Regular and appropriate exercise coupled with weight management are very important for managing arthritis in dogs. Excess fats that are deposited in the tissues secrete hormones that cause pain and inflammation. Exercise for arthritic dogs should be low impact to avoid putting more stress on the arthritic joints. Exercise regimens that are appropriate for arthritic dogs include:
- Swimming — This form of physical activity is very friendly to the joints. It is commonly employed in physical rehabilitation programs.
- Leash walks — With a leash, you will be able to control your pet’s movements.
- Jogging — Some arthritic dogs do well with mild controlled jogging.
- Underwater treadmills — The buoyancy of the water makes walking on the treadmill easier for dogs with arthritis. Underwater treadmills are common component of a physical therapy program for dogs.
- For moderate to severe arthritis cases, pet owners should consider professional veterinary rehabilitation. If your dog has arthritis, you should talk to your veterinarian Washington DC about treatment and management options that are available.
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