Canine Spinal Arthritis Treatments

Canine spinal arthritis is a degenerative disease that can be very painful and debilitating to your dog. It is caused by the bones in the spine deteriorating with age. The deterioration causes an inflammation of the nerves as well as the surrounding tissues. The pain and the progressiveness of the disease can actually shorten the lifespan of your dog if not treated.

  1. Medication

    • If your dog is diagnosed with spinal arthritis your vet will will likely put her on an anti-inflammatory medication. This medication will help to control the pain and discomfort caused by the disease and reduce inflammation of the nerves and tissues. You will usually need to give these medications to your dog twice daily to stay on top of her pain and discomfort.

      Veterinarians will also often prescribe chondroitin and glucosamine for your dog. These treatments need to be given as prescribed, as they will help to slow the progression of the disease. When taken in conjunction with the anti-inflammatory medication, these treatments will help to extend the life of your dog.

      The vet may also recommend massage and chiropractic therapy. Depending on the severity of the spinal arthritis your dog may this done weekly, biweekly or bimonthly at least until improvement is seen. Many pet owners also choose to try acupuncture to help relieve the pain of the condition.

    Diet and Lifestyle Changes

    • Dogs diagnosed with spinal arthritis may need your help to change their lifestyle a bit. Your dog will need to eat a healthy diet of either premium dog food or a raw food diet. Many dogs with the disease are overweight, and losing some of those extra pounds will reduce pressure on the spine. Regular low impact exercise such as walking for 30 to 60 minutes per day will help your dog to lose weight and build muscles that will support her spine.

    Modifying the Environment

    • Dogs with spinal arthritis need tender loving care, and it is important that their environment is as comfortable as possible. Provide a soft bed for him to sleep on instead of cold hard flooring. Allow your dog to stay downstairs if possible, or simply avoid steps, so that he doesn't put unnecessary pressure on his spine going up and down the stairs.