How To Manage & Reduce Arthritic Pain in Pets During Winter?

Arthritis is a common problem among people which usually worsens during the winter season when the air pressure drops allowing our tissues to swell. This swelling often results in stiffness or pain. Joint or muscle stiffness is common even for the ones who have not been diagnosed with arthritis. Did you know that arthritis can affect our paw babies too? Yes, that’s true. Our furry friends can also suffer from the disheartening effects of arthritis and feel genuinely uncomfortable or distressed when the temperature dips. While doctors and scientists are yet to unearth the root cause of it, what best we can do is to help our fur babies manage this condition better, i.e., once they are diagnosed with it.  

Arthritis: An Introduction  

We would discuss the most common type of arthritis that affects both humans and furries, i.e., ‘Osteoarthritis’. This type of arthritis is mainly caused due to the wear and tear of the joints as age progresses. As the age begins to hit numbers, the cartilage of the joint begins to erode. This cartilage is the connecting tissue that lies between the bones and joints and is responsible for keeping our bones and joints together. This damage to the cartilage can happen due to an old injury as well as due to excessive weight, which puts pressure on the joints. Our furries get affected by it mostly in the knees, spine, and hips.  

At first, it may appear in the form of mild discomfort which gradually progresses toward becoming painful. The furry can even suffer from fever if the pain is not detected or managed in time. Being overweight or old are two major contributing factors to the progression of this condition. Even though the disease is progressive and does not have a cure, the pain can very well be diminished, and the speed of the progression can be positively slowed.  

How To Manage & Arthritis Pain in Pets? 

Every paw baby is unique. Every breed responds differently to arthritis. While it is common in large breed dogs who weigh more and move less such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Great Danes, German Shepherds, etc., while it is uncommon in small or toy breed dogs. Upon assessment, the vet decides on the apt. course of treatment and medication. You can start with a basic vet consultation before getting referred to a specialist.  

The treatment usually consists of a combination of a healthy, negative or reduced-calorie diet, massage therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs and health supplements. Appropriate weight reduction is generally recommended along with certain activities and exercises.  

To increase the activity of the fur baby, you can find engaging games and toys for them at a pet shop or at an online pet store.   

Medications and Supplements 

The vet can prescribe certain medications that are anti-inflammatory in nature, or they could be a corticosteroid. Both medication types work towards reducing inflammation. For medium to severe cases, the doctor can inject certain medications that work on repairing the cartilage and protecting it against further wear and tear. They can prescribe certain health supplements as well.  

Keep the Furries Warm and Cosy  

Keeping our purries and woofies comfortable and warm is important during the winter season to prevent the bad effects of arthritis. Keeping them warm is healthy for the proper circulation of their blood and prevents any inflammation or swelling in the joints. A thick dog bed with a soft, fluffy blanket works best for them. You can keep the kitties warm by donning them in winter cat clothes, wool cat collars, etc. You can easily get branded winter cat or dog clothes online. Try not to limit them to closed spaces as they need the space to walk within the house. 

Is your fur feline or canine friend displaying the signs of arthritis or is feeling distressed more than usual with the rising dip in temperature? Go for a vet consultation online to get an initial assessment done. The final diagnosis can be confirmed once you visit a veterinarian. For booking a vet consultation online, you can get in touch with the Zigly team as well as the vet clinic at Zigly is well-equipped with all the modern pet care amenities at its disposal including a team of renowned vets and lab testing facilities as well.  

You can go with dog clothes like dog sweaters or dog sweatshirts for keeping them warm, so the swelling is minimal. Go for online dog shopping here or download the Zigly #MyPetCareApp to explore a wide range of fun and cozy winter wear for pets.