As our Border Collie's age, their joints begin to break down. The cartilage over the joints becomes thin. This creates the beginning stages of arthritis, a general joint disease. In this article, we'll discuss some Border Collie arthritis pain relief.
As Border Collie owners, understanding canine arthritis is the first step in helping your Border Collie find pain relief. Especially since they are considered herding dogs and are prone to health concerns like hip dysplasia.
As we go through a few natural tips and tricks for arthritis in dogs, think about how you can incorporate these practices into your Border Collie's life!
Quick Overview of Canine Arthritis
As we discussed, arthritis in Border Collies is generally caused by the breakdown of the healthy cartilage that surrounds their joints.
It's also important to know that a Border Collie's arthritis is not a single disease. It can also be used to describe general joint pain and joint inflammation.
Since your Border Collie's arthritis can be caused by a number of different things, it's important to speak with a vet to understand the cause, to better treat arthritis.
Home Remedies For Dog Arthritis (Video)
5 Helpful Tips For Border Collie Arthritis
Onward! Let's see what tips and tricks we have to manage arthritis pain and increase joint health.
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Managing Your Border Collie's Diet
Weight management is the easiest way to help arthritic dogs. Heavier Border Collies develop arthritis at much faster rates than a Border Collie who is at a healthy weight.
Your dog's joints are meant to keep up only what they were designed to carry, and since they are herding dogs, Border Collies tend to carry around additional muscle mass.
A healthy weight will also increase blood flow and the general health of your Border Collie! If you feel like your dog is overweight, you can take him to a vet or maybe even your local PetSmart to get them weighed.
If you find they are heavier than they should be, consider restricting your Border Collie's diet. We know it can be difficult to hold those treats back! But if it can provide pain relief, please consider it.
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Exercise and Physical Therapy for Your Border Collie
Physical therapy can mean a number of different things. You can get professional assistance at your local veterinary medicine. You can also take your Border Collie on short walks. Many dog owners believe a short walk can help decrease pain. Keep in mind, an active lifestyle is an important thing.
If you choose to go on regularly scheduled walks, be aware of your dog's limits. A long walk can cause severe pain, and we do not want this! So, give it a try and make it part of your pain management toolkit!
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Massages
Massage therapy can help increase circulation and blood flow to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments around your dog's affected joint.
Since this therapy is new to our canine companions, we borrow a lot of the technique from human massage therapy.
Massage Therapy
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Acupuncture treatment
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Trigger-point massage
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Passive range of motion
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Craniosacral therapy
Give it a try!
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Joint Supplements
Joint supplements usually contain essential ingredients for joint health like MSM Chondroitin and Glucosamine.
Joint supplements are definitely ideal for older dogs that may need that extra boost.
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Make Your Home Arthritis Friendly
This is a relatively easy task we can check off. Your dog's arthritis pain can be very intense, especially when they move too much or try to jump.
Make sure your furry friend has easily accessible food and water. Don't make them jump or reach up for it.
Additionally, make sure they have a cushioned bed to sleep on. Pain can increase at night, since the joints become stiff from not moving.
Conclusion: Dealing With Border Collie Arthritis
If your Border Collie is beginning to age and you think they may be feeling joint pain, consider implementing some of these home remedies for relief.
And please, if you're concerned about your Border Collie's health and affected joints, please see a veterinarian. They will have additional advice tailored specifically for your pup.
Do you have any experience treating pet arthritis? What natural methods do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
