You don't like to think about your dog being in pain, but you know that arthritis is a painful condition and something that your dog may be facing. There are some things that you can do to help support your dog and soothe some of the pain that arthritis brings. Know what you can do when arthritis flares up in your pet.
Invest in a New Bed for Your Dog
One of the best ways that you can help a dog facing arthritis is to give them a better place where they can sleep. If your dog has been stiff in the morning, it may be because of the bed that they are sleeping on. The bed that your dog uses while dealing with arthritis should support their body and help them stay comfortable all night long. You can find special dog beds that are made for those dogs that have arthritis and that offer all the right kinds of support as your dog sleeps. A good night of rest will do wonders for your dog, and a bad night of rest can leave them feeling especially achy and tired.
Find Supplements That Will Help
There are certain supplements that a dog can take that can lessen their inflammation and help them to feel better when they are facing arthritis. You might find turmeric supplements for your dog, or you might find supplement blends that feature a variety of ingredients that are meant to help with arthritis and the inflammation that goes along with that. If you are having a hard time finding supplements on your own, you might check with your veterinarian to see if they have recommendations regarding what your pet should be taking.
Consider a Diet Change for Your Dog
The foods that your dog eats can affect how your dog feels and how well they are able to move. It is important for you to cut back on any foods that you are giving your dog that might be causing inflammation for them. Grains may be harmful to those dogs that are dealing with arthritis, and you might try giving your dog a grain-free food option for a time to see if that helps them to feel better. Fatty proteins and things like sugar and salt can also be bad for the dog that is dealing with arthritis. You should fill your dog's dish with lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy oils.
Enroll Your Dog in Physical Therapy
You might not know what to do for your dog to get them to exercise in a healthy way while they are dealing with arthritis. There is a physical therapist out there who knows just what your dog needs and who can help them to move in a way that will lessen their pain. You might consider taking your dog to physical therapy if their arthritis is causing them a lot of pain and keeping them from living their life as they would normally live it.
Be Gentle on Your Dog
It is important for you to not expect too much of your dog when they are dealing with arthritis. If your dog struggles to get up onto the couch but you know that they enjoy being up there, you might set up a stool to help them up when they are stiff and sore. If your dog has a hard time getting up and down the stairs, you might make a home for them on a single level of the house or carry them up and down the stairs so that it is not so difficult for them. You should find all of the ways that you can make life easier for your pet and work on helping them out on those days when their arthritis is at its worst.
Consider Dog Massage Options
There are places you can take your dog for treatment when they are dealing with arthritis, and massage is one option that you have available to you. Your dog can go to someone who knows how to make them feel better by rubbing their body and massaging their joints. Massage can help your dog to relax, and it can also help with some of the stiffness that goes along with arthritis.
If you think that your dog might have arthritis, talk with their veterinarian. Know what you are dealing with so you can offer your pet products and treatment that will give them relief from their pain.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.