Welcoming an older, arthritic dog into your home or learning how to take care of your lifelong fur-friend who developed arthritis requires a delicate balance of tender, loving care and professional knowledge on grooming techniques specific to these special canines. The process goes beyond the basic grooming routine to incorporate measures that protect their joints while also considering their emotional comfort during these sessions. This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of grooming a dog with arthritis and gives you expert tips to make the process a painless one for them.
Understanding Canine Arthritis
Before we delve into grooming, let’s understand what canine arthritis is and how it can affect our pets’ grooming routines. Arthritis, a degenerative joint disease, causes inflammation and pain in a dog’s joints, making movements, even as simple as sitting up, difficult. Although dog arthritis is often associated with senior dogs, younger dogs can also be prone to it, especially if they have suffered injuries or have genetic predispositions.
Necessity of Grooming an Arthritic Dog
The necessity of regular grooming, even for an arthritic dog, cannot be overstressed. A well-groomed dog is not only a clean dog but also a happy one. Regular grooming helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Removing loose hair, matting and tangles ensures that the skin can breathe, preventing skin conditions. The grooming process also provides the dog owner an opportunity to check for any abnormal lumps, ticks or skin problems. Furthermore, grooming becomes mandatory for breeds with long or thick coats. The added advantage is that grooming allows for some quality bonding time between you and your adorable pooch!
Comfort is Key: Essential Grooming Tools
Grooming an arthritic dog necessitates investing in specific tools that can minimize their discomfort. Some of these might include an adjustable grooming table, a handheld shower head, orthopedic bed or pet steps for easy accessibility. Non-slip mats, gentle grooming tools like brushes with soft bristles, and a superior quality dog hair dryer can also come in handy. As with any tool, introduce each one slowly, allowing your dog to become familiar and comfortable with them before you start grooming.
How to Groom Arthritic Dogs
Bearing in mind the discomfort an arthritic dog may face, the grooming process should be gentle and unhurried. This YouTube video explains the process thoroughly.
Start by brushing their coat gently. Matting and tangles can be painful to remove, so be extra careful in these areas. Washing should be done using a handheld shower head, which is less distressing than immersion in water. Make sure the water is warm and not hot. Use a specially formulated canine shampoo that is gentle on their skin. Rinse well as any remaining shampoo can lead to skin irritation. Finally, ensure that your pet is completely dry before you let them off the grooming table.
Regular Exercise and Healthy Diet
Apart from grooming, a dog with arthritis benefits greatly from regular, low-impact exercise, like swimming and short, gentle walks. A healthy diet, especially one formulated for arthritic pets, will also be beneficial in maintaining their joint health. Many of these diets are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat, adding to the results of your grooming efforts.
Seeking Professional Help
Although at-home grooming is an integral part of pet care, an arthritic dog might require the attention of professional groomers and veterinary physiotherapists. These experts can provide specialized services, like therapeutic massages, that can alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and connect with a team of professionals to give your fur-friend the comfort they need!
Grooming an arthritic dog doesn’t have to be a daunting task! With the right tools, a gentle touch, and the help of experts your furry buddy will look their best and most importantly, feel their best!