Canine massage for Arthritis
Arthritis, Is your dog suffering?
Orthopeadic Conditions.
Here are 5 top tips to help manage their condition
1. Put rugs down
In Spain many homes have slippy flooring; for our dogs this can be extremely harmful, it’s the equivalent of us having to walk around on an ice rink every day. Dogs are digitgrade animals; they walk on their toes so find it harder to grip the floor than we do. They slip and slide on already painful joints and run the risk of their legs slipping out from under them. Putting rugs down for them not only makes walking so much easier but also so much safer!
2. Use a good supplement
A good supplement given regularly can help. One containing MSM, Glucosamine and Chondrotin can be really beneficial. Speak to your vet about the brands they recommend.
3. Provide the right bedding
Hard plastic beds keep dogs locked into a curved position all night, if they have arthritis in their spine this can be detrimental. I speak to lots of people who tell me their dogs love their plastic beds and that they sleep curled up anyway, this maybe true for some, however, orthopedic beds give your dog’s body the support it needs and the room to stretch out, even if they only stretch out a few times a night it’s important that they’re able to do so.
4. Keep them at a healthy weight
Extra weight adds pressure to the skeletal system putting painful joints under even more stress. Less body weight often equals less pain. Being over weight not only affects the joints but can also contribute to many other health problems.
5. Schedule regular massage
When limbs are weak dogs naturally overcompensate by putting more weight on other areas of the body; the muscles in these areas become tired and over worked meaning they’re more likely to pick up injuries like trigger points and strains. Muscles crossing affected joints come under stress as they begin to attempt to take the strain of the affected joint, this causes Muscle Splinting which can worsen signs of Arthritis and will unnecessarily and significantly elevate pain levels. Therapeutic massage deals with these areas of overcompensation and muscle splinting, easing stiff muscles helping to keep them supple and pain free. The difference this can make to your dogs life can be huge, many clients report their dogs having more energy and regaining their zest for life after a course of just 3 treatments.
For more information call 608 803 897 today!