You love your pet and the last thing that you want is to see them in pain. If your dog has arthritis, however, they might often feel sore and stiff. Most dog owners whose dogs are suffering from this condition want to find the best ways to treat it so that their dogs can be as pain-free, mobile and happy as possible. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to help your dog with arthritis and relieve some of the pain that they are experiencing. Your vet will be able to help you with medical treatment and advice that is tailored for your dog. At home, however, there are plenty of remedies to try to help your dog feel better. These include:
Dietary Supplements
Adding dog joint supplements to your dog’s diet can be a good way to help reduce arthritis pain and give your dog more mobility. There are a few providers out there that discuss helping. It’s worth considering something natural that’s of high quality. YuMOVE is one brand that sell dog joint supplements that are designed to provide your dog with better mobility, increased flexibility, and soothe any feelings of joint stiffness. Simply add the supplements to your dog’s meals. Simply add it to their meal makes it an easy change to make.
Oily Fish Treats
Incorporating more oily fish into your dog’s diet is really good for him. Sardines, mackerel, or salmon are really tasty treats that most dogs are going to love, and studies have found that these foods can help to decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis. One or two sardines in the morning will get your dog’s day off to a great start with a tasty breakfast and a boost of omega fatty acids.
Arthritis Relief Walks
If your dog is suffering from arthritis as they get older, chances are that their walking habits are changing. Your dog might not need to walk as much or as often as they used to, and might be more content to just sniff around the park. However, while sniffing and exploring is definitely necessary for dogs, it’s also important to go for some walks that relieve the stiffness and joint pain by keeping moving. For the first twenty minutes or so of your walk, keep your dog on the leash and try to keep them moving non-stop before allowing them some time to sniff and explore. Start slow for the first five minutes, increase to a pace that’s manageable for your dog for ten minutes, and then go slowly again for the last five minutes to cool down.
Daily Massages
Massage therapy is a great remedy for arthritis and your dog will definitely benefit from a doggy massage. While a professional dog massage is always a great investment, most people can’t do this every day, but the good news is that you can do this yourself from home and it’s a great bonding experience with your pet too. Massage your dog with long, gentle strokes to encourage blood flow to the arthritic area and reduce pain and stiffness.
Use a Heating Pad
A short round of heat therapy can be one of the best ways to help your dog feel better. Using a heating pad on low heat, sit with your dog and gently lay the pad on top of the affected areas. Avoid letting your dog lay down on the pad since this can be dangerous. Regularly check the temperature by placing your hand between the pad and your dog – you should aim for warm rather than hot. You can place a towel underneath the heating pad if you are unsure.
Get an Orthopaedic Dog Bed
Orthopedic, memory foam dog beds are great for dogs with arthritis since it takes a lot of pressure off their joints when they are laying down or sleeping. It’s a good idea to provide an orthopedic dog bed in every room where your family and your dog spends time. Some dogs have one bed that might not always be easy to access for them until bedtime, which is usually fine for younger dogs but can be quite uncomfortable for a dog with arthritis. Make sure that your dog has always got somewhere he can easily go and rest in comfort.
Trim Your Dog’s Nails Regularly
Nails that are too long don’t only mean that you’re increasing your risk of being accidentally scratched, but they can also have a huge effect on your dog’s mobility. If you can hear a clicking sound when your dog walks on a hard floor, it’s time to get your dog’s nails trimmed as this could be causing him to distribute his weight in a way that has a bigger impact on the arthritic areas of his body.
Use Area Rugs or Mat Flooring
Hardwood floors and laminate might look nice in the home but they can be a nightmare for a dog with arthritis. Not only can these floors be extra slippery for a dog to walk across, but it’s often harder, particularly for larger dogs, to get up from a hard floor. If you don’t want to install carpet, a few area rugs with grip backs to keep them in place will definitely make life easier for your dog.
Pet Stairs
Dogs with arthritis often find it more difficult to climb into the car or onto the furniture to get comfortable if you allow them to, so it can be beneficial to invest in some pet stairs. These steps are designed for your dog to climb up to get to where they need to be and can take a lot of strain off their body. You can get folding pet stairs designed specifically for the car that can easily be kept in your boot when they are not in use.
Safety Gates
Older dogs often require more care when it comes to their safety, especially if they are suffering from arthritis. Safety gates around your home are an ideal way to ensure that your dog is unable to hurt themselves from falling down the stairs, for example. This is especially useful if your dog is not only suffering from arthritis but is also suffering from night vision loss or is becoming visually impaired overall. Room gates can be used to isolate your dog to one room throughout the day which can help ensure that they are less likely to be exposed to potential hazards throughout the home.
Therapy Wraps
Arthritis pain in dogs can be helped with hot and cold treatment from therapy wraps. Apply heat before travel, long walks, or any form of exercise and apply cold therapy afterward. Heat works to warm up the muscles, and applying something cold will cool and soothe any inflammation. You can find therapy wraps that your dog can easily wear before and after exercise. If you’ve found that a heating pad helps your dog feel better, therapy wraps are definitely worth trying. You can find different types available to help with the various types of arthritis depending on where your dog’s body is most affected.
Nobody likes to see their dog in pain, but sadly arthritis is a common problem in dogs who are aging. At home, there are various changes you can make to keep your dog safe, mobile, pain-free, and happy.
