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 may move a little slower than he used to. These are some of the first signs that dogs with arthritis show as their joints and muscles begin to stiffen.
If your dog suffers from arthritis, you may also notice that he is sleeping more than he used to or has trouble sitting up 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 get as much exercise due to joint pain.
Once your vet has diagnosed your dog with arthritis, here are some things you can do to help him feel more comfortable:
Give him painkillers – Medications can help her feel better so she can continue to do some of the things she loves so much, but talk to your vet before giving her anything. He can 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 keep him moving will help, but don’t push him too hard.
Feed your pet nutritious meals – 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 lean to eat or drink more than necessary. You can buy feeding dishes that are low to the ground or sit in 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 comfort your pet.
Give it a soft place to rest – One more thing you can do for dogs with arthritis 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 ache more. Arthritic dogs need a soft, low pillow or bed where they can sleep and rest.
Caring for dogs with arthritis can be tricky because you have to pamper him more than usual while also making sure he gets the exercise he needs. Find fun ways to help you exercise, and use the tips above to help you feel more comfortable living with arthritis.