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Relieving your Dog's Arthritis

Relieving Your Dog's Arthritis

Dogs are living longer these days but it means that you could have an arthritic dog with mobility issues. If your dog is suffering from arthritis, there are some things you can do to help. Below are some tips from our veterinarian at Alum Rock Animal Hospital in San Jose concerning arthritis in dogs.

What to Do Around the House for Pet Arthritis

Provide padded bedding away from damp or cold drafts to help with your dog’s pain and stiffness. A dog bed can be a great comfort. Padded or carpeted steps or a ramp to help your pet get on the couch or bed is advised. Non-skid flooring is also helpful for slippery surfaces. Your dog may find ramps easier to move on than steps when walking outside. If your dog is experiencing severe immobility, then you need to make sure that the water and food bowls are easy to reach. Dehydration can be a real problem for a dog that doesn’t move very well.

Body Work for Your Dog

Many dogs with arthritis enjoy muscle massages. The massage can stimulate blood flow to atrophying muscles. A warm compress over sore joints can also be soothing but you need to be careful to avoid excess heat that can cause further injury.

Nutritional Supplements

There are plenty of joint nutritional supplements that are available commercially to promote joint health and healthy cartilage. Speak with your veterinarian about whether these would be helpful for your dog. You should consider factors such as genetics and diet when it comes to supplements. Supplements can be a drug-free way to help manage your pet’s pain.

Exercises to Help With Pet Arthritis

Using exercise to maintain mobility is important, regardless of how old your dog is or the extent of your dog’s arthritis. A dog with early and mild arthritis should get more exercise than one with severe arthritis but it’s still important for relieving pain and stiffness. Non-weight bearing exercises, such as swimming, can be a good alternative if these exercises aren’t complicated by other medical conditions.

Visit Your Veterinarian

If you live in or around San Jose, call our veterinarian at Alum Rock Animal Hospital today at (408) 258-2735 to schedule an appointment. We will provide more suggestions to manage your pet’s arthritis to keep your furry friend happy and healthy for years to come.