7 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog Live a Happy and Healthy Life

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 03/14/21 •  7 min read
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No matter what breed of dog you have, seeing them age before your eyes can be tough. Unlike with human beings, dogs age at a much faster rate, so although the aging process is inevitable and a fact of life, that doesn’t make it easier when our dogs struggle to get around like they used to.

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Arthritis is common among senior dogs, so if your pooch is having difficulty moving or they’re unable to perform the simplest of tasks, there are several things you can do which can alleviate the symptoms associated with arthritis. We all want what’s best for our canine companion, so here are some changes you can make today to help your arthritic dog lead a happy and healthy life.

Monitor Your Dog’s Weight

If your pooch is carrying more pounds than they should, now is the time to commit to getting their weight down. The more weight your dog carries, the more pain and discomfort they will be in, especially if they have arthritis. Many dog owners don’t realize the dangers that too many treats can bring to your dog’s health, so if you’ve noticed any changes in their behavior and find they’re struggling to get from A to B, it’s your job to closely monitor your dog’s weight.

Thankfully, it’s never too late to put your dog on a diet, and while they may kick up a fuss at first about not getting as many treats, they will be thankful in the long run. If your dog is about to enter their senior years, ensuring they follow a healthy, low-calorie diet is key for helping them feel fuller for longer.

Try Gentle Exercises

As humans, we understand the importance of regular exercise for maintaining a healthy weight and getting the most out of life, so if you have a canine friend, you need to get your dog into the habit of exercise. However, if they have arthritis, you will need to take things slow and try out gentle, controlled, low-impact activities.

If you’re unsure of what kinds of exercise your arthritic dog can do, you can purchase a dog treadmill that enables your dog to have a slow walk at a pace that suits them best. Make sure you listen to your dog’s needs, as if they do too much, they could start wincing in pain, which is never a good sign. Although it may take time, you will soon find exercises that are suitable for your dog’s condition.

Adapt Your Home

For your best friend to move around the home with ease, it’s time to make small but life-changing adaptions. If your dog has arthritis, simple tasks like getting up and down off the sofa can be near to impossible. Therefore, helping your dog get up and down with a ramp or pet steps is the way to go.

If you have steps that lead up to your front door, you can install a pet-friendly ramp that will reduce the need for continuous jumping, not to mention preventing any joint damage. Also, if you love to go on car rides with your pooch by your side, a ramp will allow your dog to get in and out of the vehicle with ease.

Massage Your Canine

Similar to us humans, massages can help ease your dog’s sore muscles, reduce stress levels, and lower blood pressure. If your dog is experiencing any pain or discomfort from arthritis, a simple massage may be all it takes to help ease any suffering. What’s more, a massage can be a fantastic way to bond with your best friend.

When giving your dog a massage, make sure you take this opportunity as a chance to look for any bumps, lumps, or sore spots. If you notice anything of concern, you should contact your local vet immediately. Understandably, some dogs will be more comfortable than others in regard to you massaging them, so if they show signs of fear or look distressed, you must stop what you’re doing.

Try Supplements

There are all kinds of supplements your dog can take which can boost their quality of life and may help with symptoms associated with arthritis. YuMove sells supplements that can help stiff joints in dogs and help them be more mobile. YuMove are experts when it comes to supplements and stiff joints in dogs, boasting many years of experience helping canines and felines across the country lead a happy, good quality of life.

Before giving any supplements to your dog, it’s always best to check with your vet first. The last thing you want is to give your dog something that could harm them, so make sure you read into the ingredients in the supplements and whether they’re age-appropriate for your pooch. If followed carefully, supplements may transform your dog’s health.

Consider CBD Oil

In the past, many people would shun the idea of CBD oil and believe it to be dangerous, especially for dogs. However, research has shown that CBD can reduce inflammation, so if your dog has arthritis and is constantly in pain, their suffering may begin to improve with the help of CBD oil. We all want our dogs to be healthy and active, so if your pooch is suffering from pain and inflammation, this will massively affect their mobility.

CBD oil can help your dog in many other ways too, thanks to its cardiac benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-nausea effects. If your dog suffers from anxiety, CBD oil may be able to help too. Like with supplements, make sure you consult with your vet first.

Purchase a Suitable Dog Bed

A good night’s sleep is essential for your dog’s health and wellbeing. We all want our pooches to wake up feeling refreshed and excited for another fun day ahead. But, if your dog has arthritis, they may be in severe pain and discomfort throughout the night which makes even a wink of sleep near to impossible. Thankfully, there are several things you can do which can aid sleep and help them feel well-rested and relaxed.

A comfy, supportive bed that’s tailored to your dog’s needs will ease their weary bones and help them drift off into a deep sleep. Make sure that the bed is well-padded and suitable for your dog’s needs. There are also heated beds you can consider purchasing which are designed to prevent aches and pains from occurring in the first place. If you’re the type of dog owner who loves to sleep with their canine, it may be time to readdress your sleeping situation. While you may think you’re doing no harm having your dog next to you, they may benefit much more from sleeping in their own specialist bed that’s designed for arthritic dogs.

Many of us regard our dogs as another member of the family, so once your pooch enters their senior years, there are lots of things you can do to keep them happy and healthy throughout. If your dog has arthritis, this doesn’t mean they’re ready to give up on life just yet. All the tips above may help in boosting your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, giving them many more years to enjoy their time with you.

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

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