Adapting the home environment plays a vital role in the effective management of osteoarthritis (OA). Making thoughtful modifications within the living space can significantly reduce joint stress and contribute to the patient’s overall well-being.
Ensuring the home is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with OA is essential. Proper adaptation helps to minimise the risk of aggravating joint pain and supports daily function, thereby enhancing quality of life.
Without suitable adjustments, patients with OA are at increased risk of slipping, tripping, and jumping from elevated surfaces. These incidents can worsen inflammation in the affected joints, leading to greater pain and potentially resulting in additional injuries to surrounding soft tissues.
Recurrent slips, trips, or jumps subject the joints to ongoing concussive forces. This is particularly problematic in cases where the joint is already abnormal, such as with elbow or hip dysplasia, or already has osteoarthritic changes developing. Continuous microtrauma to the cartilage perpetuates and worsens joint inflammation, hindering recovery and potentially accelerating disease progression.
Cats with osteoarthritis often struggle with mobility, jumping, climbing, and accessing favourite resting spots. Recognising these challenges will help owners anticipate and address their cat’s needs, minimising discomfort and promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.
Certain areas of the home present greater risks and, therefore, provide opportunities for positive change in the day-to-day management of OA.
Reducing Risks: Slippery Floors and Furniture Access
Slippery Floors
Laminate, wooden and tiled floors can present significant slip hazards for patients with osteoarthritis. To provide more reassurance to patients and reduce the risk of slipping, it is advisable to cover areas that affected pets frequently walk along with rugs, runners, or yoga mats. These coverings can improve grip and therefore traction, helping reduce the risks of accidental slips.
If using rugs or runners it is crucial to ensure they are securely fixed to the floor. This can be achieved by using anti-slip tape. Another option is to choose mats that come with a rubber base to stop them from moving. In some patients, hair on the underside of their feet may be a factor in them having reduced grip. Carefully trimming this can help improve traction on smooth surfaces.
If certain areas remain hazardous despite these suggested interventions, it can be wise to restricting patient access to minimise the risk of avoidable harm and improve safety. Owners will need carefully counselled of the reasons for this.
Sofas and Beds
Allowing pets to jump on and off sofas and beds can also result in repeated microtrauma and increased strain on joints.
Introducing ramps or steps is a simple means of helping pets access furniture safely and these can be purchased or often improvised at home. Many cats enjoy elevated resting spots but may struggle to jump or climb. Providing ramps or low, sturdy steps allows cats to access favourite places with less strain. These aids should have a gentle incline and be covered with a non-slip material. Position ramps near sofas, beds, or windowsills to allow easy access.
If they are unwilling to directly use the ramps or steps, placing a stable, non-slip cushion next to the furniture might be enough to encourage them to use them.
When jumping down, the placing of rugs beside sofas and beds can reduce the risk of slipping on landing if steps, or ramps are not tolerated. This is especially important on harder floored areas of the house, even more so if landing on tiles or similarly hard, slippery surfaces.
Lifting pets on and off furniture can be wise to further minimise joint stress, but whether this is practical will depend on the patient and owner.
As with hazardous flooring, in some situations it may be wise to make certain pieces of furniture off limits, to prevent injury.
Ball (or frisbee) chasing and its ‘Impact’ on joint health
Engaging in ball chasing requires pets, especially dogs, to rapidly accelerate, decelerate quickly and perform twisting movements in order to stop and catch the ball. This repeated action subjects the joints to significant trauma, which can intensify joint pain, inflammation and may lead to additional injury.
It is common for owners to be perplexed by their pets’ willingness to continue such activities, even when discomfort or pain is apparent. This is because most dogs lack the self-control to moderate their participation in highly stimulating activities like ball chasing. Therefore, it is crucial to educate owners about the risks and encourage them to manage these activities sensibly to help protect their pets’ joint health.
Ball chase can be replaced with ball hide and seek, or they may still be permitted to carry the ball if this meets their needs. When removing an activity, replacing it with a lower impact option is key for both per and owner compliance.
Car Access
Many dogs jump in and out of the car several times a week, placing repeated, excessive force on the joints, even from a low height. To make this safer, consider using tailor-made ramps or steps to help pets enter and exit the car without jumping.
Stairs
For some pets, stairs are a safe and regular aspect of daily exercise, while for others, they pose a risk. Ideally, stairs should be carpeted and pets should be able to move up and down at a controlled pace. Signs such as hesitation, rushing, or bunny-hopping as they go up or down can indicate difficulty.
To prevent unwanted access to stairs, baby gates can be installed and come in a range of designs to suit every staircase. A supportive harness, or carrying the pet up and down stairs when safe, may also be helpful in managing joint stress.
Feeding Stations
Food and water bowls should be placed at a comfortable height; this may be on a on a raised platform. This reduces the need for the pet to bend down or stretch awkwardly. Ensure bowls are stable and cannot be tipped over easily. Multiple feeding stations throughout the home can help pets with limited mobility to meet their nutritional and hydration needs.
Toileting
High-sided litter trays can be difficult for cats with OA to enter and exit. Choose trays with low entry points and place them in easily accessible areas. Ensure that the tray is large enough for the cat to move comfortably and keep it clean to encourage regular use. Avoid placing trays in high traffic areas, locations that require climbing stairs or negotiating obstacles.
The choice of substrate is important. Ensure that it does not become stuck to the cats as their grooming habits may be reduced.
Dogs may need to go out for more regular toilet breaks. As the OA progresses, they may not be able to posture to urinate and defecate as they once did. Therefore, they may not void fully. More regular toilet visits may be needed.
Grooming
Both cats and dogs may need more regular grooming as they are unable to clean themselves as they once did. Maintaining good hygiene is key to avoid urine scaling and maintain good emotional health.
Sleep and Bedding
Ensuring that pets receive sufficient, quality sleep plays a vital role in managing their pain. There are known links with chronic pain and poor sleep quality and the vicious cycle that ensues.
The quality of the bed is a key consideration; it should provide adequate support and allow the animal to get in and out with ease. Pets should have the freedom to lie fully outstretched if they wish.
It is important that beds allow for appropriate pressure distribution and do not put additional pressure on certain parts of the body. Sleep science is developing in pets and we know have access to products such as the VetRelieve range.
Heated beds or pads, used safely, provide warmth that can aid in joint and muscle pain. Ensure any heating device is specifically designed for pet use and monitored to prevent overheating.
Pets with OA and joint pain may be sensitive to cold. The home should be kept at a comfortable temperature and avoid placing beds or resting spots in draughty areas. During colder months, consider additional blankets or safe heating options, while being mindful of trip, or burn hazards.
Discussing sleep quality with owners can offer valuable insights into whether a pet’s pain is being effectively controlled. By monitoring sleep patterns and comfort, we can better assess and address the animal’s needs in relation to pain management.
Management of ADLs is crucial
Facilitating movement and access to key areas of the home is vital for maintaining independence and wellbeing. The discussion and continual management of a pet’s activities of daily living (ADLs) is crucial to reduce repeated concussion of the joints and reduce the risk of joint and soft tissue injury.
Thoughtful home modifications can greatly improve the comfort and mobility of pets with OA. By understanding the challenges, implementing practical changes, and providing ongoing support, owners can help their pets lead happier, more independent lives. Veterinary teams play a vital role in guiding and educating owners about ADLs, fostering a collaborative approach to proactive OA healthcare.