Notice Signs of OA - What Now?
Contact your Veterinarian
If you suspect your dog is suffering from the everyday pain of osteoarthritis (OA), contact your veterinarian. They will give your dog an overall physical examination and may perform an OA pain screening.
If your dog is diagnosed with OA, your veterinarian may recommend a number of treatment options.
Treatment Options
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Proper nutrition and weight management.
Being the proper weight avoids extra pressure on the joints. Giving your dog a balanced diet and keeping them at a healthy weight can help reduce OA pain.
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Regular, low-impact exercise.
Depending on their size and breed, regular 20 to 40-minute walks are a great way to help improve your dog's mobility. Low-impact exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support joints and maintain joint flexibility.
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Regular examinations.
Early detection is essential to help reduce your dog’s arthritis pain. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian.
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Pain-control medication.
Your veterinarian may prescribe pain control medications. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids or opioids.