Four Ways That Your Vet Can Help With Pet Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs and cats, and it can be a painful and debilitating condition for your pet. There are many different types of arthritis, but the more common type of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis. In cats, a more common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.

The good news is that there are many ways to help your pet manage their pain, so they can live more comfortably. Here are four ways that your vet can help with pet arthritis.

1. Your Vet Can Offer A Diagnosis Of Pet Arthritis 

The first step in treating any type of injury or disease is identifying what's wrong with the patient. Your vet will take a complete medical history from you and determine the severity of their symptoms before coming up with an appropriate treatment plan for them. They'll also perform tests such as blood work and x-rays to determine whether any other conditions are contributing to their discomfort.

2. Your Vet Can Provide Pain Relief Medications

Dogs and cats react differently to pain medication, so it's important for your vet to prescribe the right one for your pet. Your vet will want to know exactly how often your pet is limping or showing other signs of pain so they can figure out what type of medication would work best for them. There are many different medications available on the market today, but most dogs respond well to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whereas cats may respond better to steroids such as prednisone.

3. Your Vet Can Offer Physical Therapy Options For Arthritis 

Physical therapy is a great option for treating joint pain caused by arthritis in pets. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific exercise routine for your pet that helps build strength in their joints and muscles around the affected area. This will increase flexibility and range of motion in their joints, which can help reduce pain associated with arthritis symptoms.

4. Your Vet Can Suggest Dietary Changes

Your vet can suggest dietary changes that can help ease your pet's pain. For example, some arthritic pets improve when they stop eating processed food and switch to a raw diet. Raw diets are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which helps eliminate inflammation and pain in arthritic pets.

If your pet shows signs of arthritis, it's important to get them checked out by a veterinarian right away. The above are four ways that your vet can help with pet arthritis. Chat with your local vet about treatment options for your pet today.