Do you have a dog that is suffering from arthritis? If so, you may be wondering what you can do to help make their life easier. There are many things that you can do to help your furry friend feel better, and we will cover them all in this post.
One of the best things that you can do for your arthritic dog is to make sure they are getting plenty of exercise. This may seem counterintuitive, but exercise is actually one of the best ways to reduce pain and inflammation in joints. As your vet will explain, stopping exercise is one of the worst things that you can do. Just be sure not to overdo it – start slowly and increase the intensity and duration of your dog’s workouts gradually.
For example, you might start by taking your dog on short walks around the block. Once they are used to this, you can increase the distance of the walk, and add in some light jogging. If your dog enjoys swimming, this is also a great low-impact exercise for them.
Another important thing to do for your arthritic dog is to give them the proper nutrition. This means a diet that is high in omega fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation. You should also make sure they are getting enough vitamins C and E, as these are also important for joint health.
Next, make sure they have a comfortable bed to sleep in. This will help to ease their pain and make it easier for them to get a good night’s sleep. You might also want to consider using a heating pad or heated bed, as the warmth can help to soothe their aches and pains. Like humans, sleep is essential for dogs with arthritis to allow their bodies to rest and heal.
Furthermore, you can also invest in joint supplements for dogs. These supplements can help to improve their joint health by providing them with the nutrients they need to reduce inflammation and pain. There are a variety of different supplements available on the market, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian about which one would be best for your dog.
Two important ingredients to look out for include glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that helps to repair cartilage, while chondroitin sulfate is a compound that helps to reduce inflammation. Supplementing your dog’s diet with these ingredients can help to improve their quality of life significantly.
Additionally, it is important to keep your dog’s weight under control. Obesity can exacerbate joint pain and make it difficult for your dog to move around. If your dog is carrying around extra weight, talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan. Causes of obesity in dogs include overfeeding and a lack of exercise (something that often happens when owners learn of arthritis, thus starting a negative spiral).
By following these simple tips, you can help your dog to live a comfortable life. What’s more, you will also find various products available commercially to help with pain relief and management. So, if you think your dog may be suffering from arthritis, contact a vet as soon as possible. If the diagnosis is confirmed, follow the advice in this guide and the advice of the professional to keep your dog as comfortable as possible!
