Unfortunately, it is very difficult to see your dog in pain, but getting old is the reality of life. When you see your dog in a situation where he cannot move, it must be very sad for you.
As your dog ages, a common problem that he will experience is arthritis. Arthritis is defined as inflammation or swelling in one or more joints that causes painful symptoms and worsens with age.
There is no cure for this problem, but there are certain things you can do to reduce this arthritis problem in dogs and give them a good quality of life. In this article, we will look at 10 things you can do to prevent arthritis in dogs.
10 things you can do to prevent arthritis in dogs
You can improve a dog's joint health by taking good care of the joints. Here are the 10 things you need to do to prevent arthritis in your beloved furry companion.
- Reduce the weight of your elderly dog
As dogs get older, they naturally gain weight. According to Dr. Judy Morgan, owner of Clayton Veterinary Associates and Churchtown Veterinary Associates, in New Jersey, when dogs are more than 5% overweight, they will suffer from decreased mobility. Besides, she said that most pets are 5% overweight and that lowering their body weight in a normal way is very necessary, as it could reduce the need for medication use.
So when you feel like your dog is overweight, help slim him down because the extra weight will put pressure on the joints and worsens his joint health. If your dog likes to eat and is always looking for food, you can mix fiber sources like adding some pumpkin in his food because it is low in calories. It is also healthy and will give him the feeling of fullness.
- Regular exercise
Suppose your dog is overweight and you want to protect him from arthritis. In that case, you should take him on regular exercises as it will keep his joint moving and prevent it from stiffening.
If your dog is overweight and you would like to protect him from arthritis, you should take him for regular exercises as it will keep his joints moving and prevent it from stiffening.
There are only a few things to pay attention to during exercise. Choose the exercise that has a smaller impact on the joints. Leisurely walks or lights swims are great options.
- Regularly groom your dog paws and nails
Stance and gait are important parts of the dog's posture, and the dog's paws and nails play an important role in this. Therefore, keep your dog's nails trimmed properly as it plays an important role in gait maintenance and posture.
If your dog's nails grow too long, they will cause pain, and your dog will change his walking pattern accordingly. When the dog changes its walking pattern, it tends to put a lot of pressure on the ligaments and joints, and as a result, there will be a greater chance for the development of arthritis.
- Improved traction
Dogs with joint problems are not usually stable on their paws. If your elderly dog often suffers from sliding and slipping on the floor, this will affect their joints. Giving them a toe grip or rugs for traction. This may prevent slipping, allowing the elderly dog to remain upright and stable, and therefore lessening the chances of arthritis.
- Give them massage
Massage has many great benefits: it lowers blood pressure, eases sore muscles, and reduces stress. In addition, it will strengthen your bond with your dog. You can also look for any abnormalities in the dog's body. If you find any sores, lumps, or bumps, they can be treated early and decrease the chances of your dog suffering from arthritis.
- Padded surfaces
Sometimes dogs suffer from joint problems or injuries where it is impossible to walk on a hard surface because it can be painful. There is a greater chance of suffering from the problem of coordination and balance.
The hard surface, such as the wooden or tile floor, can be sometimes painful on joints. It is advisable to cushion hard surfaces with items such as soft rugs to make walking easier. This is especially so for older dogs with lessen mobility.
- Use of CBD Oil
CBD oil has proven benefits to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. Everyone wants their pets to live happy and healthy lives, but inflammation and pain can affect your dog's quality of life. CBD oil is illegal to use in some countries like Singapore, so always consider your country's laws before using it.
In older dogs, there is a greater chance of joint pain, but you can prevent this problem by giving them CBD every now and then, which may provide instant relief, and your dog may be able to move easily again. You can use CBD oil in consultation with your vet to improve joint health for dogs.
- Use of heating pads
If your older dog has joint problems, you can use heating pads for them. These pads may relieve pain, heal injuries, relax muscles, and release trigger points.
You can also make a heating pad for your dog at home. It is very easy, take a knee-length sock, fill it whole corn or rice, tie the knot on the sock and microwave it for a few minutes. Your dog’s heating pad is ready. You can use it in those areas where your dog feels pain.
- Orthopedic bed
If your dog already suffers pains in his joints, consider providing him with an orthopedic bed. It may provide comfort and support while preventing the condition from worsening. Orthopedic beds may likely reduce stiffness and decrease joint pain, and your dog will feel much better.
- Use supplements in food
There are certain joint supplements for dogs that provide significant benefits to dogs with arthritis.
You can increase the amount of fish oil in your dog's diet. It is a rich source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and is considered excellent anti-inflammatory ingredients. One option is through regularly feeding dog treats rich in Omega-3 fatty acids from Wild Alaskan Salmon. Try Perkytail’s Glow Pup treats that are rich in Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids from Wild Alaskan Salmon and Flaxseeds. Glow Pup can be used as regular treats when you are rewarding your pup!
Glucosamine for dogs and Chondroitin Sulfate can also be used as supplements in dog food. The use of dog supplements for arthritis has proven benefits for relieving pain associated with joint function loss.
Glucosamine is considered one of the most popular arthritis remedies that are available without a prescription. It occurs naturally in the dog's body and is an important component of cartilage and synovial fluid. As your dog ages, the cartilage wears down, and, as a result, glucosamine production decreases over time.
When we add glucosamine to our dog’s diet, it will help lubricate the joints and slow down the progression of the joint.
The recommended amt of glucosamine is about 15mg / kg for maintenance, but the treatment dose is twice the maintenance dose. If your using glucosamine for treatment, do check the dosage with your vet. For regular maintenance, try Perkytails’s Hip Hip Hooray Hip and Joint treat. With 110mg of glucosamine per treat, these functional dog training treats are great for maintenance and keeping your dog’s joints healthy.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a very painful condition that can make your dog's life miserable. If you are looking for the best joint care for dogs, you should follow these tips to prevent dog arthritis. Prevention is key and will allow our dogs to run, play and jump longer!