Does your dog seem to be in pain? Does it avoid certain movements and has difficulty climbing stairs? Stiffness and pain are more common in older dogs and can be caused by osteoarthritis; a disease that becomes more common with increasing age and increased body weight.
The products in our dog range are designed to increase both the quality of life and enjoyment of life in dogs of all ages. They are reinforced with our textile technologies Welltex® and Iontex®, which can promote blood flow in the muscles, relieve discomfort from the joints and contribute to increased mobility. They can therefore be particularly helpful for a dog suffering from osteoarthritis.
We happily give our pets the opportunity to live long, comfortable lives with us. But both the increased lifespan and the very common problem of being overweight also mean a greater risk that they, like us, will suffer from osteoarthritis.
If you suspect that the dog is suffering from osteoarthritis or seems to be suffering from other pain, the cause should be investigated by a veterinarian. Many conditions can be treated with relatively simple means if one is aware of what is causing them. By making everyday life easier for your dog, you can alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and increase well-being, so that it can continue to live a rich and active life.
You know best if your dog is in pain
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in humans and it is also common in animals. The disease means that the cartilage in the joints breaks down, which leads to stiff, aching and inflamed joints. However, pain conditions in dogs are not always obvious, and they, like other animals, may react by masking the symptoms as best they can. But there are usually signs. The person who can best interpret these signs is of course the person who knows the dog best - you as the dog owner. You know how your dog usually moves and you know how it expresses its feelings. You thus have the experience required to pay attention to even very small changes in behaviour, appetite, mood or movement patterns. In fact, malaise and illness can be expressed so diffusely in dogs.
Sometimes the dog instead becomes outspoken, rude and aggressive. Such typical problem behaviors may in fact be due to malaise and untreated pain. Especially if the behavior involves a clear change in the dog's normal personality.
A dog with osteoarthritis needs its exercise
Our pets' natural reactions to joint pain mean, above all, that they want to do less of what hurts. Dogs don't want to get out of bed, they avoid movement; they no longer seem to appreciate the long walks and the intense play and training sessions. They also don't know why they are in pain, so they just try to live with it. Dogs, and especially cats, will even go out of their way to actively hide pain and illness.
However, the animals' avoidance strategies can cause the osteoarthritis to worsen and muscles to atrophy. This leads to even more unstable or improperly loaded joints, which in turn further worsens the condition. We now know that movement should instead be encouraged, especially during the earliest stages of the disease. The cartilage in the joints is strengthened and nourished when the joints are used and loaded. Not just that; the muscles around the joints are strengthened and both relieve and stabilise them.
Back on Track is there for your dog
Over the years, Back on Track has produced several dog products that re-reflect the part of the dog's body heat that leaves in the form of long-wave infrared energy. This particular part of the spectrum can have a positive effect on both humans and animals, by contributing to an efficient blood flow.
Warm muscles are soft and flexible, making it easier and more comfortable to move. Our dog blankets embrace the dog's body from neck to tail with the beneficial effect. Our joint protectors simultaneously support the joints and contribute to an increased sense of stability.
You can make life easier for a dog with osteoarthritis by helping it avoid the movements that seem painful. For example, food and water bowls can be placed higher than the floor. The dog may also need something to step on to get onto the sofa or into the car. To prevent the dog from slipping on slippery floors, you can put a rug over it. This partly makes the dog feel safer and partly reduces the risk of injury.
At the same time, you can reduce the harmful effects of osteoarthritis by giving the dog adequate exercise on a well-adapted surface - preferably often, but for a shorter period of time.
Explore our products for dogs!
Our joint protectors and dog blankets with Welltex® or Iontex® can function as a favorable and pleasant complement. The thin mesh cover can be advantageously used indoors, around the clock, even in summer. Our rain and outdoor blankets have Welltex® or Iontex® lining and also help the dog to keep warm in colder temperatures.
A soft bed with Welltex® can also promote recovery using the infrared energy (FIR) generated by the dog's own body heat during rest and sleep.
