Dogs tend to get arthritis as they get older, and some breeds -- especially larger breeds -- seem to experience this ailment worse than others. Dealing with arthritis in dogs can be stressful, especially when your pet appears to be in pain. Arthritis comes on gradually, and you likely won̵7;t notice it until your dog starts to exhibit changes in behavior and activity level. There are measures you can take to make your arthritic dog comfortable. Always consult with your dog̵7;s veterinarian before starting an arthritis treatment regimen.
Things You'll Need
- Orthopedic foam bedding
- Dog sweater
- Ramps or steps
Instructions
Watch for arthritis symptoms. You may notice your dog not getting around as well as it once did, or hesitating before going up and down stairs. Your dog might start to limp, or struggle to get up on couches or beds. These symptoms tend to usually come and go, so don̵7;t ignore them if they come, and then go away. If your dog seems to exhibit these signs on a fairly regular basis, schedule a visit to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
Give your dogs the proper diet and exercise, but modify the exercise to avoid aggravating the arthritis. Ask your veterinarian about giving your dog omega-3 fish oils, which can be very beneficial for dogs when it comes to arthritis. The dosage will depend on the weight of your dog. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise can keep off extra pounds, which exacerbate arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about exercises appropriate for your pet̵7;s specific condition. In general, leash-walking, swimming, treadmill walking and slow jogging are good, lower-impact exercises in which your dog can engage on a regular basis. Exercise your dog every day, and do a warm-up and cool-down period.
Provide your dog a comfortable place to sleep, in a warm room on the first floor of your house. Purchase a firm, orthopedic foam bed on which your dog can lay. The firmer foam allows for a more even distribution of your dog̵7;s weight, which can take undue pressure off the joints. Keep your dog warm as well. Warmth on the joints can provide pain relief, much as it does for humans, notes Dr. Holly Nash with Doctors Foster and Smith̵7;s Veterinary Services Department. Consider keeping a sweater on your dog to keep the joints warm and increase the heat in your house a degree or two, if you can.
Make it easier for your dog to get around the house. If your dog is accustomed to laying on couches or beds, provide steps or a ramp to these pieces of furniture so your dog doesn̵7;t have to jump up or down. Install a ramp leading to the outside of your house so your pet can more easily make it outside for bowel and bladder elimination. Elevate feeding bowls for your pet to reduce the strain on the neck and back when it comes to feeding time.
Ask your veterinarian if he or she would recommend prescription pain relievers to aid your arthritic dog. Your veterinarian may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a series of osteoarthritis-modifying injections or oral supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Do not administer human arthritis medications to your dog. Follow the dosage instructions and give the prescribed medications as your veterinarian recommends.