Keeping your arthritic dog comfortable doesn’t have to be hard—some simple lifestyle adjustments will improve their quality of life and reduce their pain.
As dogs get older, they become increasingly more susceptible to developing arthritis. It’s hard to watch our dogs suffer and struggle with painful joints that affect their daily life. Thankfully, there are some small changes you can make to give your arthritic dog a more comfortable life.
Weight Management
One of the most important things you can do to keep your arthritic dog comfortable is to carefully manage their weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on their joints, making them more likely to experience pain and have a difficult time getting around. Minding their diet and taking them for regular exercise is critical for a comfortable life.
Regular Exercise
When your pup is in pain, it can be tempting just to let them rest and take it as easy as they want. While they will likely be less excited about playtime and walks, these are absolutely necessary. Going on short walks or doing other activities that get your dog moving will actually help to keep their joints from becoming stiff and even more painful. You don’t need to overdo it, though. Choose short, low-impact exercise to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Comfortable Relaxation
After getting some exercise, your arthritic dog will need somewhere comfortable to rest. Basic, lumpy, and understuffed dog beds simply aren’t going to cut it when you have an arthritic dog. Investing in an orthopedic bed is necessary to allow your dog to have a comfortable place to relax and let their body recuperate after daily activity.
Medicine
Make sure to have your pup checked by your vet regularly to keep tabs on the severity of their arthritis. If necessary, your dog will be prescribed pain medication, and it will likely be recommended that they take joint supplements. Staying on top of their medications will keep their joints lubricated with minimal pain, making it easier for them to do regular daily tasks and participate in light exercise.
Patience
An arthritic dog is going to be slower than normal and require more assistance when doing some activities. Be patient with your pup and let them go at the pace they’re comfortable with. This will keep them from overworking their joints and straining them, which could potentially cause more damage and pain.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.