What Are Some Safe Remedies for a Dog With Arthritis in the Legs?

Arthritis is a painful condition caused by swelling in the joints. Regardless of your dog's breed, arthritis is a common issue that many dog owners face as their pet ages. There are safe remedies that will help your dog ease the discomfort and stress it is under because of its arthritis; some of these remedies require a trip to your veterinarian while others are home remedies.

  1. Weight Control

    • While the weight of your dog won't cause or cure arthritic legs, overweight dogs will suffer from pain more than dogs that maintain a healthy weight. Feed your dog only high-quality dog foods; do not feed your dog table scraps or give it "people food" as a treat. Feed your dog at the same time every day. Leave the food down for 30 minutes and pick up any uneaten food to prevent snacking and overeating. Discuss the amount of food you should give your dog at each meal with a qualified veterinarian.

    Exercise

    • Take your dog on walks. Regular exercise helps reduce the swelling that causes arthritic pain. Regular exercise also helps make the muscles around the joints stronger, which also helps relieve arthritis symptoms. If your dog is in pain, take several short walks instead of one or two long walks. Make these walks a routine and you may find both you and your dog are benefiting from this exercise.

    NSAIDs

    • NSAIDs stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs help reduce the inflammation in your dog's joints, helping it feel more comfortable. There are NSAID medications available for people and for dogs; the two are not interchangeable. Do not give your dog your NSAID medicine. Talk to your veterinarian about what NSAID options are available to safely treat your dog's arthritis.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Look for dog foods, treats or pills that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and/or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These are considered effective in treating the symptoms of arthritis in dogs and may help your dog gain some relief.

    Bedding

    • Replace your dog's bedding with a softer, more padded bed. Look for heatable beds as warmth is soothing and helps ease the discomfort your dog's arthritis causes. Find a bed that is machine-washable and easy for your dog to get into and out of.

    Massage

    • Everyone can benefit from a good massage, and that includes your dog. Massage increases circulation, which helps with pain relief. Apply only gentle pressure and take your cues from your dog; if it indicates you're causing pain, stop or greatly reduce the pressure you're applying to that location. Talk gently to your dog while you're massaging so it's not frightened or confused by the massage, especially when you first begin.