How To Help A Dog With Arthritis

Dogs Arthritis

Your dog is your best furry friend, right?

If he/she is, then caring for him/her when arthritis and other joint conditions, including hip dysplasia may require extra attention to certain areas.

Supplements, exercises and vet care all play a great role in helping your dog’s stiff joints become a little more comfortable,

but …

there are other things you can do in your own home that will make a big difference in your dog and his/her special care.

Changes in Home Care

Before you decide to help your dog up off the floor every time his joints lock up and his hind end slides out from under him, you can help him to help himself! If your dog is struggling on your hardwood floors you can help him with special doggy socks with soft rubber grippers on the bottom.

Socks can be found both online and in your local pet store.

The socks are snug but comfortable and let your dog with joint problems or even hind end weakness to get himself up off the floor after his daytime snooze.

It can take your dog some time to get used to his new socks on his paws, but once he does there will be no slowing him down!

Image from ebay.com

Another comfort that will help a dog with arthritis and especially large dogs with painful joints is a special bed just for their condition!

Dog beds are available that come with foams and even gels within its structure that provides support, comfort and even pain relief for sore and stiff joints.

There are a few little exercises to help your dog’s joints stay more fluid in movement and can bring pain relief.

1. With your dog in the down position and on his side, gently but firmly hold his paw on his back leg and slowly push it towards his stomach and allow the leg to relax back into normal position.

2. You can do the same with your dog’s forelegs, but instead of lifting towards his stomach, you will lift towards his chin.

You can do this a few times on each leg up to twice a day.

Don’t force his legs to go if you feel resistance or if your dog seems to be in pain.

Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

Your dog doesn’t have to have joint pain to enjoy the benefits of supplements.

It’s not uncommon to hear of a pet owner who competes with their dogs beginning joint supplements as early as 8 months of age!

This is because the supplements used are safe, effective and all natural!

A veterinarian’s choice supplement for a dog in need of joint repair is:

Glucosamine with Chondroitin and MSM

Get Creative!

Not all dogs will tolerate socks, and some dogs refuse to sleep in any other bed than your own! That’s okay!

It just means you need to put on your thinking cap and get creative on other ways you can help your dog, such as putting down rugs on your slippery floor or doggy steps leading to your bed.

Don’t give up, your pooch is depending on you!

For more information visit: taylorhappy.com