artrose bij honden hond ligt in het zand

What can you do about osteoarthritis in dogs?

Does your dog suffer from osteoarthritis? Or does your beloved four-legged friend show symptoms that resemble osteoarthritis? If so, it is important to do something about it as soon as possible. Naturally, you want to give your dog a happy and pain-free life. But how do you recognise osteoarthritis in dogs, and what can you do about it? Here you can read everything you need to know about this condition.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs?

Osteoarthritis in dogs can manifest itself in different ways. Not every dog will have the same symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is also possible that a symptom only occurs at certain times. For example, dogs often behave differently after walking. This is often the case with dogs that have osteoarthritis in their front legs. These are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs:

  • Stiffness and lameness;
  • Reduced playfulness/activity;
  • Changes in movement;
  • Signs of pain or sensitivity;
  • Reduced muscle mass;
  • Behavioural changes such as irritability or aggression;
  • Difficulty standing up and lying down.

Have you noticed that your dog is showing symptoms of osteoarthritis? Always consult a vet to diagnose the condition.

How long can a dog walk with osteoarthritis?

It is important to pay close attention to your dog while walking. This will help you assess what kind of walk your dog needs. Make sure you take short walks, but perhaps a little more often than usual.

Let your dog walk at his or her own pace. Avoid running or hills, which put extra strain on the joints. To be sure how long your dog can walk, it is best to ask your vet for advice.

How long can a dog with osteoarthritis live?

The lifespan of a dog with osteoarthritis is often impossible to estimate. It depends on various factors that can affect their quality of life. Below are a number of factors that can influence the lifespan and quality of life of your dog with osteoarthritis.

1. Timely diagnosis and treatment

The earlier osteoarthritis is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. This is because further damage can be prevented in the early stages.

2. Effective and preventive treatment

It is important to use the right treatment method for your dog. Preventive treatments can also be used. For example, low level laser therapy is a suitable way to treat or prevent osteoarthritis in your dog.

3. Breed and age

Some breeds are more prone to osteoarthritis. Older dogs are also more likely to develop the condition. Life expectancy therefore depends on these factors.

4. Living environment

The dog's living environment also plays a role in osteoarthritis. For example, a dog with osteoarthritis is best advised to avoid stairs and sleep on a soft bed. This reduces the strain on the joints.

Can a dog with osteoarthritis live to a ripe old age?

A dog with osteoarthritis can certainly live to a ripe old age, especially with the right care. Although osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, there are things you can do to reduce symptoms and pain.

What can you do about osteoarthritis in dogs?

There are several things you can do to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. It is important to discuss options such as medication with your vet.

There is no miracle cure for osteoarthritis in dogs, as it is a chronic condition. Fortunately, there are tools that can reduce the symptoms. Below, we will tell you about some of the known treatment methods.

Medication and painkillers for osteoarthritis in dogs

Anti-inflammatories and painkillers: various painkillers and medications are available from your vet. Consult your vet to find out what is best for your dog.

Supplements: (nutritional) supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain the health of your dog's cartilage if they have osteoarthritis.

Weight control, exercise and physiotherapy

Diet: being overweight puts extra pressure on the joints and can worsen symptoms. Make sure your dog is at a healthy weight.

Physiotherapy: professional therapy can help your dog improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the joints. Nowadays, laser therapy is also used in physiotherapy for dogs.

Low level laser therapy/red light therapy

Treatment: LLLT, also known as red light therapy, uses low-frequency laser light to stimulate cell growth and repair. This can help reduce pain, inflammation and various conditions. It also helps improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Application: this laser therapy was first performed by a vet or physiotherapist. Nowadays, you can easily treat your dog yourself at home. We will tell you more about the use of red light therapy in dogs.

 artrose bij honden powercure laser uitgelegd

Osteoarthritis in dogs and low-level laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, is an effective treatment for your dog's osteoarthritis. Laser therapy is also an effective treatment for other conditions in dogs.

How does laser therapy help your dog?

Low-level laser therapy uses low levels of laser light to stimulate cellular processes. This can help relieve pain and other symptoms. Here's why laser therapy can work for your dog:

  • Pain relief;
  • Anti-inflammatory effect;
  • Improved blood flow;
  • Accelerated recovery.

Red light therapy and science

The use of low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, has been scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a special frequency of low-power light energy. This light interacts with the tissues in your dog's body. This reduces pain, swelling, inflammation and various conditions. This therapy can be used on both humans and animals. 

What can PowerCure do for your dog?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many dogs to reduce pain, complaints and conditions. We have received many positive experiences from dogs and their owners. The cost of laser therapy for dogs is often less than the cost of other treatment methods.

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser yourself for home use. This allows you to treat your beloved four-legged friend in their familiar surroundings. And the laser is not only useful for your dog, but can also be a great tool for yourself, your housemates and your other pets. And it can be used for almost any complaint!

Would you like more information about the PowerCure (Pro) laser and how it can help you? Then take a look here.

Shop the PowerCure laser

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Neck pain? 7 tips to relieve a sore neck

on Jul 15 2026
Although neck pain isn’t always serious straight away, it is a very unpleasant condition. It’s often caused by a pulled muscle, but it can also have other causes. Here you can read what neck pain might indicate and what you can do yourself to treat a sore neck. What can neck pain indicate? Neck pain can have many different causes. In some cases, the source is clear – for example, a fall, a collision or a strain sustained whilst exercising. These are some possible causes: Tense muscles Poor posture Overuse Stress Cold Stiffness Injury Degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae Pinched nerve A sore neck does not necessarily mean anything serious. If, for example, you have neck pain after sleeping, it may be that you were lying in an awkward position. In many cases, a sore neck will therefore go away on its own. In exceptional cases, however, a sore neck can be a warning sign of something wrong in your body. What are the warning signs of neck pain? If you experience severe pain following an accident, radiating pain, loss of strength or numbness in your arms, it is important to see a doctor straight away. It’s also a good idea to see a doctor if you have a fever, difficulty walking or trouble controlling your bladder and bowels. If you’re experiencing, for example, severe headaches and nausea alongside a sore neck, it’s wise to take further action. Source: Pexels 7 things to do for neck pain Are you suffering from mild neck pain? Fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to reduce the pain. Here’s what you can do. 1. Keep moving gently Try not to rest too much, as this will make your neck stiffer. So keep moving gently within your pain threshold and change your posture regularly. 2. Do some stretching exercises Gentle neck stretches can help keep tense neck and shoulder muscles supple or help to loosen them up. Don’t force any movements that make the pain worse, and try to move gently. 3. Pay attention to your posture If you often suffer from a sore neck, this may well be down to your posture. Perhaps you’re sitting awkwardly at your computer, holding your phone in a strange way, or often slouching. You should therefore keep screens at eye level as much as possible, change your posture frequently, and ensure you have an ergonomic workspace. 4. Massage tense neck muscles A gentle massage often helps to relax tight or stiff muscles in the neck and shoulders. Use gentle pressure and avoid massaging too hard on particularly sensitive areas. 5. Try to be mindful of your sleeping position Although this is naturally difficult to assess, it is important to maintain good posture whilst sleeping. Ensure your neck is well supported by a comfortable pillow and always try to lie as comfortably as possible. 6. Apply heat to the neck Try to relax tense muscles with heat. You can do this, for example, by taking a warm shower, having a bath or using a heat pad. 7. Use red light therapy You can use red light therapy on your neck to reduce pain, relax muscles and promote the recovery process. You can easily do this yourself at home, for example with the PowerCure Pro laser. How does red light therapy help with a sore neck? Red light therapy can be very effective if you’re suffering from neck pain. The red light supports the body’s natural healing process. The red light is absorbed by the cells and can therefore stimulate the body’s own processes. Red light therapy helps with a sore neck by: Relaxing tense muscles Supporting muscle recovery Reducing pain and tenderness Improving local blood circulation Delivering oxygen and nutrients more effectively to the area Nowadays, it’s very easy to use red light therapy yourself. PowerCure red light therapy for neck pain The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can help with neck pain. It offers the benefits listed above and also helps with neck-related complaints and conditions. Furthermore, it helps not only with a sore neck, but also with other complaints and conditions. For both people and animals! Take a look here for user experiences with the PowerCure laser.
zenuwpijn paard

Nerve pain in horses: 8 symptoms and what to do

on Jul 10 2026
Nerve pain in a horse is often extremely distressing for the animal. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to recognise and may be confused with other symptoms or conditions. Here you can read about the symptoms of nerve pain, its potential consequences and what you can do to help your horse. What are the symptoms of nerve pain in horses? Nerve pain in horses is often difficult to recognise. Horses often express pain in subtle ways, and it is sometimes confused with other issues. These are possible signs: Over-reacting to being touched Restless behaviour when certain areas are touched A change in gait Stiffness Less fluid movement Reduced willingness to work and diminished performance Changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability Difficulty with balance and coordination As these symptoms can also occur with other conditions, it is important to consult a vet. This will allow you to be certain of the cause and the possible treatments. What causes nerve pain in horses? This pain occurs when a nerve becomes irritated, damaged or compressed. This can be caused by, for example, an injury, pinched nerves, overuse, inflammation and more. As the causes can vary so widely, it is important to identify the source. What are the consequences of nerve pain? Nerve pain can have many different consequences. In most cases, this also depends greatly on how it is managed. When in pain, the horse may start to behave differently, perform less well or be unable to relax. Depending on the cause, it can also have more serious consequences. Which conditions cause nerve pain? As well as causes such as injury or pinching, there are also certain conditions that can cause these symptoms. These include kissing spines, wobbler syndrome, neuropathy or EPM. Only a vet can diagnose this. If your horse has nerve pain, it is important to look after the animal properly. Below you can read what you can do to help your horse. Source: Pexels 5 things to do if your horse has nerve pain Once you know the cause, you’ll be better able to assess what your horse needs. You should therefore always have the horse examined by a vet first. Once you’ve done this, you can follow the tips below to help the animal as best as possible. 1. Temporarily adjust the training If you notice your horse is in pain, temporarily reduce the workload. What the horse really needs at that moment is rest and relaxation. Opt for gentle exercise in between sessions and avoid any exercises that you notice are causing discomfort. 2. Check the equipment A saddle that doesn’t fit properly or equipment that puts pressure on certain areas can make symptoms worse. You should therefore check carefully that all equipment fits correctly and isn’t causing any further discomfort. 3. Provide additional support during the recovery process In addition to rest, complementary treatments such as physiotherapy, massage or red light therapy can also be very helpful. These methods can all be used to support the recovery process. 4. Keep a close eye on changes Note when the horse shows signs of discomfort, which movements are more difficult, and whether there are any improvements. This will help you recognise patterns and identify what, if anything, you can adjust in the training sessions and during rest periods. 5. Use red light therapy Use red light therapy to reduce pain. The red light supports the natural recovery process and helps to relax the muscles and tissues around the affected area. How does red light therapy help if your horse has nerve pain? Red light therapy can be a valuable aid when your horse is suffering from pain that may involve the nerves. The specific light waves stimulate the cells in the body and support the natural healing process. By improving blood circulation and having a relaxing effect on the surrounding muscles and tissues, red light therapy can help increase your horse’s comfort and freedom of movement. Red light therapy is often used to complement other forms of treatment. It helps the body to recover naturally and can contribute to your horse’s wellbeing during the recovery process. PowerCure red light therapy for horses The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can help with nerve pain in horses. PowerCure has already helped many horses to experience less pain and fewer symptoms, including other symptoms and conditions in horses. With red light therapy, you can help your horse enjoy a better and more comfortable life with less pain.
kat met hernia

Cat with a hernia? 6 ways to help your pet

on Jul 06 2026
Does your cat have a hernia? If so, you’ll no doubt want to do everything you can to help your pet as best you can. Here you can read how to recognise a hernia, what the warning signs are, and how best to help your cat. What are the symptoms of a hernia in a cat? A herniated disc in a cat can manifest in various ways. This often depends on the severity and location of the condition. These are common symptoms: Meowing when the back or neck is touched Difficulty walking or jumping Lameness or walking differently than usual Weakness in one or more legs Reduced activity levels Changes in posture or reduced coordination Reduced bladder or bowel control Not every cat shows the same symptoms. In fact, most cats show almost no signs when they are in pain. It is therefore important to keep a very close eye on your beloved pet. What are the warning signs of a hernia? There are symptoms that may indicate immediate action is required. If your cat suddenly can no longer walk, becomes paralysed, or if you notice that the animal is in a great deal of pain, you must consult your vet immediately. Some people think that a cat with a herniated disc needs to be put to sleep, but this is often not the case. With advice from the vet and other measures, you can usually ensure that your cat feels as well as possible. Source: Pexels 6 ways to treat your cat’s herniated disc 1. Give your cat plenty of rest With a mild herniated disc, rest is a very important part of the recovery process. Limit your cat’s ability to jump, run and climb stairs. This gives the spine a better chance to recover. 2. Use painkillers or anti-inflammatories Use medication if your vet has prescribed it. This often helps to reduce pain and any inflammation that has developed around the nerves. 3. See a physiotherapist Once the pain is largely under control, veterinary physiotherapy can help to strengthen muscles and improve mobility. There are specialist veterinary physiotherapists for this, but your vet may also be able to provide advice and exercises. 4. Surgery In severe cases, such as where there are signs of paralysis or significant pressure on the nerves, surgery is sometimes necessary to help the animal. The sooner you seek treatment, the greater the chance of a full recovery. 5. Make temporary adjustments to your home During the recovery process, you can help your cat by temporarily adapting their living environment. Place food and water in accessible spots and, if necessary, use a low litter tray. Also, ensure that your cat does not have to jump or climb stairs to reach resting spots 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy can be used to support the recovery process following a hernia in cats. You can administer this to your cat yourself, right at home. Red light can also aid recovery following hernia surgery. How does red light therapy help with a hernia in a cat? Red light therapy can play a very beneficial supportive role in the case of a herniated disc and the recovery process. Here are some of the benefits of red light: Improved blood flow, allowing nutrients to reach the affected area more quickly and thereby supporting the recovery process Reduced pain and stiffness Supporting tissue repair, which is also beneficial for the muscles and surrounding tissues of the spine Promoting relaxation, as many cats find the treatment calming and pleasant Red light works best alongside other treatment methods, such as following your vet’s advice and making adjustments to your home environment. In this way, it can be a very welcome addition to help the recovery process proceed more quickly, smoothly and comfortably. Red light therapy from PowerCure The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that you can use to treat your cat’s herniated disc. This laser has been specially developed for home use, for cats, dogs, horses and people! This means one laser is enough for the whole household. Take a look here for testimonials from animals and people who have used the PowerCure lasers.