Take the 5 Step Challenge

The joys of being a dog’s best friend are many. But with this relationship comes responsibility. Fortunately, many of the steps involved in being a good caretaker for your dog are also enjoyable and rewarding. Consider these five areas as you care for your dog. They apply to any dog, young or old, but can be especially helpful if your canine pal has osteoarthritis or is at risk for developing it.

While some dogs whine and whimper when they are uncomfortable, most do not. Because your dog cannot talk, changes in behavior are his way of telling you something is wrong. A condition such as canine arthritis is painful, but does not develop overnight. Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly, sometimes flaring up when your dog has done something strenuous and then subsiding.
 

The early signs of arthritis are subtle. When you are on that walk, you may notice that he is slowing down a little. It is easy to attribute these changes to the fact that your beloved pet is simply getting a little older — but do not make that assumption. If your dog is not running and playing like normal, chances are it is because something is making him feel less like being active. If he has arthritis, that something is pain.
 

The bottom line: Your dog needs you to watch and notice when he starts to slow down or behave differently — even if the differences seem like normal aging. Let your veterinarian know about any changes you see.

Preparing for a visit to the veterinarian is a lot like preparing for your own annual checkup. Think about your dog’s health and behavior beforehand. Give your dog’s health some thought before you are in the exam room, because you will be answering questions from the veterinarian on behalf of your dog.
 

Questions about diet, dental care and skin problems are common questions for pet owners. Your veterinarian is likely to ask you about your dog’s urinary habits, food and water intake, and exercise. A weight check, routine blood tests and discussions about parasites also are part of almost every checkup.
 

This is the time to bring up those slight changes you may have noticed in your dog’s activity level or mobility. Your veterinarian does not know your dog as well as you do and depends on you for this information.

Just as maintaining a normal, healthy weight is important to your health, the same is true for your dog. Pounds may creep up as he goes from being an energetic puppy to a more sedate adult. While dogs come in all shapes and sizes, every one of them should have a waist! If your pet’s silhouette does not resemble an hourglass as you view him from the top, chances are he is getting out of shape.
 

Because of increased stress on joints, dogs that are overweight are at increased risk for developing arthritis. By the same token, dogs with untreated arthritis may gain weight, because pain restricts their activity level.
 

Veterinarians can score your dog’s body condition to determine whether he needs to go on a weight-reduction program.

Taking simple steps to keep your dog comfortable can make a big difference. If your dog has arthritis, for example, keep her in a warm, dry environment, since joints tend to ache when it is cold and damp. Apply a little heat, such as a warm towel, to comfort sore joints. But if a joint is swollen, cold packs are a better choice to reduce swelling.
 

It is important to think through the basics in her life. Make sure an arthritic dog has a soft bed to lie on. Place food and water bowls at a level that is easy to reach. Do not make her struggle to get in and out of the car. And handle her with a little extra care — some of the roughhousing that you once enjoyed may need to be replaced with more gentle interaction.
 

Your veterinarian also has ways to help make your dog more comfortable, including medication and physical therapy.
 

Medications
Arthritis is a painful condition. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs. Managing this pain is vital to maintaining your dog’s quality of life. Reducing pain also makes it easier for her to get the exercise she needs to help manage her weight and keep her joints mobile. Advances in veterinary medicine have made it possible to manage pain safely and effectively.
 

Millions of dogs with arthritis have benefited from a class of pain medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medications are especially effective for chronic pain and inflammation. Common NSAIDs for people are aspirin and ibuprofen, but they should never be given to dogs without a veterinarian’s consent.
 

Deramaxx® (deracoxib) is a canine NSAID that has been prescribed by tens of thousands of veterinarians across the country. At labeled doses, it is formulated to block the enzymes associated with pain and inflammation associated with canine arthritis while sparing the enzymes that protect the stomach lining and support kidney function.*
 

As with all drugs in this class, side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys or liver may occur. These are normally mild, but may be serious. Pet owners should discontinue therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if side effects occur. Evaluation for pre-existing conditions and regular monitoring are recommended for pets on any medication, including Deramaxx. Use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids should be avoided or closely monitored. Click here for product information.
 

Another approach taken by many veterinarians with arthritic patients is to administer a medication such as Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). This allows veterinarians to treat the underlying causes of arthritis, not just the painful symptoms of the disease. Veterinarians inject it intramuscularly to slow the degenerative process, lubricate joints and support tissue repair.  As with any chronic disease, treating early is always the best medicine.
 

Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG) should not be used in dogs that are hypersensitive to PSGAG or who have a known or suspected bleeding disorder. It should be used with caution in dogs with renal or hepatic impairment. Possible side effects (pain at injection site, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and abnormal bleeding) were mild, transient and self-limiting. Safety studies of PSGAG in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs have not been conducted. Click here for product information.
 

Physical Therapy
A growing area in veterinary medicine is physical therapy and rehabilitation. Like techniques used to help human patients, this form of therapy uses applications of cold and heat as well as massage, stretching and range-of-motion exercises. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend therapeutic exercises that promote balance, plus joint and muscle motion. Therapists sometimes use specialized exercise equipment such as underwater treadmills, but these are not required to implement a successful physical therapy program.
 

Physical therapy has a number of benefits — it may aid in pain relief and bone healing as well as improving range of motion and promoting cartilage, muscle, tendon and ligament health. Because physical and rehabilitation therapy requires specialized training, work with your veterinarian to find an experienced therapist.

Keeping your dog happy and healthy is largely up to you. The extra love and care you provide — in just 15 minutes a day — go a long way toward maintaining and improving his quality of life — and yours. The benefits are many:
 

• Keep you on top of any changes in behavior or activity level.
• Encourage daily exercise and walks that are good for your health, too.
• Reward your dog with attention instead of treats to help control weight.
• Give them love and attention, and they give back tenfold.

*Based on in vitro studies using cloned canine cyclooxygenase. The clinical relevance of this in vitro data is not known.