How to Walk Dogs With Arthritis

Dogs, like humans, can develop arthritis in their senior years. You may notice your dog has a difficult time standing up from a lying position or limps when he walks. This may indicate joint pain. A dog with arthritis still needs exercise, though, and with a little planning, walking your older dog can be a fine form of exercise that you should both enjoy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the weather before you take your arthritic dog for a walk. Cold and damp weather can intensify joint pain and make it more difficult for your furry friend to manage a walk. Try to walk on warm days for best results.

    • 2

      Aim for numerous, short walks throughout the week rather than lengthy strolls. Like people who suffer from arthritis, the pain in your dog's legs may begin to mount when you take her for a long walk. Ten to 15 minutes each day (or twice daily if she can manage it) for exercise may be enough to keep her active and pain free.

    • 3

      Stay on a flat path instead of steep, hilly terrain. Whether arthritis strikes a person or a canine, climbing can be more painful than walking on a flat surface.

    • 4

      Choose a leash that gives your pet's arthritic limbs some extra support. The Bottoms Up leash has a harness component that you put around your dog's hind quarters (see Resources). The harness lifts up the back part of your dog's body, providing support to his back legs by helping you adjust the amount of pressure he puts on his legs. Your pet may function more normally with less pressure on his joints.