Frequently Asked Questions

Veterinary Surgeon and Behaviour Specialist, Sarah Heath and Clinical Nutritionist Marge Chandler answer your frequently asked questions.

1. Will it be obvious to me that my dog is suffering from pain?

   There are changes in behaviour which you can easily spot which may indicate that your dog is in pain. You may notice the following signs; however these can vary from dog to dog and in severity. If you notice any of the signs below, ask your vet to examine your dog¹.

   • Difficulty getting up and sometimes difficulty remaining in a standing position.
   • Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping up.
   • Hesitancy in lying down or sitting, which may be misinterpreted as failure to comply with a command.
   • Reluctance to exercise/go for walks.
   • Difficulty staying in one squatting position to pass faeces.
   • Lack of stamina.
   • Subdued attitude.
   • Irritability or snapping.
   • Lameness.
   • Resting/lying down more.

2. How does the pain affect my dog?

   It is similar to osteoarthritis in people in that one or more joints become inflamed and painful. The persistent and often continuous pain and discomfort associated with canine osteoarthritis can result in the amplification of the pain experienced in the body. Once this occurs, there is a general decline in your dog's mobility.

3. My dog is getting old, should I be worried about osteoarthritis?

   Canine osteoarthritis can affect dogs of all ages¹. Although it is most common in older dogs, osteoarthritis can start quite early on. Osteoarthritis tends to get worse over time as it is not always recognised. If you notice any of the early warning signs, take your dog to see your vet because the sooner osteoarthritis is diagnosed and treated, the better your pet's quality of life will be.

4. How is osteoarthritis treated?

   An integrated programme combining medical treatment, exercise and nutrition is fundamental in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, with each component being equally important. Continuous and long-term pain control can slow disease progression and have considerable benefits for your dog.

   Consult your veterinary surgeon about what type of diet plan and exercise would be best for your pet and how much is suitable for keeping your dog healthy and in shape.

5. Are medical treatments safe for my dog?

   Yes, most dogs respond very well to treatment and owners often report great improvement in their dog's condition. Treatment can help relieve signs of the disease and restore a dog's enjoyment of life². Please consult your veterinary surgeon about treatment options for your dog.

6. What sort of exercise can my osteoarthritic dog undertake and what sort of changes need to be made to his normal routine?

   Light exercise, like a walk in the park, makes an important contribution to your dog's health and well being and this is still true when they have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Too much exercise or uncontrolled exercise can cause harm by increasing pressure on joints³. By developing a specific exercise programme for your dog, in consultation with your vet, you can ensure that your dog is following an appropriate treatment programme.

7. What is a good exercise programme to follow?

   By speaking to your vet about a suitable exercise programme, you can ensure that you are not causing your dog undue discomfort. There are some general exercise rules which can be followed for all exercise programmes:

   • Allow several exercise periods throughout the day, providing your dog with rest breaks in between. Short but frequent exercise is the order of the day.
   • Try and keep within an exercise routine, keeping to a similar programme every day including weekends.
   • Never exercise your dog to the point of exhaustion, however keen they might appear to be to carry on.
   • Start and finish each exercise session at a slower pace to allow for your dog to gradually warm up and cool down³.

8. Can osteoarthritis be fully prevented if my dog eats a healthy balanced diet and exercises regularly?

   Proper nutritional management and regular exercise are vitally important to your dog's health and comfort; as well as professional treatment and medication. A weight management programme provided by your vet can have a dramatic impact on your dog. However many dogs need professional treatment and pain medication to provide a complete approach to managing osteoarthritis.

9. Why is weight control so important?

   Osteoarthritis is directly affected by your dog's weight because extra weight means more stress on the affected joints. This is why weight control is such an important factor when managing your dog's condition. Some dogs can become pain free and clinically normal just by correcting their bodyweight³.

10. What is the best food to give my dog?

    It is important that you try to give your dog a varied diet. The best foods have a complex range of vitamins and minerals that have been designed to give your dog all the elements that they need in their diet. This applies to canned foods and also the dry food such as biscuits and nibbles. The top brands of dog food, while often a little more expensive also have higher quality ingredients that will give your dog better all round nutrition⁴. If in doubt, speak to your vet for their recommendations.

11. What if my dog has canine osteoarthritis?

    It is important to keep a track of your dog's weight. If you think that your dog might be overweight, keep a diary of weight and everything you are feeding them including the amount of food. When you next visit your vet, you can show your diary and this will help your vet assess and decide if any specific diet changes need to be made⁴.

12. Should I be giving my dog joint supplements to help manage pain?

    The use of nutritional supplements is now more common when treating a dog with canine osteoarthritis. However it is essential to discuss these with your vet before administering anything new to your dog.

References

1. Pfizer Rimadyl Pet Owner leaflet AH016/09
2. Pfizer Trocoxil Pet Owner leaflet AH223/11
3. Rimadyl Owner Guide AH 020/09
4. Pfizer Trocoxil Pet Owner leaflet AH446/10

Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for advice from a vet. Always ask your vet or veterinary nurse for professional advice before treating your pet.