Instructions
Consult your veterinarian about the types of medication he may want to prescribe your dog. Usually doctors like to prescribe non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs with arthritis or joint pain, but some may choose a narcotic or other type of pain relief medicine for your pet, depending on how your animal reacts to different drugs and its degree of discomfort.
Put your dog on a diet if he is overweight and feed him nutritious, but low-calorie meals that will keep him lean. Heavy dogs will stress their already-painful joints if they are carrying around too much weight.
Feed your dog glucosamine, which is a supplement that is supposed to help rebuild cartilage.
Discuss with a veterinarian whether surgery may be necessary. For instance, large dogs such as Labradors may suffer from an elbow joint problem called fragmented coronoid process, while other dogs are prone to canine hip dysplasia. With surgery, some dogs with conditions such as these may be able to enjoy a better quality of life.
Place dog socks on your pet's feet or use areas rugs on wooden, linoleum or tile floors where a dog with arthritis may have trouble getting up and down. The rug or socks will give the dog some traction and ease his efforts as he tries to rise.
Buy your dog an orthopedic bed. Some manufacturers also offer heated versions for use during the winter when the cold may make your pet's arthritic joints more painful.
Exercise your dog when it is feeling better. Light walks will help keep your dog in shape, improve circulation and help him maintain muscle tone, which is important when he is not feeling well due to his arthritis. If a dog loses too much muscle tone, it will have eventually have trouble standing up on its own.
Take your dog swimming if you have access to an animal rehabilitation center that has a pool. Since it is non-weight-bearing, swimming is a good form of exercise for a dog with painful joints.
How to Help Your Dog With Arthritis or Joint Problems
If your dog has been showing signs of lameness or appears to be in pain, it may have arthritis or joint problems. Many dogs as they get older suffer from these maladies. Having joint pain or arthritis does not mean the dog has to suffer for the rest of its life. With proper medication and care, your canine friend can still enjoy a long, relatively good quality of life even after being diagnosed with such problems.