If you’re wondering how to help a dog with arthritis at home, consider following a few tips. These include a new diet, adding slip-resistant surfaces to your home, and taking NSAIDs. Regardless of which method you choose, follow the instructions on the label and repeat four to six weeks later. If you’re unsure of whether a product works, you can record your pet playing or walking to show yourself and your veterinarian.
What You Can Do at Home to Help Your Dog with Arthritis
Exercise
There are many different exercises that you can do with your dog to help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. The key to success is to keep your dog’s joints and muscles flexible and strong. Low-impact exercises are also a great way to increase your dog’s energy and interest in activities. You can start with short walks, and gradually increase the length and intensity of these walks. Once your dog is used to the exercise routine, you can introduce new games and activities. As with any activity, be sure to warm up your dog’s joints before starting any high-impact activities.
One of the best ways to exercise your dog with arthritis is to take him out for a walk. Even if you aren’t able to take him to the park, you can still take him on a walk around the neighborhood. Short walks will help loosen up the muscles without overstretching his joints. However, you should monitor your dog closely to determine whether it is in pain and adjust the exercise accordingly. You can even use a tug of war or a ball to play with your dog.
Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise for dogs with arthritis. Swimming relieves pressure on the joints and helps to maintain proprioception in the hind limb. It also strengthens the muscles supporting the hind limb. Swimming also helps with weight loss and increases joint range of motion.
Diet
One out of five dogs will experience arthritis during their lifetime, and there are several ways to ease the pain your pet is feeling. You can help your dog by giving it gentle exercise on a daily basis. This can keep the joints limber and muscles strong, as well as keep the dog’s weight in check. However, too little activity can make the arthritis symptoms worse.
Adding supplements to your dog’s diet is a great way to help control pain caused by arthritis. Some of these supplements contain glucosamine, which is found in the cartilage of the joints. Glucosamine helps repair cartilage and reduce pain and friction.
Acupuncture is another option for helping your pet feel better. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into certain points of the body. These points stimulate the nerves, releasing chemicals that reduce inflammation and pain. As a result, veterinary acupuncturists can help relieve your dog’s arthritis pain naturally.
Using raised feeders is a great way to help an arthritic dog reach his or her food. It can help your dog eat more comfortably, and this can reduce the risk of bloat and other stomach problems. Raised feeders can also prevent your dog from losing his balance when eating.
NSAIDs
When used as a first-line treatment, NSAIDs for dogs with arthritis can slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. These drugs block the prostaglandin molecules that are responsible for promoting inflammation. They can help dogs feel better and allow them to exercise, both of which are important for keeping joints and muscles healthy. But, they aren’t a cure-all for arthritis.
Owners and veterinarians were made aware of potential side effects, and many strategies were developed to minimize risks. Still, some dog owners remained skeptical of NSAIDs for dogs with osteoarthritis, claiming that they were wrongly prescribed. Others said that they simply couldn’t give NSAIDs to their dog. Veterinary surgeons reported frustration with these owners, as some of them had strong beliefs about the benefits and drawbacks of NSAIDs.
In addition to causing stomach and intestinal ulcers, NSAIDs for dogs can have negative effects on your pet’s liver and kidney function. Some of the negative effects of NSAIDs for dogs can occur early in the treatment, while others occur later. For this reason, it is important to monitor your pet’s condition.
Adding Slip-Resistant Surfaces To Your Home
Adding slip-resistant surfaces to your home can help dogs with arthritis feel safer and less painful. Because dogs with osteoarthritis have trouble stabilizing themselves on slippery surfaces, adding slip-resistant flooring and stair treads can help them feel more secure. Additionally, a dog support harness can help arthritic dogs navigate stairs.
To prevent a dog from falling on slippery surfaces, you should get your dog in good shape. Weight loss and regular exercise will improve mobility and reduce pressure on joints. You can also help your dog overcome his fear of slippery surfaces by training him. When your dog is hesitant to walk on a slippery floor, coax him onto the smooth surface with a leash. Never punish him for walking on a slippery surface.
Another way to make your home more slip-resistant for a dog with arthritis is to add non-slip surfaces to your dog’s space. The most obvious way to do this is to install non-slip mats in strategic locations throughout the house. These mats are waterproof and durable. They can be washed with a hose when necessary. You can also use skid-resistant indoor rugs to provide traction for your dog.
Adding Turmeric To Your Dog’s Diet
Turmeric root has been shown to help dogs with arthritis by reducing inflammation. Inflammation causes pain and swelling in joints, and this inflammation can lead to many other health problems including allergies, cancer, heart disease, and digestive disease. Chronic inflammation can lead to fever, joint degeneration, and severe pain. Turmeric can reduce inflammation by reducing blood vessel dilation and cytokine release.
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant, and it can prevent free radicals from destroying cells. Free radicals are produced by the body when it is exposed to toxic food and environmental pollutants. Turmeric’s anti-oxidant properties can protect your dog’s cells from damage and prolong its lifespan. Moreover, turmeric can improve joint range of motion, which can relieve joint pain and improve mobility.
Turmeric can be given as a paste or in the form of chewable tablets. It is also possible to add turmeric to your dog’s food in a form that is easily digested by dogs. Turmeric can be bought from your local pet store, but make sure to buy a product from a reputable company. Some reputable brands of turmeric supplements include Dasuquin by Nutramaxx and Phycox by Dechra. These products contain the active ingredient of turmeric, as well as other essential nutrients. Some companies make chewable turmeric supplements for dogs, and you can even try curcumin oil or turmeric capsules.
Keeping Your Dog’s Weight At A Healthy Level
Keeping your dog’s weight at optimum levels is an essential part of a dog’s arthritis treatment plan. As with humans, a balanced diet and plenty of exercise are essential for dogs with arthritis. It is important to avoid the risk of your dog becoming overweight or obese as this could result in loss of muscle mass and healthy body fat. To maintain an ideal weight, your dog should be regularly checked by your veterinarian and monitored for changes in size and weight.
The optimal weight for your dog’s breed is a great way to minimize the stress on the joints. A heavier dog puts more pressure on the joints and limits its ability to move. This condition can be a result of a previous injury, genetics, or too much movement. To keep your dog’s weight at an optimal level, try to give them a diet that is light and lean.
A dog’s diet should include a variety of natural foods. Instead of consuming large quantities of processed food like chicken and white bread, give your dog small amounts of vegetables and fresh fruits instead. Try to avoid eating cheese and fatty meats since these are both high in fat and contribute to inflammation.
Adding Fish Oil
Adding fish oil to a dog’s diet can help reduce pain and inflammation. This beneficial fatty acid also helps support a dog’s immune system, forcing harmful bacteria from vital cells. Some types of fish oil come from plant sources, while others are derived from animal tissue. These fatty acids are found in most pet foods. They are also available as supplements for common ailments.
When preparing fish oil supplements for your pet, choose a product made from 100% salmon. Look for a dark glass or aluminum bottle to prevent oxidation. Avoid bottles made of plastic, as BPA can leach into the liquid. Check the EPA and DHA content in milligrams and the amount of vitamin E added. You should also look for products made in Norway and the North Atlantic.
Fish oil can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some pets. It can also interact with some prescription medications, so it is important to consult your veterinarian before starting a fish oil supplement. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.