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what if i do nothing?

Arthritis is a painful and progressive disease, and a major cause of elective euthanasia in dogs.

The disease process begins in one or more joints, but the effects are soon felt elsewhere in the body, as the dog shifts their weight away from the painful joint(s) onto other limbs. Over time the structures that would normally support the affected joint (e.g. the muscles, tendons and ligaments) become dysfunctional and weak through lack of use. In simple terms ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’. The pain associated with joint use becomes persistent due to ‘central sensitisation’ and the dog is likely to experience more pain from everyday activities, even a gentle stroke. Other regions of the body also become painful due to injuries from overuse as a result of compensatory weight shifting away from the painful and weak limbs affected by arthritis.

Dogs, like humans, have different tolerance levels of disease and pain. Some dogs manage well with significant arthritic changes, whereas other dogs suffer terribly with what may be considered mild disease. Treating arthritis should always be dictated by the severity that the patient suggests. It is not appropriate to treat what the radiographs or physical changes suggest. Instead, the dog’s perception of pain should drive the management plan.

For many dogs, even those that initially coped with the disease very well, the challenge of living with arthritic joints eventually becomes all consuming, and their quality of life will wane. Managing pain and reduced function from not only the primary location, but also the overworked areas that have been compensating for the affected limb(s), will challenge their coping strategies.

Over time the dog’s limb(s) will weaken and the pain will increase. Eventually owners witness their dog not willing to stand up, not willing to walk, and not able to interact. At this stage the dog’s quality of life will be considered poor and the decision to humanely euthanise will need to be made.

By intervening as early as possible, this process can be slowed down. The pain can be eased, and the dog’s mobility, quality of life, and bond with their human companion can be maintained.

Early identification and action are the keys to successful osteoarthritis management. If you would like information on how to manage your dog’s condition, subscribe to our FREE Owner Guide to Managing Arthritis email series.

knowing when it’s time

No-one wants to say goodbye to their loved pet. Research shows us that losing your pet can hurt as much as losing a relative or close friend which emphasises how emotionally difficult it can be for that owner.

Having to say goodbye due to quality of life issues

If you are on this site then you will probably consider your dog as part of the family. This will mean that the grief of losing your dog will be close to the grief of losing a close family member which emphasises how emotionally difficult it can be for that owner.

The fear of making the decision

This is likely the hardest decision ever made by pet owners. The responsibility of deciding that their companion’s quality of life is consistently not adequate is not easy or comfortable. However, when making the decision you have to think outside your own emotions and think only what is best for your pet.

Arthritis and its associated clinical signs naturally will improve and deteriorate which complicates decision making further. CAMs advice is the decision has to be prioritised “when the bad outweighs the good”. We have made a simple tool in the resources section that may help with looking for consistent deterioration and poor quality of life.

Each case is individual as was your relationship, but talking to someone less emotionally involved but who knows your dogs is very useful. This may be your vet, a veterinary nurse, an animal therapist or a friend.

Preparing for “the time” comes with having to make the decision. Your veterinary practice will be well trained in how to advise you of what situation would be best for your dog and yourself, this may mean you have a home visit or you go the practice for the last consult of the day to give you more time.

You will also need to think about where your pet’s resting place will be, and if they’ll be buried or cremated after they’ve passed on.

Dealing with Grief

Grief is recognised as having emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural aspects. We understand it is not transient sadness and the huge effect it can have on owners who have lost their companion.

“People react in different ways to loss. Anxiety and helplessness often come first. Anger is also common... Sadness often comes later.“ NHS Choices

Feelings like these are a natural part of the grieving process. Knowing that they are common may help them seem more normal and that they will pass.

Some people may not understand the intense feelings of sadness you may feel after losing a pet, but please remember there are people out there who understand.

Some people take a lot longer than others to recover. Some need help from a counsellor or therapist or their GP.
But you will eventually come to terms with your loss, and the intense feelings will subside.

Please rest assured, there’s pet bereavement support out there to help, from knowing the right time, to grieving after the death of your pet.

How to cope with grief and loss (NHS choices)

There’s no instant fix. You might feel affected every day for about a year to 18 months after a major loss. But after this time the grief is less likely to be at the forefront of your mind.

There are practical things you can do to get through a time of bereavement or loss:

  • Express yourself. Talking is often a good way to soothe painful emotions. Talking to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor can begin the healing process.
  • Allow yourself to feel sad. It’s a healthy part of the grieving process.
  • Keep your routine up.
  • Sleep. Emotional strain can make you very tired. If you’re having trouble sleeping, see your GP.
  • Eat healthily. A healthy, well-balanced diet will help you cope.
  • Avoid things that “numb” the pain, such as alcohol. It will make you feel worse once the numbness wears off.
  • Go to counselling if it feels right for you – but perhaps not straight away. Counselling may be more useful after a couple of weeks or months. Only you will know when you’re ready.
When to get help

Get help if any of the following apply to you:

  • You don’t feel able to cope with overwhelming emotions or daily life.
  • The intense emotions aren’t subsiding.
  • You’re not sleeping.
  • You have symptoms of depression or anxiety.
  • Your relationships are suffering.
  • You’re becoming accident-prone.
  • You’re caring for someone who isn’t coping well.

CAM HAS A BOOKLET DESIGNED TO HELP!

You can purchase CAM’s ‘End of Life Care‘ booklet from the CAM online Shop in print format.

Or why not join our CAM MEMBER ZONE where you will gain access to all our CAM booklets in digital format as well as a wealth of information, videos, downloads, forum and much more...

JOIN TODAY

CAM can help...

Our mission is to make caring appropriately for your dog with arthritis as stress free as possible, helping you to enjoy your time together with your pet. Doing nothing isn’t an option, so check out all our information on Managing Arthritis, and take a look at all the more active ways we can help, too.

MANAGING ARTHRITIS?

Follow our practical and easy advice to help make life much more comfortable for your canine friend.

READ MORE

BECOME A CAM MEMBER

Join our Member Zone to gain access to everything CAM has to offer to help you and your dog’s journey with arthritis.

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