How to Support a Dog with Chronic Arthritis

Dogs are usually great at hiding how old they are, but it’s common for them to develop arthritis as they age. Your dog may have a hard time getting onto elevated surfaces, like stairs or the bed. They may also seem sore or stiff. You might be tempted to dismiss these symptoms as signs of slowing down, but this isn’t always true. There are a few steps you can take to help your canine friend stay as comfortable as possible.

Keep Up with Vet Visits

Your vet can help you figure out what’s going on with your pet’s health. They’ll be able to conduct a physical examination, perform diagnostic tests, and take a medical history to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. There is no single treatment that is universally recommended for chronic arthritis. Most of the time, a combination of treatments is used to provide your pet with the highest quality of life possible. Your vet might recommend muscle relaxants, nerve medications, or other types of medicines. The key to making your dog as comfortable as possible is to start treatment as soon as you can. It’s important to not let factors like the cost cause you to delay care. You can use pet financing to make immediate care more accessible by using payment plans to cover the costs.

Keep an Eye on Mealtimes

It’s easy to overfeed your dog, especially if you notice they aren’t feeling well and want to give them some special treats. But showing too much love through food may end up doing harm. Too much food can lead to excess weight, which can result in decreased mobility and more pain. You can talk to your vet about your dog’s condition to figure out whether or not they’re at a healthy weight. Your vet can also help you create a feeding plan, so you are giving them the right amount of food, as well as the right type for their needs.

Invest in a Comfortable Pet Bed

Many dogs like lying on the floor, especially during the warm summer months. However, dogs also enjoy comfortable spaces, particularly as they get older. Hard surfaces can make joint pain worse, so it’s a good idea to have a comfortable spot available for your canine. This should be a space that’s easy to get on and off, which can prevent injuries from getting on or off furniture. There are many dog beds to choose from, and there are even orthopedic beds available. Some have cooling mattresses, so they are a safer alternative for dogs with joint problems.

There are so many shapes and types available, and every dog has their own preferences. It might take some experimenting to figure out which style is the best. If your canine friend is not too eager to use what you have selected, try putting it in a frequently used room, like a family room or living room. You can also try moving it near your bed at night so your dog can be close to you. If your dog has a favorite spot, try placing the new bed as close to that spot as possible.

Regular Exercise is Important

You might be reluctant to make your dog exercise if movement is already uncomfortable for them. But staying in one position too long isn’t good either because it can result in even more stiffness. Staying in one position makes it much harder to get up again. Exercise is important for any pet, whether or not they’re at a healthy weight. It’s also a good opportunity for you to get outside and get some air, which can increase bond with each other. If you haven’t taken your dog out for much exercise recently, it’s usually best to start with something easy, like a slow, short walk around the street. This will help your dog stay flexible. If they are overweight, walks can also help them burn calories, which can help get some of the weight off their joints.

Consider helping your dog do low-impact exercise, such as swimming. This gets them moving without placing undue stress on the joints. Regular exercise can help your pet maintain their muscle mass and keep a full range of motion. This can help their joints remain more stable. Make sure to keep an eye on your friend during exercise sessions because dogs often do not know their limits and will often push themselves past what they can physically handle. It’s also a good idea to do smaller exercises on a more regular basis, rather than heavier sessions less often. This will help prevent injuries to the joints.

Make Modifications to Your Home

Your dog may find it hard to navigate certain areas, such as stairs or slippery surfaces. Consider putting down grippy runners, rugs, and mats on non-carpeted floors in your home. You can place steps or ramps near frequently used furniture, like beds and couches, so it’s easier to get up and down. There are portable steps and ramps, so you can take them with you to make it easier to get in and out of the car. You can even build one if you are handy with tools. It’s a good idea to keep all water bowls on absorbent mats so any spilled water is absorbed rather than becoming a slipping hazard on the floor. There are also elevated bowl setups available for larger dogs, so they don’t have to bend down as far to reach food and water.