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&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Managing Canine ArthritisHelping Your Dog Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, especially as they get older. While it can’t be cured, it can be managed—and with the right plan, your pup can continue to enjoy comfort, mobility, and plenty of tail-wagging adventures. At Lucky Dog, we believe in a multimodal (layered) approach, combining lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based treatments, and regular monitoring to create the best quality of life for your dog.Lifestyle Adjustments: Setting the Foundation Before reaching for medications or supplements, small changes at home can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort.Weight Management: Carrying extra pounds puts unnecessary strain on already sore joints. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most powerful ways to slow arthritis progression. Controlled Exercise: Regular, low-impact activities like swimming or leisurely walks keep muscles strong without overloading joints. Comfortable Environment: Orthopedic beds provide extra cushioning, while non-slip flooring reduces the risk of slips, falls, and further injury. Medications: The Cornerstone of Arthritis Care When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications often play a central role.NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories): Commonly prescribed to reduce both pain and inflammation. Adjunctive Pain Relief: For dogs who need more support, medications like gabapentin may be added for extra comfort. Supplements: Evidence-Based Additions Not all supplements are created equal, but some show real promise for dogs with arthritis.Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Strong evidence supports their ability to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Green-Lipped Mussel: Natural anti-inflammatory compounds with encouraging clinical results. Glucosamine &amp; Chondroitin: Mixed research, but long-term use may help protect cartilage. Undenatured Type II Collagen: An exciting option showing potential to decrease pain and inflammation. CBD: Early research is promising, though more studies are needed to fully understand its benefits. Rehabilitation &amp; Therapies Physical therapy, stretching, massage, and the use of modalities like laser therapy or PEMF can help keep joints moving comfortably. These treatments not only relieve pain but also maintain strength and mobility over time.Monitoring Progress: Why It Matters Arthritis is progressive, meaning it changes as your dog ages. Tracking your dog’s mobility is essential to know if a treatment is truly helping. Tools like the Canine Mobility Index give a structured way to monitor changes. If you’re not seeing improvement after 3–6 months, it’s time to adjust the plan.What You Can Do as an Owner Partner With Your Veterinarian: A tailored plan works best when it’s designed specifically for your dog’s needs. Stay Evidence-Based: Be cautious of “miracle” claims. Stick to treatments backed by science and veterinary guidance. Keep Track of Progress: Share observations with your care team—your insight is invaluable. &nbsp; The Bottom Line Arthritis doesn’t have to mean an end to joyful walks, playtime, and snuggles. With thoughtful management and a team approach, your dog can stay comfortable and active for years to come.At Lucky Dog, we’re here to support you every step of the way—because every dog deserves to move better, feel better, and live better.

Managing Arthritis

🐶 What Is Canine Arthritis? Just like in people, arthritis in dogs is caused by wear and tear on joints. It’s especially common in:Senior dogs Large breeds (like labs and shepherds) Dogs with prior injuries or surgeries Overweight dogs Common signs include:Stiffness when getting up Limping or favoring a leg Difficulty with stairs or jumping Less interest in walks or play Changes in posture or gait Arthritis is a progressive condition, but the good news is—it’s manageable.&nbsp; 💪 How Physical Therapy Helps Physical therapy doesn’t just treat the symptoms—it addresses the root of mobility loss, helping your dog stay stronger and more comfortable. Here's how:🦴 1. Reduce Pain Without Drugs Hands-on techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and cold laser therapy can ease joint stiffness and muscle tightness—often reducing the need for extra pain meds.🐕 2. Improve Mobility Through targeted stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and manual therapy, we help your dog move more freely and safely, whether it’s standing up, turning around, or walking on different surfaces.🏋️‍♂️ 3. Build Strength Arthritis often leads to muscle loss. We design a custom strength program to keep your dog’s legs, core, and hips working together to stabilize joints.🏠 4. In-Home Comfort Because we come to your home, your dog avoids the stress of travel and unfamiliar settings. We tailor exercises to your home environment—whether it’s carpet, hardwood, stairs, or even yard terrain.🧠 5. Teach You What to Do You’re part of the team! We coach you through gentle, daily movements, stretches, exercises and modifications (like non-slip rugs or ramps) to help your dog thrive between visits.&nbsp; 🐾 Meet Lucky Dog PT: Arthritis Experts We’re certified in Canine Arthritis Management (CAM)—a leading international program that helps practitioners provide the best care for dogs with joint disease. That means we understand not just how arthritis works, but what actually works to slow it down and improve quality of life.

Canine Arthritis and How Lucky Dog! Can Help

Lucky Dog PT!

Mobile, in-home physical therapy and rehabilitation for dogs in the Chicago and North Shore area. Services include full assessments to determine a customized treatments for post op surgical patients, senior dogs, and pain management.