucosamine have regenerative properties for joints. They are effective for pain reduction, joint inflammation reduction, and increased joint mobility. Dosage of supplements varies for your dogs or cats based on their weight and also the severity of their joint condition, you would want to avoid overdose as it might result in vomiting or diarrhea. It's best recommended for you to speak with your veterinarian before feeding your pet supplements.    

7. Medication

Prescription veterinary pain medications such as Aspirin and other NSAIDs can offer relief from joint pain and inflammation for your dog.  

Cat and Dog treats to prevent Joint Pain

Prevent is better than cure, and that is why we are here to introduce you to some drool-worthy treats for your cats and dogs! Not only if it's tasty, but it is also healthy! Did you know, all of Happi Doggy Dog Treats and Ciao Cat Treats are rich in Vitamin E, Omega 3 and Omega 6 can lower inflammation and arthritis pain. CIAO Soft Bits Mix –Tuna and Chicken Fillet with Dried Bonito Scallop and Squid Flavour Cat Treats (25g) Happi Doggy Dog Treats Dental Chew Zest Milk Petite 2.5” Size (150g)