Dog and humans age in a similar manner
Since dogs generally age in a manner similar to humans, like us, they become less physically active and may develop joint problems such as arthritis, which is an inflammation of the joints. And because dogs tend to accompany their owners closely, they also go for walks and climb stairs, activities that become difficult and painful for dogs with arthritis.
A variety of treatments are available, usually involving a combination of drugs and physiotherapy, but these generally address only the symptoms. The aim of physiotherapy – in dogs as in humans – is to lessen pain and to improve function of the affected joints and limbs.
Physiotherapy going to the dogs?
A number of different physiotherapy regimes are available but until recently there had been only very limited investigations of their effects on dogs. A study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research has shown that relatively simple measures such as walking uphill or over low obstacles can significantly improve joint movement in dogs, thus help decrease pain caused by arthritis.
Using a specially designed treadmill and sophisticated computer algorithms, researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna examined the joint movements of dogs as they performed three different types of exercise used in physiotherapy: walking uphill, walking downhill and walking over low obstacles. They then compared the findings with dogs walking on a level surface and the results were extremely revealing.
The study concluded that each of the three regimes had different and specific effects on the movements of the dogs’ joints. Walking downhill did not appear to have much therapeutic benefit however walking uphill and the use of obstacles could both play a part in therapy.
“These types of exercise are often recommended to improve the flexibility of joints in arthritic dogs,” said co-author Barbara Bockstahler. “Nobody has yet taken the trouble to test whether they work but we are happy to report that they are of real benefit to the animals.”
Affordable treatment for arthritic hips
Hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket, is one of the most studied conditions in dogs, and is also the most common single cause of arthritis of the hips. This genetic trait is commonly associated with many dogs, particularly the larger breeds.
Walking uphill is an easy exercise to help improve the flexibility of affected joints, particularly the hip. Walking over low obstacles could also be useful for improving joint flexibility in all four legs, although it should be noted that dogs that have recently undergone surgery to the tibia should avoid walking over obstacles.
Fortunately, walking uphill or over obstacles does not require expensive special equipment, and both programs are simple and can be easily supervised by the dog’s owner. Since you’re getting older along with your pet, you, too, could benefit from that uphill climb, and most likely feel more limber than your peers.
Photo credit: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net