Although pets can bring a lot of happiness and companionship to your life, they require regular care. When you have symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness, doing routine pet care tasks can be difficult. The following tips can help you take good care of your pet when you have arthritis.
Brushing Pets
When you have dogs or cats with fur that needs to be brushed, use a brush that’s easy for you to hold. Choose the right brush for your pet’s coat, and look for one that has a comfortable handle. If needed, you can wrap foam around the brush handle, so you can get a better grip on it without experiencing discomfort. For smaller dogs and cats, gently lift them onto a couch or other surface that makes it easier for you to brush them without having to bend down.
Bathing Pets
When it’s bath time for your pets, consider bringing them to a local pet grooming facility that lets you wash them. These facilities often have bath tools that are simple to use, such as handheld sprayers for rinsing off your pets. Some also have tubs that let you adjust the height by pressing a button. If you bathe your pets at home, use a handheld shower head, so you can easily rinse them off. Set up a comfortable chair next to the tub, so you won’t have to stand or kneel.
Feeding Pets
When it’s hard to lean over due to arthritis, feeding pets can be difficult. Consider getting raised pet bowls for taller pets, so you don’t have to lean over as much to place bowls down. Automatic feeders and water bowls can also make feeding pets easier when you’re experiencing arthritis flareups. If you normally buy larger bags of food for your pets, keep a smaller container filled up, and refill it when needed. You won’t have to lift up a large bag to pour food into pet bowls this way.
Walking Dogs
Dogs need regular walks, especially if you don’t have a yard. When walking dogs, use a leash and harness. This helps reduce pulling, so you won’t have to worry about suddenly losing your balance. Avoid using retractable leashes, since these can make it easier for dogs to accidentally pull you too hard. Make sure the leash you use for walking your dogs has a comfortable handle that you can get a good grip on.
Changing Litter Boxes
Keep litter in smaller containers if you have trouble pouring it from a heavier bag. You can also look into using self-cleaning litter boxes if scooping is hard to do regularly. These litter boxes can last longer before needing to be emptied and changed.
If chronic joint pain is making it hard to do even simple tasks, contact Huntington Orthopedics to schedule an appointment. We can help you manage arthritis pain and stiffness with physical therapy or other treatment options.