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How to Manage Arthritis in Dogs for Improved Mobility

25 Nov 2024
Managing Arthritis in Dogs for Improved Mobility

Arthritis is a disease that many dogs suffer from when they start ageing. Arthritis in dogs may affect the comfort level that your pet feels, but there is much you can do to help control it. In this blog, we will understand the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, ways to assist them, the therapies available, and the best beds tailored to their needs.

How can you tell if your dog has arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis in dogs need to be identified in the earliest stage possible to prevent further complications. The following are some usual dog arthritis symptoms :

  • Limping or stiffness
  • If your dog is limping or feeling difficulty while running, jumping, or playing, it could be a major symptom of arthritis among dogs. This problem of stiffness multiplies after lying down or during cold days.

  • Muscle difficulty
  • Dogs suffering from arthritis have stiff muscles. Because of this, they will take some time to rise from a lying position, whether it is just from napping or getting into the car.

  • Changes in behaviour
  • If your furry friend does not show enough activity, seems irritable or lacks social activities, chances are that he is suffering from dog arthritis. Although this pain can be due to multiple reasons, it has been observed that the most common reason is arthritis.

  • Over-licking
  • You might find your dog frequently licking his joints. It is a way of signalling that something hurts them or is making them feel uncomfortable. Over-licking is generally considered a major symptom of arthritis in dogs.

    If you notice any of these dog arthritis symptoms, you need to get a consultation with your veterinarian about an accurate diagnosis and a treatment protocol.

    How to make life easier for dogs with arthritis

    There are various ways through which life can be made easier for dogs with arthritis. Among them include:

  • Pain management
  • Your vet can provide them with anti-inflammatory drugs that can help control your dog's pain and swelling. You can make them lie on a chew proof dog bed so that their pain reduces gradually.

  • Physical therapy
  • Dog arthritis therapy can include hydrotherapy, massage, and other healing therapies that promote joint health and mobility. It is observed that during therapy sessions your furry friends may not cooperate with you. To ensure that they have a relaxing physical therapy session, you can provide them with chew-proof dog toys.

  • Acupuncture
  • Some pet owners believe that acupuncture is helpful to ease the pain. This results in making their dog more comfortable.

  • Weight management
  • Keeping your dog at an appropriate weight can significantly reduce joint stress and help improve their mobility. For this, you need to take them on frequent walks. To make the walk time more safe and comfortable for your dog, you can take the help of a no-pull dog harness.

    If you constantly think about how to ease arthritis in dogs, the above ways can be followed. You will observe how effective these methods are in curing dogs with arthritis. 

    How to help a dog with arthritis at home

    Helping your furry friend cope with arthritis at home will surely make all the difference in its comfort level. Here are some helpful strategies:

  • Warm compresses
  • It will relieve the pain and discomfort as warm compress over your dog's joints increases blood flow to that area of the body and thus relaxes their muscles. It acts as a therapy for dogs with arthritis.

  • Healthy diet
  • Balanced diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil have known anti-inflammatory effects, promote joint health, and may also help alleviate arthritis.

  • Gradual exercise
  • It is easy to minimize a dog's exercise; however, regular gentle exercise cannot be avoided. Short controlled walks and therapy for dogs with arthritis help maintain mobility without over-stressing the body. 

  • Herbal supplements
  • Natural supplements such as turmeric can help reduce inflammation and pain. One thing to make sure of is that the must be safe for your dog.

  • Warmth and comfort
  • Getting your dog warm might help reduce stiffness. A doggy sweater might be something nice to use in cold months, or you can provide blankets for extra heat.

    Top recommendation: Beds for dogs with arthritis

    The main objective of an orthopaedic dog bed UK is to make your dog sleep without developing any pressure points on the body. Here are the top recommendations for beds for dogs with arthritis:

  • Indestructible chew proof dog bed
  • If your dog is an actual chewer, you might want to opt for an indestructible bed. These types of beds are truly tough and will do an excellent job of keeping your dog comfortable all through the night. It would not be wrong to call it the best dog bed for arthritis.

    Chew-Proof Dog Bed | Indestructible, Chew-Resistant & Washable
  • Nest pet sofa bed
  • This may offer a lot of a nest bed-like ambience that makes it ideal for curling dogs. Soft support foam on your bed alleviates pressure on the joints, making it more soothing with arthritic dogs.

    https://petbuds.co.uk/products/durable-comfortable-dog-and-cat-bed-style-nest-pet-sofa-bed
  • Doughnut dog bed
  • Doughnut dog beds feature a raised edge that makes a dog feel secure. Such dog beds also provide the necessary cushioning in a plush filling that is just great for burrowing dogs.

    https://petbuds.co.uk/products/sustainable-removable-cat-dog-pet-cushion
  • Orthopaedic dog bed
  • The memory foam dog bed orthopaedic can help dogs with arthritis be extremely supported and comfortable. The foam moulds to the body and takes pressure off of aching joints.

    Conclusion

    With the right care, arthritis in dogs is manageable. When effective home strategies are implemented, and the right type of therapies are considered, the discomfort of your furry friends can be significantly decreased. Besides other remedies, investing in a good quality orthopaedic bed for dogs will make all the difference. PetBuds is a UK based online store dealing in dog beds and other dog accessories.
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1. How to care for a dog with arthritis?
    For a dog suffering from arthritis, you can provide them with physical therapy and take them for regular exercise. Apart from this, hydrotherapy and acupuncture can also be useful.
    Q2. What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?
    Q2. What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?
    Q3. Do dogs recover from arthritis?
    There is no proper cure for arthritis among dogs, but managing arthritis is possible to a large extent. With the help of a balanced diet, supplements and weight control, we can help dogs get relief from the pain of arthritis.
    Q4. Should I walk a dog with arthritis?
    Walking is a good exercise for dogs suffering from arthritis. One thing to make sure of is that the walks should be short but the frequency of the walks can be more.
    Q5. At what age do dogs start getting arthritis?
    Generally, dogs start suffering from arthritis when they grow old. When dogs reach the age of 8 years, there are more chances of suffering from arthritis.

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