9 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog

Arthritis in dogs is most discomforting. It makes the dog almost immobile as the moving will be highly painful. There are many medications that can relieve the pain but they come with many side effects. A little effort from your side can get them much needed relief from the pain and makes their movements easier.

1. Acupuncture is the most effective alternate therapy for the dogs. It stimulates the right points to alleviate pain and also trigger the repair work. It will also release the anti-inflammatory substances inside the dog’s body, at the point of pain.

2. Exercises: Arthritic dog needs to move around. Exercises in the form of walk will also do. The motto is to move the joints as much as possible and reduce the stiffness. Keep the exercises simple, shorter, and controlled. Do not let them do anything that exerts pressure on the joints.

3. Heat pads help bog time to reduce the pain on arthritis in dogs. Use hot rice bags to provide the heat and place it under the dog’s leg. The heat bags made out of socks can be covered over the painful knees. The heat will also relax the muscles and helps them have better sleep at night.

4. Make him comfortable with soft beds. Set the dog’s bed at a convenient location that is easily accessible for them. A soft bed helps them relax and puts less pressure on the joints. Dog with arthritis will have difficulty to move their legs up so make sure that the bed is also of a comfortable height for them to climb in.

5. Massage helps increase the flexibility of the dogs and reduce the pain while moving. The joints that are used less will feel more pain when arthritis hits. Massage helps increase the blood circulation, and induce a feel of wellness into them. It also makes them feel secured.

6. Natural supplements like the cartilage producing compounds and natural herbal remedies that reduce the pain and inflammations may be supplied to the dogs. Devil’s claw is one such example for the natural herbs. The supplements should have vitamin E and C to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. These vitamins can help cure minor arthritis or the same in the initial stages. Also add some antioxidants such as turmeric in the daily diet.

7. No slipping: Have something spread on the floor to prevent slippery surfaces. Slipping is the last thing you want about an arthritic dog. Place some carpet or anti-slippery mats on the floor where the dog spends more time.

8. Make necessary adjustments at home to make the dogs comfortable. Getting some railing that can support the arthritic dog would be a relief for them. Make them especially near their beds and also in the car for them to get out.

9. Weight management: the greatest relief many dogs will feel from arthritis is to lose some weight and reduce the stress on the joints. Feed the dogs some healthy diet that helps them lose weight. Low calorie diet with unsweetened pumpkin, fresh vegetables etc helps in weight loss.