Veterinary practices play a crucial role in providing care and support for dogs with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities. Osteoarthritis is a common condition among canines, which causes pain, reduced functional mobility and emotional and physical vulnerability to the activities essential to daily life.
Veterinary practices can implement various simple environmental modifications that not only aid patients with reduced mobility and protect the well-being of our canine companions but set an example of advised home and lifestyle modifications for their caregivers.
This article explores three key yet simple environmental modifications which reduce the fear and anxiety associated with every necessary visit to the vet, ensuring your canine patients are less stressed and keeping your clients happy with your services.
Flooring
Veterinary practice flooring has a high footfall and needs to be safe and easily cleaned with appropriate disinfectants; however, it can be treacherous for mobility-impaired arthritic dogs. Therefore, by choosing appropriate flooring materials, veterinary clinics can lead by example when it comes to environmental modifications – reducing stress, minimising the risk of injury and helping dogs navigate their surroundings more comfortably.
By choosing appropriate flooring materials, veterinary clinics can lead by example when it comes to environmental modifications
Non-slip surfaces
Providing a non-slip surface is essential for all dogs, especially arthritic dogs, as it reduces the risk of falls and injuries. We have all heard the coarse noise of claws scrambling for grip on hardwood, tiles and laminates that can be extremely slippery, particularly when wet. Instead, veterinary practices should consider using specialist textured flooring options that offer better traction to ensure that dogs can move with greater confidence and stability.
Cushioning
Arthritic dogs often select different terrain to minimise the impact on their joints. Therefore, cushioned flooring materials can alleviate discomfort in waiting areas, examination rooms and recovery spaces. Because these materials absorb shock, they will make moving around, transitioning between lying, sitting and standing, and resting more comfortable for dogs.
Temperature and humidity control
Environmental factors like temperature and humidity significantly affect the well-being of all dogs and their caregivers. It is especially topical for arthritic dogs because research in human medicine reports changes in arthritis-related pain dependent on weather conditions. By maintaining optimal conditions in your veterinary practice, you can minimise the stress on physiological systems and the discomfort associated with arthritis your patients experience.
By maintaining optimal conditions in your veterinary practice, you can minimise the stress on physiological systems and the discomfort associated with arthritis
It is suggested that arthritic dogs are likely sensitive to temperature changes: cold temperatures may exacerbate joint and muscle stiffness, while excessive heat may increase discomfort. Veterinary practices should ensure their facilities are appropriately heated during colder months and well-ventilated or air-conditioned during warmer seasons.
High humidity can aggravate arthritis symptoms in humans, and we assume it may also affect dogs. Veterinarians can use dehumidifiers or ventilation systems to maintain an optimal humidity level as an easy environmental modification in their practice.
Soft resting areas
Providing comfortable resting areas is crucial for arthritic dogs as they spend a significant amount of time lying down to alleviate joint pain. Veterinary practices should consider incorporating soft bedding or orthopaedic dog beds in waiting rooms and kennels to provide proper support and cushioning and inspire owners to see the importance of these simple additions.
Providing comfortable resting areas is crucial for arthritic dogs as they spend a significant amount of time lying down to alleviate joint pain
Orthopaedic dog beds
Orthopaedic dog beds are specifically designed to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. These beds often feature memory foam or other supportive materials that conform to the dog’s body shape. By offering orthopaedic beds in waiting areas and recovery spaces, veterinary practices can provide arthritic dogs with a comfortable and relaxing place to rest, recover and hopefully head home more comfortable than they arrived.
Soft bedding
If orthopaedic beds are unavailable, using soft and supportive bedding throughout the clinic will still enhance the comfort of arthritic dogs. Blankets or padded mats provide extra cushioning and insulation, making resting areas more inviting for dogs with osteoarthritis.
Conclusion
Environmental modifications in veterinary practices can greatly improve the quality of life for arthritic dogs and dogs with mobility issues. By providing flooring that offers better traction and cushioning, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels and providing soft resting areas, veterinary clinics can create an environment more suitable for dogs, especially those with osteoarthritis. Evidence to support these modifications’ contribution to reducing pain, promoting mobility and enhancing overall well-being is still lacking, but no one can argue against the evidence-based logic of their implementation.
Canine Arthritis Management says “environmental modifications are a valuable necessity to managing an arthritic dog, and we have been shouting from the rooftops #MoreRugsLessDrugs. We are excited to see that there is now a product available that can fulfil all a veterinary practice’s requirements.”
| You can find out more about the environmental modifications mentioned on the Floors for Paws website. |
