Arthritis is actually a fairly common condition, although it can appear at any stage of your dog's life, but it is mainly found in older ages. If your previously sedentary four-legged friend has been diagnosed with arthritis, do not worry immediately, because by combining a healthy diet, controlled exercise and adopting small changes in his daily routine (e.g. sleeping on soft surfaces, non-slip floors, controlled humidity, weight loss, etc.) he can soon feel better and return to his daily, playful habits. But let's first take a closer look at dog arthritis and how a petchef diet can help. can be part of their daily health management.
What is arthritis and how does it manifest itself in dogs?
The term arthritis describes the inflammation of the joints. There are multiple forms of arthritis in dogs (autoimmune - rheumatoid, microbial, osteoarthritis, etc.). In its most common form, osteoarthritis affects the cartilage of the joints, causing chronic pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion of the limbs. Thousands of elderly dogs seek relief from these painful and annoying symptoms, usually choosing immobility, which then leads to obesity, further enhancing the already known unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
How does diet help prevent and manage osteoarthritis?
In most cases, proper nutrition is of particular importance for both the management of osteoarthritis and its prevention. In animals that are overweight, a diet low in calories and fat is recommended as a preventive measure, while encouraging them to take frequent and short walks during the day for strengthening. It is known that excess weight puts more strain on the joints, while recently it has been shown that the presence of a large amount of adipose tissue secretes inflammatory hormones and their derivatives that intensify inflammation and pain in problematic joints. In the event that your dog has already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it is also recommended that it be fed foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, while adding joint-protective substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
Achieve a nutritionally balanced daily routine
Designed to satisfy the most stringent culinary demands, petchef 's recipes is the result of veterinary checks and careful planning. Specifically, by using special calorie tables, we ensure that we cover the required energy needs of a dog, avoiding unnecessary pounds that could be a burden on a problematic joint, while by composing recipes such as the one with fish/rice/turmeric , we try to ensure a low fat content and a rich content of omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants that are famous for their anti-inflammatory effect, such as turmeric.
Certainly, freshly cooked food has multiple health benefits for your four-legged friend, however it is not intended to replace medication. Often the key to success in managing cases of osteoarthritis is close collaboration with the treating veterinarian, while not infrequently, in order to achieve an individualized treatment plan, the use of specialized imaging tests, specific analgesic treatment and nutritional supplements is required.
Alexandros Spyrliadis
Veterinarian / DVM.MSc
Athensvet - Modern Veterinary Clinics