Walking a dog with arthritis?

jess · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:52 AM

One of my dogs has severe arthritis. He is a 12 y/o Lab mix. He is on medication from the vet, and while he has definitely improved, he's still stiff. I've heard that walking is great for dogs with arthritis, but every time I take him for a walk, he's very stiff and tired when we get home, even after a short (15 minutes or so) walk. I feel like going for walks makes him so much worse. So, should he be walked regularly or not?

bob © · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:59 AM

walking can help, but you need to take it slowly if he is not used to it. start with 5 minute walks or less and then gradually add more time.

Ashhi ? · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 04:01 AM

Yes of course he needs to be walked. Take him for shorter walks, frequently throughout the day. And in the morning, gently help him stretch. You could also (yes this is laughable) take him to a doggie misus.

allieappstate · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 04:06 AM

If the arthritis is mainly in his hips then it may be helpful to use a sling when you walk him. The sling still allows him to use his hind legs but with not as much stress. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8082&rel=1

walking lady · #5 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 05:01 PM

My vet said yes because it actually helps their muscles. But she said to keep the walks very short, maybe 5 - 10 minutes (depending on the severity of the arthritis) and go out 2 - 3 times a day.

What would help your dog is if you learned to do some massage when you come back from walks as well as VERY gentle stretching of his legs before you go. Even better than massage is if you were to teach yourself how to do Tellington Touch. I've used it for different things on several dogs and it makes a huge difference. You can google Tellington Touch - there's books as well as DVDs available to teach you how to do it and it isn't hard. The dogs love it. Mine get so relaxed they fall asleep during sessions.