Did you know that one in five dogs will suffer from hip pain at some point in their lives? If your dog is one of those unlucky ones, you may be wondering how you can help ease the pain. We will discuss several ways that you can help your dog get relief from hip pain. We will also provide a few tips on how to keep your dog’s hips healthy and prevent hip pain from occurring in the future.
1. Physical Therapy
If your dog is suffering from hip pain, one of the best things you can do is to take them to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help your dog regain range of motion and hip strength. They can also help to relieve pain and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Your dog may benefit from a few different types of physical therapy. One type is hydrotherapy, which involves using water to help ease pain and promote healing. Another type is massage therapy, which can help to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Your veterinarian or a certified physical therapist will be able to recommend the best type of physical therapy for your dog based on their individual needs.
2. Pain Medication
Pain medication can be an effective way to relieve your dog’s hip pain. Various pain medications are available, so it is important to speak with your veterinarian to find one that is right for your dog. It is also important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and only give your dog the recommended amount.
Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be dangerous for dogs, so it is important to never give these medications to your dog without first speaking with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may prescribe prescription pain medication such as tramadol or gabapentin for dogs suffering from hip pain.
3. Change in Diet
If your dog is overweight, this can put additional strain on their hips and lead to pain. Helping your dog to lose weight can be a great way to ease their hip pain. Your veterinarian can help you to create a weight loss plan for your dog that is safe and effective.
Changing your dog’s diet to one rich in omega fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation and pain in the hips. You can speak with your veterinarian about adding supplements such as fish oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s diet. Adding glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to your dog’s diet may also help to improve joint health and reduce pain.
4. Exercise
Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for those suffering from hip pain. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking are great for dogs with hip pain. These exercises help strengthen the muscles around the hips and improve the range of motion. They also help reduce weight, easing pain in the hips.
If your dog is suffering from severe hip pain, they may need to take a break from exercise until their pain has subsided. You should always talk to your veterinarian before starting or stopping any exercise program for your dog.
5. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be the best option for treating your dog’s hip pain. Surgery can be used to repair or replace damaged hip joints. It can also be used to correct congenital disabilities or other problems that may be causing hip pain. Surgery is usually only recommended as a last resort after all other treatment options have been tried and failed.
For example, TPLO surgery is commonly used to treat hip pain in dogs. This surgery is used to correct a condition known as hip dysplasia. It involves making cuts in the bones around the hip joint and then inserting metal plates or screws to stabilize the joint. After surgery, TPLO recovery usually takes several weeks. During this time, your dog will need to take it easy and avoid any strenuous activity.
Conclusion
There are a variety of ways that you can help your dog get relief from hip pain. Physical therapy, pain medication, diet changes, exercise, or surgery can help manage your dog’s hip pain. Talk to your veterinarian about which treatment options are right for your dog. Proper care allows your dog to live a happy and healthy life despite hip pain.