Preventing a life of PAIN (dog arthritis masterclass)

[@jilltyrrell7525]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤

[@davidmckinney6577]

Hello 👋 good buddy Dr Alex good video and good to hang out with you I wish I could talk to you. Makes me remember when Bigfoot started loosing his mobility he couldn't walk for the last four months of his life he was a hundred and five pounds I don't know how I held out lifting him around but as it went on he started loosing weight and he was just seventy two pounds when he passed away it was very hard watching him go down and get in such bad health it really broke his spirits not being able to walk but I took care of him around the clock and he still kept his mind when I would get close to him he would always give me a big lick I miss him and Arnold so much more than I can express in a text or audible words. I know if little Arnold was here he would be sitting next to me listening to you..he was so smart and Bigfoot was too if I lived a thousand years old I'd never have dogs like them again. Very good advice 👌 thanks for the upload Dr Alex 👍. Take care my friend and don't work too hard and try to make the most of every day even with troubles. That's what I try to do.

[@nancyholmes7012]

Thank you for this excellent science driven education!

[@OurPetsHealth]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikahundin]

- Arthritis is an extremely common condition in dogs and cats that often goes unrecognized and undertreated, leading to prolonged suffering. - Early signs of arthritis like behavior changes, posture changes, physical changes, and gait abnormalities are often missed or dismissed as just "old age" by owners and vets. - Major factors in managing arthritis include weight control, lifestyle/environment modifications, appropriate exercise, supplements (with caution on false marketing claims), and painkillers when truly needed long-term. - Owners feel vulnerable and paralyzed on how to properly care for arthritic pets - the Canine Arthritis Management group provides free educational resources and expert interviews to empower owners. - Identifying arthritis early and employing a multimodal management approach can significantly improve quality of life and give dogs "more good years" even with the condition.

[@mikahundin]

- **Arthritis Awareness**: Despite its prevalence, arthritis in dogs and cats tends to be underestimated by pet owners. The conversation highlights the need for greater recognition of this condition as it can significantly impact the quality of life for pets. - **Canine Arthritis Management (CAM)**: CAM, led by Hannah, emerges as a valuable resource in combating arthritis. It offers comprehensive guidance on recognizing, managing, and treating arthritis in pets, drawing on Hannah's personal experiences and expertise. - **Early Detection**: The dialogue underscores the importance of early detection of arthritis symptoms. Pet owners are encouraged to be vigilant for signs such as changes in behavior, posture, and physical abilities, which are often overlooked or dismissed. - **Management Strategies**: Hannah discusses various management strategies for arthritis, including weight control, nutraceuticals, supplements, and exercise management. These approaches are highlighted as crucial elements in alleviating pain and improving mobility in arthritic pets. - **Educational Resources**: CAM provides accessible educational resources such as the "Suspicion of Chronic Pain" PDF and KZbin interviews with experts. These resources aim to empower pet owners with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize and address arthritis early, ultimately enhancing the well-being and longevity of their pets.

[@mikahundin]

Hannah highlights several free strategies for managing arthritis in pets, emphasizing their effectiveness despite their cost-free nature. These include: 1. **Weight Control**: Maintaining a healthy weight for your pet is crucial in managing arthritis. Obesity exacerbates joint pain and can lead to other health issues. Controlling your pet's weight through proper diet and exercise is a simple yet highly impactful way to alleviate arthritis symptoms. 2. **Exercise Management**: Tailoring your pet's exercise routine to their specific needs can help manage arthritis. Hannah suggests adjusting the intensity and duration of exercise to prevent overexertion while still promoting mobility and muscle strength. This might involve shorter, more frequent walks or low-impact activities like swimming. 3. **Adapting Lifestyle**: Making small adjustments to your pet's living environment can make a big difference in managing arthritis. This could include providing supportive bedding, using ramps or stairs to navigate obstacles, and minimizing slippery surfaces to reduce the risk of falls. 4. **Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy**: Engaging in activities like hydrotherapy or physiotherapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain in arthritic pets. While these therapies may require initial investment, there are often free resources available, such as instructional videos or guidance from veterinarians, to facilitate at-home sessions. 5. **Nutritional Support**: Ensuring your pet receives a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support joint health and overall well-being. While specialized arthritis diets or supplements may come with a cost, making dietary adjustments based on veterinary recommendations can often be achieved without additional expense. By focusing on these free or low-cost strategies, pet owners can effectively manage arthritis in their pets without breaking the bank. Additionally, Hannah emphasizes the long-term benefits of these approaches, highlighting their potential to improve the quality of life for arthritic pets without relying solely on medication or expensive treatments.

[@mikahundin]

Hannah emphasizes the importance of tailored exercise management for arthritic pets. She suggests adjusting the intensity and duration of exercise to prevent overexertion while still promoting mobility and muscle strength. This approach aims to alleviate pain and stiffness associated with arthritis while minimizing the risk of further joint damage. She advocates for regular, gentle exercise as part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan, highlighting its benefits in maintaining joint flexibility and muscle tone. However, she advises against excessive or high-impact activities that could exacerbate pain or cause injury. Furthermore, Hannah encourages pet owners to be mindful of their pet's individual needs and limitations when designing an exercise routine. This may involve shorter, more frequent walks, gentle stretching exercises, or low-impact activities like swimming. Overall, Hannah stresses the importance of incorporating exercise into a holistic arthritis management strategy, alongside other interventions such as weight control, nutritional support, and environmental modifications. By customizing exercise routines to suit each pet's specific condition and abilities, owners can help improve their pet's quality of life and overall mobility despite arthritis.

[@mikahundin]

Hannah warns that a "recipe for disaster" occurs when pet owners fail to recognize the signs of arthritis in their pets and delay seeking appropriate treatment. She emphasizes that arthritis is often under-recognized and that early intervention is crucial in managing the condition effectively. Additionally, Hannah suggests that dismissing or ignoring the early signs of arthritis can lead to a worsening of the condition over time. This neglect may result in increased pain and discomfort for the pet, as well as a reduced quality of life. Furthermore, she highlights the potential risks associated with relying solely on medication or invasive treatments without addressing underlying factors such as weight management, exercise, and environmental modifications. Neglecting these aspects of arthritis management can result in suboptimal outcomes for the pet and may contribute to unnecessary suffering. In summary, Hannah's warning underscores the importance of proactive and comprehensive arthritis management, including early detection, holistic treatment approaches, and ongoing monitoring to prevent the progression of the condition and ensure the well-being of arthritic pets.

[@mikahundin]

In the conversation, there's a discussion about the use of drugs, particularly in managing chronic pain associated with arthritis in dogs. Several key points are emphasized: 1. **Chronic Pain Management**: Drugs are often necessary for managing chronic pain in arthritic dogs effectively. They can provide relief and improve the quality of life for affected pets. 2. **Caution with Medication**: While drugs can be beneficial, there's a cautionary note about their usage. It's essential to be mindful of potential side effects and long-term consequences, especially when considering prolonged medication use. 3. **Tackling Chronic Pain**: The conversation highlights the importance of addressing chronic pain comprehensively, beyond just providing short-term relief. This involves understanding the underlying mechanisms of pain and implementing strategies to manage it effectively. 4. **Long-Term Treatment**: Hannah emphasizes the importance of long-term treatment plans for chronic pain management. She suggests that addressing chronic pain requires a sustained approach, and pet owners should not be hesitant about using medication for an extended period if necessary. 5. **Patience and Persistence**: Hannah stresses the importance of patience and persistence when it comes to managing chronic pain in arthritic dogs. It may take time to find the most effective treatment regimen, and adjustments may be needed along the way to ensure the best outcomes for the pet. Overall, while drugs play a crucial role in managing chronic pain associated with arthritis, it's essential to approach their usage with caution, prioritize long-term treatment plans, and be patient and persistent in finding the most effective solution for each individual pet.

[@lorrie000]

Thank you for explaining how pain meds work for this. We have found that feeding our dogs once a day instead of 2 times a day, worked very well for healthy weight loss. We were surprised when they really didn't care about losing meal # two the very first day and on!

[@OurPetsHealth]

thanks for sharing your experience. Weight loss is so important!

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

What are you're thoughts on using Librela.... And can you use normal paracetamol. We have an 9 year old Flat coat (29Kg) thats started to slow down a little. She's been on YouMove joint supplements for the last 4 years now and also a digestive YouMove. She has a dose of Rymadil daily but we're not sure whether to try Librela. Any insight here would be great.

[@Jeb9221]

My vet cautioned me against Librela. It works for some dogs but can be detrimental for others. I wouldn't take the risk... Mine get catrophen injections.

[@CortneyBaker-luvs2tendbar]

How do I teach my 11 year old havanese with arthritis to not Jump on the couch (he’s been able to his whole life but his vet just told me to keep him from jumping up and down off furniture so his condition does not get worst.

[@dorothearussell304]

We cover our couches with various things and remove them when we sit. Or push a coffee table in front of the couch.

[@privatesuzie4071]

Any experience with Sr Laryngeal Paralysis?

[@RachelKay528]

What sorts of blood/urine tests should the vet be conducting? I don't think my dog gets those done at his yearly checkups...

[@OurPetsHealth]

I recommend testing of kidney and liver health in particular. This is typically included in a general simple blood screen and the urine test is primarily looking at concentration

[@RachelKay528]

@@OurPetsHealth thank you for the response! This was very helpful!

[@cherryannmaneja2568]

Hi, do you know what is the home remedy for puppy open wound on neck (when we let him drink water we noticed that the liquid is flowing out from the open wound 😢)