Sweet puppy breath yawns, long strolls with your beloved dog by your side, and enthusiastic daily greetings that would make anyone a believer in a dog’s love. Being a dog owner comes with a wealth of emotional and physical benefits. Our dogs are always there for us, and sometimes, they need us to be there for them.
Arthritis in dogs is a relatively common ailment, but it requires special attention and care. If you don’t have experience in canine arthritis treatment, you might feel overwhelmed. Read on to learn some great ways to improve your dog’s joint health!
Stay Active
Your dog’s arthritis symptoms might make you think that you need to cut out physical activity to make them more comfortable. Barring an injury that requires emergency care, physical activity is actually one of the best things you can do for your dog.
Regular exercise helps improve your dog’s muscle strength and keeps their joints healthy. You may have to make some changes to their exercise regimen, however. Start with short walks a few times a day and build up to longer ones.
If you find your dog isn’t tolerating longer walks well, cut back to try to find a reasonable amount of exercise for them.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy isn’t just for humans!
There are plenty of physical therapy options for joint issues in dogs. They’re especially good for dogs who have become sedentary as a result of their arthritis. Treatments include:
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Gentle stretching
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Swimming
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Underwater treadmills
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Range of motion exercises
Consider Weight Management Solutions
It’s no secret that excess weight leads to poorer outcomes for dogs with arthritis. That’s why one of the most powerful ways you can improve your dog’s arthritis symptoms is by helping them shed some weight. There are a lot of ways to accomplish this, but some of the most common include:
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Encourage more physical activity
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Feed your dog according to their ideal weight
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Limit access to table scraps and high-calorie treats
As the pounds come off, your dog will feel much better!
Pain Prevention and Relief Options
Arthritis is painful for everyone, including dogs. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan to both prevent and relieve pain. Talk to your vet about supplements that might be beneficial, like glucosamine.
You may also want to keep a supply of anti-inflammatory medication on hand for when your dog has a bad flare-up. Make sure to get all of your supplements and pain relief medication directly from your vet or their online store. This is the best way to ensure that your dog is getting safe, high-quality supplements and medication.
Arthritis in Dogs Doesn’t Have to Be a Limitation
Ask any veterinarian, and they’ll tell you that arthritis is a common issue in aging pups. Taking steps to ease their discomfort and keep them active will help you keep your dog around for years to come. Stay on top of annual checkups and shots, too, and you’ll be golden!
Are you looking for a veterinary clinic in St. Catharines that provides compassionate, high-quality care to your pets? You’re in good hands at Glenridge Animal Hospital. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
