Canine arthritis is a common problem among dogs. Almost every dog in their old age faces this problem. It is a condition in which their bones start to become sensitive, creating joint pain. Generally, Arthritis is caused due to loss or damage to your pet's cartilage. If your dogs have arthritis, they can't be able to jump or run properly.
But what can you do to help them? How to treat a dog's arthritis? Here are some tips you can follow to help your dog relieve pain.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dog Arthritis?
If your dog is suffering from dog arthritis, then you can notice a few signs in them like:
- Lameness
- Fatigue conditions
- Problems in getting up
- Walking slowly
- Change in behaviour
- Decrease strength
- Problems in climbing stairs
- Chewing joints
- Howling at the time of movement
So, if your dog is showing any of the following symptoms, you must go to a vet and ask for help. Apart from that, go through this blog to have some extra instructions that you can follow to make your dog feel a bit more comfortable.
How To Treat Arthritis In Dogs?
The steps you can follow to treat your dogs are mentioned below.
1. Consider A Vet's Advice
It's always the best solution to consult a vet in the initial days only, as they can have some great recommendations for your pets to manage their pain.
Also, if you have a pet, you already know that one can treat arthritis with the help of anti-inflammatory medication, chondroprotective agents, and dietary supplements.
Your vet may advise a better non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine and Chondroprotective agents such as Cartrophen, which can suit your dog and helps in decreasing pain or inflammation in their body and strengthen the body function as well.
Note: Don't give any of these medicines by yourself before discussing them with a vet, as these can have side effects as well.
2. Keep An Eye On Your Dog Weight And Diet
If your dog is overweight, they have a higher chance of getting affected by arthritis. So it is always advised to keep an eye on their weight if you want to reduce or prevent arthritis. The weight should never exceed the health range.
Note: The weight condition is recommended because, with age, the dog's joints become weak, and it is difficult for them to carry their own weight.
So to control the weight you can go for different exercises, regular weigh-ins.
Apart from this, provide diets and supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulphate, to eliminate arthritis.
3. Offer A Soft Spot To Relax
A dog suffering from arthritis needs a comfortable place to relax and sleep. So it is suggested to offer them a bed made of foam memory. These beds will support your dog's joints and body as well.
Note: A supportive bed is suggested for all dogs, but especially the thin ones, whose joints can feel uncomfortable on tough surfaces due to rubbing.
4. Give Them A Good Massage
You know how important it is for us to feel better; the same goes for our four-legged babies as well. They also want to be comfortable and relaxed, but if you are thinking, what can you do for that, then give them a good massage. It will increase your dog's flexibility, the strength of the movement, and blood circulation as well. However, don't put a lot of pressure while giving a massage.
Tip: If you are not able to do so, appoint a professional pet massager, to pamper your furry baby.
Ending Note
If you want to keep your dog fit and healthy, another thing we can advise you is to take your dog to Another Home. We know what kind of exercise, massage, or nutrient your dog needs, and we make sure to provide them with that. We are a pet boarding center in Delhi with all the veterinary facilities that your furry baby needs. So feel free to visit us!
Suggestion Reading: Why Should You Walk Your Dog Every Day?