How can I improve my pet’s mobility ?

16 September 2022

Do you find your dog or cat is getting “old”? Perhaps it suffers from arthritis ? Don’t panic. Even if this disease is irreversible, it is possible to improve his comfort and mobility. Discover the 4 areas that vets recommend working on to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and relieve the associated pain.

1. Weight management

Overweight and obesity are risk factors, because the more weight you put on a joint, the faster it is likely to wear out, but also and above all because this induces a chronic and generalised inflammatory state. This inflammation, which develops quietly in the body, is harmful to the joints (among others) and can therefore be the cause of imbalances leading to osteoarthritis. It is therefore essential to keep an eye on your pet’s weight, by feeding it a good quality diet in the recommended quantities. To find out if your dog or cat is fit, take the test in our e-mag dedicated to overweight.

2. Managing exercise

Regular, moderate physical activity is important, even when osteoarthritis pain is present. Ideally, you should exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. This helps to maintain good muscle mass, among other things. You can get your pet moving in all sorts of ways: walking, swimming, chasing kibble (you can hide kibble or healthy treats in several places in your home), chasing a tennis ball or paper pellets, etc. The most important thing is that your four-legged friend enjoys it!.

3. Medication management

In the event of a flare-up, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Chondroprotectors are interesting for maintenance and long term use: they contribute to the good health of the joints. Outside the field of medication, complete feeds and complementary feeds have been shown to be useful in the long-term management of osteoarthritis, in addition to the treatment prescribed by your veterinarian. Numerous scientific studies have shown the effects of ω3 essential fatty acids on the modulation of the inflammatory cascade. Many plants are also known in phytotherapy for their beneficial action on inflammation, such as meadowsweet and harpagophytum, or for their ability to help preserve bone capital (this is the case with bamboo, thanks to its high silica content). Finally, supplementing your pet’s diet with cartilage constituents (type II collagen, GAGs – including glucosamine and chondroitin) is also of interest: they contribute to good joint health.

4. Non-medicinal management

These are all the techniques that can be used with your pet to improve its well-being, strengthen certain muscle groups or improve its flexibility. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, … Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian or his ASV if they have practitioners to recommend. These practices require specialised skills and equipment, but this activity is growing rapidly.

Bibliography :

Review of dietary supplements for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs in studies from 2004 to 2014 : The aim of this literature review is to summarise the available scientific data on dietary supplements evaluated in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Therapeutic Use of Fish Oils for Clinical Disorders in Dogs: This article by John E. Bauer is probably the best reference on the use of Omega 3 essential fatty acids in our four-legged friends.

Le site d’Alforme : Alforme is a rehabilitation centre for pets.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.