While you should schedule an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian if you suspect any medical problem, there can be visible signs that your dog is suffering from arthritis. Generally, they will be less active and spend less time around family members. They may also seem more irritable and may struggle to stand up. If you notice these signs, there are things you can do to help alleviate some of your dog’s pain.
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Help Your Dog Lose Weight
One of the most important things you can do to alleviate your dog’s arthritis pain is to help them get more exercise. This is important for a couple of reasons. Primarily, physical activity is essential in the strengthening of bone, muscle, and connective tissue. As your dog builds more muscle and stronger tissue, they will experience less pain and inflammation. They will also have increased mobility, which will help them to stay fit and active. The second reason regular exercise is essential is that it will help your dog lose weight. Dogs should have 5% body fat or less, yet most dogs have considerably more fat. The excess weight puts more stress on the dog’s joints, making it more difficult for them to move. This adds to the inflammation around the joints. Helping your dog shed a few extra pounds will give them a lighter body to support, and that will help reduce the pain in their joints and muscles.
Provide a Healthier Diet
Nutrition is as important for dogs as it is for people, so pay closer attention to the foods your dog eats. In particular, avoid providing unhealthy table scraps to your dog. While some fruits and veggies are fine, stop feeding your dog processed foods with large amounts of sugar and fat. Processed foods will cause your dog’s body to store more fat, and that will adversely affect their joint health. Conversely, feeding your dog food that contains proper nutrients and vitamins will help minimize the symptoms of arthritis. Certain grains, plant-based foods, and lean meats contain those essential nutrients as well as powerful antioxidants. A more nutritious diet will help reduce the inflammation that leads to arthritis pain.
Give Your Dog an Easier Life
There are changes you can make in your home that will help your dog experience less pain as they move around the home. For example, the use of toe grips is a popular dog arthritis treatment. It will help your pet walk more easily on hardwood, tile, and other types of slippery flooring. You can also buy steps that will help your dog get onto a sofa or bed. A raised platform for food and water bowls will keep your dog from bending in an uncomfortable position. Look for more situations that cause your dog to experience joint pain and do what you can to alleviate the pet’s discomfort.
Try a Supplement
Your vet may recommend a daily vitamin for your dog even though you’re already feeding them a nutritious diet. If your dog has a vitamin deficiency, their arthritis pain may be exacerbated. A larger supply of essential vitamins will give your dog’s body the resources it needs to build muscle faster, shed more excess weight, and strengthen the tissue around the joints. Supplements also help to alleviate chronic inflammation and to keep it under control. Another option that falls under this category is to give your pet CBD-based dog treats. The CBD compounds in these treats will help relax the dog’s body, reduce stress, and relieve pain.
Physical Therapy Helps Severe Arthritis Pain
If you have already taken the previous suggestions and your dog still seems to suffer from severe arthritis pain, you may need to take additional steps. Talk to your vet about scheduling physical therapy for your dog. A deep tissue massage or acupuncture are common treatments for dogs with arthritis. These forms of physical therapy alleviate inflammation, improve mobility, and reduce pain in the joints and muscles. Blood flow will also be improved, helping your dog to maintain a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Conclusion
Be sure to stay in regular communication with your vet when dealing with an arthritic dog. Your vet may be able to provide medication that will also help to ease the pain. Additionally, they may recommend other lifestyle changes to improve your dog’s quality of life.
