Conversations about rheumatoid arthritis often focus on the physical aspects of the disease, such as swollen joints and stiffness.
However, beyond the physical symptoms lies a complex landscape of psychological and emotional strain.
Sometimes, simply coordinating with your healthcare team to manage your symptoms can seem like a full-time job, which adds to your stress and frustration.
Having a dog will add warmth and light to your life. As a constant companion, they will help you overcome negative, intrusive thoughts and get through the darkest times.
How a dog can help your rheumatoid arthritis
Dogs improve your mental and emotional health
The relentless nature of chronic pain can erode your sense of self, leading to feelings of helplessness and frustration.
Anxiety about the uncertainty of flare-ups and the gradual loss of mobility casts a shadow over daily life, and depression often lurks in the background.
Dogs offer unconditional love and constant companionship, which reduces stress and anxiety.
They also provide emotional support during difficult times and will help you overcome feelings of loneliness.
While rheumatoid arthritis might make you want to disconnect from the rest of the world, your dog will be right there for you, keeping you engaged and helping you connect with others.
If you feel that you are unable to talk to family and friends or if you need outside help, you should consider free online therapy.
Pets give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning
As you wake in the morning, with sleep slowly fading and awareness dawning, the initial sensation that greets you is the stiffness and pain in your joints.
Each movement becomes a negotiation, a delicate balance between the desire to stretch and the fear of aggravating already tender areas.
This is an everyday battle for almost every person with rheumatoid arthritis — one study found that 83% of patients experienced morning joint pain and stiffness that lasted an hour or more.
However, when you have a dog, you also wake up to the sight of a loyal dog’s eager eyes and wagging tail — a reminder that you are not alone in your struggle.
The gentle nudge of a wet nose helps you get out of bed and move. You will also need to walk dogs daily, ensuring you get the exercise you need to improve joint mobility.
Assistance dogs can help with everyday tasks
Assistance dogs are trained to help you with everyday tasks that most people take for granted.
These dogs can do everything from retrieving dropped items and opening doors to drawing bedroom curtains and turning on lights.
They can also be trained to help you change the bedding, which is especially helpful in the mornings when joint stiffness is at its peak and you have a tough time managing these tasks.
Most importantly, assistance dogs are trained to fetch your cell phone if you fall so that you can call for help. It’s comforting to know that you will not be helpless even if you fall.
How to choose a dog when you have rheumatoid arthritis
Size and energy level
Consider the size and energy level of the dog breed. If you have mobility or strength issues, you would be better off with a smaller dog or one that has lower energy levels and does not require as much exercise.
Even if you owned a dog as a child, this will be a completely different experience. You will probably need to change and learn how to walk your dog.
For instance, you may need to use a molded leash that is easier to grip or keep your dog on a shorter leash for better control.
Discuss your mobility issues with a breeder or rescue organization so that they can consider this when recommending a dog breed or a specific dog.
Trainability
If you are looking for a dog to train as an assistance dog, choose a breed known for being easy to train.
Even if you don’t want your dog to be an assistance dog, you should still avoid breeds that are notoriously hard to train.
This is because your dog will still need to learn basic obedience commands to prevent behavioral issues that will put you at a higher risk for a fall.
Grooming requirements
You might dream of waking up to a warm bundle with a silky coat, but that is probably not the best option for you.
Dogs with long coats look gorgeous, but they require extensive regular grooming, which is a challenge for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Opting for a breed with shorter hair can make grooming tasks more manageable.
Final thoughts on choosing a dog when you have rheumatoid arthritis
Choosing the right canine companion will bring you love, joy, and companionship and improve your overall quality of life.
However, it’s essential to remember that they also come with responsibilities that you cannot abandon even if you’re not feeling your best.
It is best to have a support system for your dog — whether that’s friends, family, or professional pet caregivers who can take over tasks such as walking or grooming your dog when you cannot do so.
Shaun DMello is a prolific writer who has worked with many health and wellness brands for over a decade, writing on everything from self-care to public health. When he’s not writing, you can find him reading a good book, curled on a recliner, jostling for space with his fur babies.