6 Steps to Help Prevent Canine Arthritis in Your Dog

5 Steps to Help Prevent Canine Arthritis in Your Dog

 

How to help the pain of canine arthritis!

 

canine arthritis

 

It breaks our hearts to watch our beloved dogs suffer from arthritis. Canine arthritis is a painful degenerative joint disease. An estimated 10 million dogs in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis, and 31 percent of dog owners say that bone and joint problems are an issue for their pets. Arthritis is most common in older and large breed dogs. Yet unfortunately arthritis goes undiagnosed since owners attribute the subtle changes in their dogs to old age or slowing down.

The pain your dog experiences from arthritis is due to the breakdown of cartilage surrounding the joint causing extreme discomfort during movement – same as in humans experiencing arthritis. That is why medication for dog arthritis can be similar to the medication for human arthritis. It is always wise to check with your veterinarian.

How can you tell if your dog has arthritis? Wouldnt it be easy if our beloved pets could actually tell us when they are hurting? But since they cannot speak, they are counting on us to recognize the signs of pain and decreased mobility. However, the good news is there are 6 ways to help prevent arthritis in your dog.>

canine arthritis

Diet 

Feed your dog a natural diet high in vitamins and minerals essential for proper formation of healthy bones and tissue. Maintaining a proper weight is very important– it is key your dog is not overweight.

Exercise

Dogs love exercise. A several 10-15 minute walks daily does better than one long walk. Another great strategy is swimming which provides exercise without stressing the joints.

 

Reduce Excess Weight

As mentioned earlier, it is key to maintain your dog’s proper weight. Excess weight serves to stress the already painful joints causing even more pain and swelling. Cut back on the treats and feed a lower fat diet.

canine arthritis

Apply moist heat

Moist heat penetrates deeply and provides welcome relief. Apply a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in warm water (that has been wrung out) to the aching joint. Do not use a heating pad as it may get too hot for the dog cause a burn, especially if your dog has limited mobility and cannot easily get up and move away.

 

Herbs

A variety of herbs are being used for canine arthritis. Quality supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin have been reported by many pet owners as offering relief in their dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to improve the health of joint cartilage. Since joint health depends on the continued health of this cartilage, this is a very important benefit.
Massage–Gently rub around the painful joint and massage the surrounding muscle. This gentle kneeding and the heat from your hands should ease some of the pain.

 

canine arthritis

 

Excerpts from Simon.