Canine arthritis: 9 tips to keep your dog healthy

Canine arthritis is a fairly common disease among dogs. It’s often found in older dogs but can strike younger dogs, too.

The severity of canine arthritis can range from moderate to intense as dogs age. Larger dogs are more vulnerable to the disease than smaller ones.

Regularly check your dogs for signs of arthritis.

To help keep them healthy, monitor their weight, and feed them the right kind of food to help avoid canine arthritis and other joint problems.

Warning signs of canine arthritis and joint disease

When your dog was a puppy, he always ran around and jumped. But as he ages, your dog loses a bit of that pep. Too often, we disregard this warning sign as just a common symptom of aging. But that isn’t always the case.

As dogs age, they won’t be as active and may take some time to sit up or lie down. They may also have difficulty jumping up on the bed or climbing stairs. That’s because joint pain can make even easy tasks difficult.

And while you can attribute some of that to age, you must also be vigilant to watch for warning signs of canine arthritis or other joint problems.

Unfortunately, while dogs readily show their love, happiness, and loyalty, they are extremely good at hiding their pain. It’s up to you to watch for subtle signs indicating suffering.

Look for signs such as lethargy, walking in unusual patterns, or problems jumping on furniture and climbing stairs.

Treatment options for canine arthritis

1. Manage their weight

This is the first and most important rule. Don’t let your dog get overweight. I know you would like to shower them with their favorite food to show your love, but trust me on this.

Watch their weight, and don’t overfeed them. It doesn’t matter what size or breed your dog is; try to identify your dog’s ideal weight and help get him to it. Extra weight on the skeletal frame puts added stress on bones and joints.

This can worsen the pre-existing problems, causing the cartilage to deteriorate and leading to bone rubbing against bone, increasing the chances of joint inflammation.

Instead, show your love by playing with them. This way, you will help your pup get the exercise he needs and keep him happy. It’s a win-win situation.

2. Diet

If you can go on a diet, so can your dog. I am not talking about the abs workout; this is just about a healthy diet. Helping your dog lose — or maintain a healthy weight — will also reduce inflammation around the joints to relieve pain.

If you’re a multi-pet family, you may have this dilemma: can my cat eat dog food?

The answer is just a nibble that won’t hurt, but eating dog food can be dangerous for your cat for long-term use.

So always keep foods for your cats and dogs separate.

3. Treats

There isn’t a dog who doesn’t love treats.

By feeding your dog healthy treats that are tasty and high in Omega fatty acids (for example, treats with flaxseed oil or fish oil), calcium-rich foods high in vitamins C and D or iron can help improve your dog’s nutritional intake and potentially ease pain and inflammation.

Giving your dog CBD treats or CBD oil can help fight joint pain and inflammation.

4. Prescription dog food

Veterinarians specially develop prescription foods like Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic to manage your dog’s weight and promote joint health.

The food promises to increase your dog’s mobility in 21 days and help him to reduce weight by 13% in less than 60 days.

5. Natural remedies

Sometimes, nature’s remedy is the best treatment.

Here are some foods from your kitchen that can help your dog:

• Herbs (turmeric, basil, parsley, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, cumin)
• Berries (wild blueberries, Goji berries, cranberries)
• Natural extract of blue-green algae
• Curcumin
• Potatoes (which can help lubricate joints).

6. Supplements

Add joint supplements with these ingredients:

• Anti-oxidants: You can use turmeric and vitamin E, which help reduce inflammation.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin: Many dog foods and joint supplements that contain these ingredients can help heal cartilage and maintain joint health.
• Vitamins: Besides vitamin E, consider adding a multivitamin to help keep your dog in peak condition.
• Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and regulate the immune system.
• Deer velvet: This powder made from grinding deer antler is rich in nutrients, including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, vitamins, minerals, and proteins, ideal for promoting the health, strength, and mobility of senior dogs.
• Collagen: Collagen helps ease joint pain and soreness by keeping joints healthy and reducing inflammation.

7. Soothe aches and pains

If your dog is suffering from canine arthritis, treatments such as massages or acupuncture can help.

So can a nice warm bath. A good soak combined with cleaning his coat with the best puppy shampoo will give you a clean dog that also feels better.

You also can explore other dog arthritis treatment options, like laser therapy.

My best advice is don’t ignore any warning signs and get your dog checked out by a vet if you suspect he is showing any signs of canine arthritis.

Starting a course of treatment will prevent permanent joint damage and help keep your dog happy, healthy, and playful.

8. Regular exercise

Regular physical activity can have numerous benefits for preventing or managing canine arthritis.

Exercise helps to keep your dog’s muscles strong and healthy. 

Strong muscles support the joints, reducing the strain on them during movements. 

This is especially important for older dogs who may have weakened muscle mass due to aging or lack of physical activity.

Regular exercise is instrumental in maintaining a healthy weight for your dog, a crucial factor in preventing canine arthritis. 

Obesity, a leading risk factor for arthritis, exerts excessive pressure on the joints and increases inflammation. 

By ensuring your dog’s weight is optimal through regular exercise, you can significantly reduce their chances of developing arthritis or alleviate symptoms if they already have it.

Exercising promotes blood flow throughout the body, including the joints. This increased circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues while removing toxins that may contribute to inflammation.

Moreover, regular exercise can help improve joint flexibility and range of motion in dogs with arthritis. Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can help keep joints mobile without putting too much stress on them.

While exercise is a critical component in preventing and managing canine arthritis, it’s essential to proceed with caution, especially for older dogs or those with severe arthritis. 

Low-impact exercises are recommended to avoid exacerbating joint damage.

Regular exercise is crucial for preventing and managing canine arthritis. 

It helps keep your dog’s muscles strong, maintains a healthy weight, improves joint mobility, and promotes blood flow to reduce inflammation. 

Consult your veterinarian for appropriate exercises for your dog based on age and condition, and incorporate them into their daily routine for a healthier and happier furry companion.

9. Vet visits help maintain joint health

Regular vet check-ups are essential to maintaining your dog’s overall health and are crucial in preventing and managing joint issues. 

Canine arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of dogs worldwide. 

While you cannot cure arthritis, proper care and management can significantly improve your furry friend’s quality of life.

During a regular vet check-up, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your dog’s joints for any signs of inflammation or discomfort. 

They may also perform X-rays to assess the level of joint damage and monitor the progression of existing conditions. 

These routine check-ups allow for the early detection of joint problems, which is essential in preventing them from worsening.

Moreover, regular vet visits allow you to discuss your dog’s mobility or behavior concerns. 

Your vet can recommend safe exercise regimens for your dog’s joints and recommend any needed dietary changes. 

They can also prescribe appropriate supplements or medications to help manage pain and inflammation.

Weight management is crucial to maintaining joint health in dogs. 

Excess weight puts unnecessary strain on their joints and increases the risk of developing arthritis. 

You can monitor and evaluate your dog’s weight during a vet visit, allowing for early intervention if necessary.

In addition to physical exams, regular check-ups include vaccinations that protect against diseases that can cause joint problems in dogs. 

For example, Lyme disease can lead to chronic arthritis if left untreated. By staying up-to-date with vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian, you can prevent these diseases from affecting your dog’s joints.

Regular vet check-ups allow ongoing monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans as needed. As dogs age or develop new health issues, their needs regarding joint care may change. 

With consistent communication between you and your veterinarian during check-ups, you can implement the best strategies to keep your beloved pet comfortable and mobile.

Final thoughts on canine arthritis

It is our responsibility as pet owners to ensure the health and well-being of our furry companions.

By following these  tips for keeping your dog healthy, you can help prevent and manage canine osteoarthritis, ensuring that your dog lives a comfortable and happy life.

Remember to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian and stay attentive to any changes in your dog’s behavior or mobility.

With proper care and attention, we can give our dogs the best chance at a long and pain-free life.

Linda Butts is the editor of Pawsometalk. She uses her blog to share ideas and techniques from her experiences and pet research.

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