How to Make an Arthritic Dog More Comfortable at Home
If you are like most pet owners, you love your pet and you don’t like seeing them in pain or discomfort. However, pain and stiffness are not uncommon for dogs who have arthritis. If your dog has this condition, then it’s only normal that you will want to find the best way to treat it to ensure that your dog can be mobile, pain-free and happy. The good news is that there are several things that you can do to help a dog with pain and stiffness from arthritis. Be sure to take the advice of your vet as this will be tailored to your dog’s individual needs. There are also several home remedies that you might want to try.
Dietary Supplements
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Joint supplements for dogs can be added to your dog’s food as a good way to help with reducing arthritis pain and increasing mobility. Choose joint supplements for your dog that are made from natural and high-quality ingredients, and include a range of nutrients such as magnesium, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Arthritis Relief Walks
If your dog is getting older and suffering from arthritis, you may have noticed some changes to their walking habits. If your dog has this condition, they may not need to walk as often or for as long as they once used to. Dogs with arthritis may be more content to just have a quick sniff around the local park rather than engaging in long games of fetch or running for long periods. However, keeping moving can help with relieving arthritis pain in dogs, so try and keep your dog walking on the leash non-stop for around twenty minutes before you allow them to explore and sniff.
Oily Fish
Adding more oily fish to your dog’s diet can help with overall health and arthritis. Bear in mind that too much can lead to weight gain, so be careful with portion sizes! Mackerel, salmon, and sardines can be added to meals or fed in small amounts as a treat. Studies have found that oily fish can be very effective at reducing the inflammation associated with this condition, therefore reducing pain and stiffness.
Orthopedic Dog Bed
If you are looking for a new bed for your arthritic dog, then it’s worth looking into an orthopedic option, especially those made from memory foam. Laying down or sleeping on this type of dog bed can take a lot of pressure off the joints of a dog with arthritis, helping them with pain relief and making it easier for them to get back up. It’s worth putting a few dog beds around the house in different locations to make it easier for your dog to go and rest whenever they need to.
Heating Pad
Heat therapy can be an ideal way to help your dog feel better and reduce pain and stiffness from arthritis. Sit with your dog and gently lay a heating pad on a low heat setting on the affected area. Don’t allow your dog to lie down on a heating pad, as this can be risky. Check the temperature by placing your hand between the pad and your dog – ideally, it should be warm to the touch rather than hot. You can place a towel underneath the heating pad if you think it might be too hot for your dog.
Pet Stairs
Dogs who are suffering from arthritis might find it more difficult to climb onto furniture or into the car, for example. If you have noticed that it is getting harder for your dog to do these things, then you may want to invest in some pet stairs. These are sets of steps that allow your dog to easily climb to wherever they need to be, which puts much less strain on their body compared to climbing or jumping. Folding pet stairs are a great option for keeping in the trunk of your car.
Nail Trims
It’s a good idea to monitor your dog’s nails and trim them if you notice that they are getting too long. Long nails on dogs doesn’t just increase your risk of being scratched accidentally, but they can also impact your dog’s mobility. If your dog is walking on a hard floor and you can hear a clicking sound, then this is usually a major sign that a nail trim is needed. When the nails are too long, this can lead to your dog distributing his weight in a way that will have a bigger effect on the arthritic areas of their body, leading to more pain and stiffness. With trimmed nails, it will be easier for your dog to distribute their weight more evenly.
Arthritis is a common problem in some older dogs. While there are treatments that you will likely be provided by your vet to help, it’s worth trying out some of these strategies at home to keep your dog comfortable and happy.
