🔍 Understanding Canine Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility in dogs of all ages. It results when the smooth cartilage that cushions joints wears away, causing the bones to rub painfully. Common signs include:

• 🐾 Limping or stiffness, especially after rest
• 🚫 Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• 🛋️ Reduced activity or sleeping more
• 🐕 Changes in gait or posture

🩺 Why Physical Rehab Matters

Veterinarians often recommend physical rehabilitation as part of a multimodal arthritis plan. These therapies help:

• 💪 Strengthen muscles that support joints
• 🔄 Improve flexibility and joint motion
• 🔥 Reduce pain and inflammation
• 💧 Promote healing and circulation

These techniques should always be recommended and guided by your vet or a certified rehab therapist. Never attempt new therapies without approval. ⚠️

💆 Hands-On Therapies

• Massage: Relaxes muscles and improves circulation
• Stretching: Increases flexibility and eases stiffness
• Joint Manipulation: Lubricates joints and restores motion

These are often performed before or after exercise to ease discomfort and prime muscles. 👐

🏃 Therapeutic Exercise

Controlled, low-impact movement is vital for arthritic dogs. Benefits include:

• ⚖️ Weight management (reduces joint stress)
• 💪 Muscle strengthening
• 🔧 Improved joint mechanics

Examples include:

• 🚶‍♂️ Short leash walks
• 🏊 Swimming or water therapy
• 🚶‍♀️ Underwater treadmill sessions

Each dog’s program is customized and progressed carefully. 🐾

🧊 Cold Therapy

Applying an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) reduces swelling and numbs pain after exercise or during flare-ups. ❄️

🔥 Heat Therapy

Warm compresses or towels help loosen stiff joints before activity. Heat increases blood flow and flexibility. Useful options include:

• 🌡️ Warm towels
• 🌊 Moist heat packs
• 🌀 Therapeutic ultrasound (deep tissue)

🔦 Laser Therapy

Laser light energy is applied to the joints to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and manage chronic pain. This therapy is non-invasive and calming for many pets. 🧬

⚡ Electrical Stimulation (Estim)

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Numbs nerve pain
• NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation): Strengthens muscles via electrical contraction

These treatments require fur shaving and should be performed by trained professionals only. 🧠

💥 Shockwave Therapy

High-energy sound waves are applied to joints to encourage healing and reduce inflammation. Often used for dogs with tough-to-treat arthritis or post-surgical recovery. 🔊

🪡 Acupuncture

This ancient technique uses tiny needles to stimulate pressure points that reduce pain, improve nerve function, and lower inflammation. Many dogs find acupuncture calming and benefit from regular sessions. 🧘‍♀️

📋 Summary Table: Arthritis Rehab Options

🏠 What You Can Do at Home

• 🛏️ Provide soft, orthopedic bedding
• 🪜 Use ramps instead of stairs
• 🍽️ Keep your dog at a healthy weight
• 🎾 Avoid high-impact games (e.g., fetch, jumping)
• 🐟 Use approved joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3s)

🔧 Ask A Vet Can Help

Looking for a rehab plan tailored to your dog? Use the Ask A Vet app to connect with veterinary experts, share your dog’s mobility videos, and get support selecting safe, effective rehab options. 🐶💬

🐾 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of your dog’s active life. With a smart rehab plan, ongoing support, and compassionate care, your dog can enjoy greater comfort, mobility, and joy. 💙🐾