Arthritis is a painful disease that affects both humans and dogs. As your pet ages, you may notice that he has a hard time walking when he wakes up from a nap, or he may move a little slower than he used to. These are some of the first signs dogs with arthritis show as their joints and muscles begin to stiffen.
If your dog is suffering from arthritis, you may also notice that he sleeps more than he used to or has trouble sitting down or getting up from a sitting position. His attitude and behavior may change, he may favor a specific limb, or he may not be as alert as he used to be. Some dogs gain weight because they don’t exercise as much due to joint pain.
Once your vet has diagnosed your dog with arthritis, here are a few things you can do to help make your dog more comfortable:
give painkillers – Medications can help her feel better so she can continue doing some of the things she loves, but talk to your vet before giving her anything. He may recommend a pain reliever for her dog to help her deal with the aches and pains associated with this condition.
exercise your dog – While your dog may not be able to run and jump like he used to, he still needs regular exercise to help with stiffness. Take a leisurely walk around the block or play catch with your pet. Anything you can do to help him keep moving will help, but don’t push him too hard.
Feed your pet nutritious food – This will help keep your dog trim and fit, making it easier for him to move around. Being overweight will put more pressure on your joints and cause more pain.
Make food and water easy to reach – Do not make your dog stretch or bend over to eat or drink more than necessary. You can buy feeding bowls that are low to the ground or sit on a stand for large dogs. Making food and water more accessible will make it easier for you to eat and drink when you need to.
Install a dog ramp – If your pet has to climb steps to get in and out of the house, you can install a dog ramp to make it easier.
Give your pet a massage – Massaging your pet’s joints will help relax the muscles. Gently rub the areas affected by this disease and it will help to comfort your pet.
Give him a soft place to rest – One more thing you can do for arthritic dogs is to provide them with a nice, soft place to rest. Lying on the floor or trying to jump up and down on the couch can make your joints hurt more. Dogs with arthritis need a soft, low bed or pillow where they can sleep and rest.
Caring for dogs with arthritis can be tricky because you have to pamper them more than usual while also making sure they get the exercise they need. Find fun ways to help him exercise and use the tips above to make living with arthritis more comfortable.