Joint pain or 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. It affects our furries 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., it is uncommon in small or toy breed dogs. Upon assessment, the vet decides on the apt. the 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 Homoeopathy remedies. Appropriate weight reduction is generally recommended along with certain activities and exercises. 

Medications and Supplements

Bakson Veterinary’s V11-Rheumatism Drops– It is a combination of Berberis Vulgaris, Calcarea phosporica, Causticum, Hypericum perforatum, Rhododendron chrysanthum, and Rhus toxicodendron. It helps in Joint pain, inflammations, stiffness, and weakness of hind or forelimbs.
It has no side effects.

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. Try not to limit them to closed spaces as they need the space to walk within the house.