There are times when the easy run of the mill for dogs becomes a stiff walk while jumping on the favorite chair becomes a horrid dream. Different reasons can lead to arthritis and one of them is age. When dog’s age, it takes them a reasonable effort to conduct their routine tasks. But the truth of the matter is that only old age is not the reason for arthritis in dogs, even overweight pets with little or no exercise are affected by it. This joint disorder can happen at any age in dogs and even younger pups can experience these dreaded pains and aches due to past injuries.
With the outset of this disorder, dogs find it very difficult to move to experience pain at every movement. It is not completely curable but you can effectively manage the pain. Hence, we have discussed several points that will assist you in managing canine arthritis that can give a new lease of life to your furry pal.
When it comes to providing relief to an arthritic dog only arthritic treatments would not suffice. It requires an integrative, multi-modal therapy regime that can give the much-needed relief to your doggy and minimize the side-effects of the treatments undertaken.
Let us look at some of the ways you can help your arthritic dog from this agonising situation:
Comfort The Pooch With Requisite Things Around The House
It is important to have well-padded bedding which is away from the cold or damp drafts. It is also important to have a carpet or padding steps or ramps so that the doggy can easily get on and off the bed or couch whenever required. Use nonskid flooring wherever you find the surface slippery. While your doggy is outdoors, have a gently sloped ramp rather than steps for easy movement.
Body Massages
There are certain arthritic dogs that enjoy muscle massages which assist in circulating blood flow to atrophying muscles. There are several certified massage therapists that are available in our country so select the best one and ask them to demonstrate their prowess on your furry pal. No doubt, it will soothe the sore joints of your canine, but avoid excessive heat to put off injury to the pet.
Joint Supplements
There are lots of joint supplements for dogs available in the market that promote healthy cartilage and joint health. They contain different combinations of chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, MSM along with chondroprotective substances. Take your furry pal to the veterinarian and he/she will be able to tell you whether the supplements would assist your canine. He would ask you about your pal’s diet, genetics confirmation. It has been researched and found that the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids have also been effective on arthritic dogs. You can include these in his diet for best results.
Exercise
Arthritic dogs need constant movement and what better way to maintain mobility than to conduct reasonable exercise sessions with him. Even swimming is allowed as it is good for the overall health of the dog, but ensure that it is not contraindicated by any other medical condition in the pooch. Take the help of a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) to design an appropriate exercise regime for your tyke.
Strive to make your furry pal fit again by providing a highly nutritious diet and appropriate exercise. Don’t forget that your little effort can make your tyke’s life happy and comfortable for a very long time.
