As our dog's age they are at an increased risk of dog arthritis. But there are a few simple ways to reduce these risk factors. In this article, we'll discuss how to prevent arthritis in dogs and increase your dog's health.
Five Ways on How To Prevent Arthritis In Dogs
Let's jump right into it. Here are five ways to increase the health of your dog's joints.
1. Managing Your Dog's Diet
Weight management is the easiest way to help prevent degenerative joint disease like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Heavier dogs develop arthritis at much faster rates than a dog who is at a healthy weight. Your dog's joints are meant to keep up only what they were designed to carry.
A healthy weight will also increase blood flow and the general health of your dog! If you feel like your dog is overweight, you can take him to a vet or maybe even your local PetSmart to get them weighed.
If you find they are heavier than they should be, consider putting your dog on a healthy diet. We know it can be difficult to hold those treats back! But if it can provide pain relief, please consider it.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can mean a number of different things. You can get professional assistance at your local veterinary medicine. You can also take your dog on short walks. Many dog owners believe a short walk can help decrease pain.
If you choose to go on regularly scheduled walks, be aware of your dog's limits. A long walk can cause severe pain, and we do not want this! So, give it a try and make it part of your pain management toolkit!
3. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help increase circulation and blood flow to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments around your dog's joints.
Since this therapy is new to our canine companions, we borrow a lot of the technique from human massage therapy.
Massage Therapy Techniques
- Acupuncture treatment
- Trigger-point massage
- Passive range of motion
- Craniosacral therapy
Give it a try!
4. Joint Supplements
Although not necessarily a "home remedy," we can at least administer the joint supplements at home.
Joint supplements usually contain essential ingredients for joint health like MSM Chondroitin and Glucosamine.
Additionally, you can look into dietary supplements that also include things like fish oil, supplying much needed fatty acids to your dog's joints.
5. Make Your Home Arthritis Friendly
This is a relatively easy task we can check off to keep your dog's joints healthy. Your dog's arthritis pain can be very intense, especially when they move too much or try to jump.
Make sure your furry friend has easily accessible food and water. Don't make them jump or reach up for it.
Additionally, make sure they have a cushioned bed to sleep on. Joint pain can increase at night, since the joints become stiff from not moving.
Bottom line
Our dogs are a special part of our lives and we want what’s best for them. As your dog ages, it increases the risk of your dog developing arthritis.
But you don't have to sit back and watch your furry friend suffer. There are things you can do to ease their pain and improve their quality of life.
We hope this article has given you a few ideas on preventing arthritis in dogs. And please remember, if your dog is in severe pain please go see a vet as soon as possible.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods prevent arthritis in dogs?
Foods naturally high in omega fatty acids can help to provide essential nutrients to your dog's joints. In addition, foods that contain key vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin K can help to prevent arthritis in dogs.
What causes dogs to have arthritis?
The breakdown in the cartilage around the joints can cause painful arthritis in your dog. This breakdown is caused by old age, weight gain, and poor diet.
How can I slow my dog's arthritis progression?
Try taking your dog on a long walk to help with joint stiffness. In addition, going on walks can help keep off excess weight.
Walks are always a great option to keep everyone happy, healthy, and at the appropriate weight!
How do I keep my dog's joints healthy?
To prevent your dog from developing arthritis, try giving your dog joint supplements in addition to a healthy diet and body weight.
A good joint supplement typically includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and essential vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin K.
