Are you worried about your dog’s joint pain? If so, it is time to take some practical steps to help eliminate the problem. Dogs, just like humans, can get arthritis. Arthritis in dogs is a common condition and affects some 14 million dogs in the US. That makes it one of dog owners’ top concerns. It is also known as degenerative joint disease and can affect any joint in your dog’s body. This condition is caused by inflammation of the joints and cartilage and results in pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you notice that your dog is having difficulty moving or seems uncomfortable when getting up from a lying position, then it is time to ask your vet about arthritis.
Ask Your Vet to Prescribe a Joint Pain Reliever
If you have a dog suffering from joint pain, the best thing to do is to ask your vet for recommendations. Some joint supplements are better than others; a vet will know which ones are most effective. Your vet may also be able to give you some tips on what you can do at home to manage the pain. Because joint pains are common in dogs, and most vets recommend some pain reliever, the pain management drug market for animals is gaining more ground over time. According to sources, the global veterinary pain reliever market is expected to reach approximately $1.87 billion by 2029.
If your dog has been experiencing chronic joint pain, talk to your vet about an effective painkiller. They’ll be able to tell you which drug would be right for your furry friend, and if so, they’ll be able to prescribe the correct dosage and frequency of use. One such painkiller is previcox for dogs, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that’s been proven effective in treating chronic joint pain in dogs. It reduces inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. It works best when taken on an empty stomach with food or water, so if your vet prescribes it for your pup, make sure what time of day is best for administering the medication.
Adequate Physical Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. The more exercise your dog gets, the less likely it will be to gain extra pounds. As a bonus, exercise helps with joint pain by improving circulation and flexibility.
To help your dog get started with physical activity, make it fun. Try taking on walks in new places so they can explore their surroundings and bond with you. Many dogs enjoy playing fetch or other games that give them plenty of exercise without straining their joints too much. It is recommended that dogs should exercise regularly for 30-60 minutes to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
Exercise also benefits a dog’s mental health by keeping them active and happy. If they feel like they want nothing more than to curl up on the couch all day long, this could lead to depression or anxiety later.
Canine Massage
Massaging your dog’s joints and muscles helps to relieve pain, reduce stiffness and improve mobility. It also helps to maintain muscle tone and keep the dog’s weight down.
To massage your dog’s paws:
- Rub them gently with a towel or soft cloth until they are dry.
- Apply some soothing cream or gel before massaging them in small circular movements that work towards the heart of each paw.
- Pay special attention to any sore spots; these may indicate an underlying problem such as arthritis.
Massage around their ears with gentle pressure in this area will help ease inflammation which can occur if there’s an infection present in one of its ear canals. It will also stimulate nerve endings near their inner ear, so they feel happier overall.
Joint Supplements
A joint supplement is a dietary supplement designed to improve the health of your dog’s joints. If you are wondering what kind of joint supplements are available for dogs, the most common joint supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help reduce pain and stiffness in dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
You can give these supplements to your dog in addition to his regular medication if he is experiencing discomfort from arthritis or hip dysplasia. However, if your dog does not have any physical issues that require taking medications, you should only give him these supplements as recommended by a veterinarian.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are an excellent way to keep your dog’s joints limber and ready for whatever activity comes next. You can do these exercises with your dog or alone, depending on what is most convenient for you and your pet. These exercises should be done regularly to avoid injury, but don’t feel like you have to do them every day. Your dog will likely enjoy having different kinds of exercise every once in a while.
You can also find stretching exercises designed specifically for dogs at the park with other dogs that enjoy the same routine. It allows you both an opportunity to socialize while getting some much-needed exercise.
Correct Diet and Good Nutrition
A balanced diet is necessary for proper health, especially when it comes to Arthritis in dogs. The following tips can help you choose the right foods:
- Avoid too much starchy food, such as pasta or bread. Starches raise blood sugar levels quickly, causing spikes in insulin production by the pancreas. It leads to inflammation throughout the body and could worsen joint pain for your pet.
- Avoid too much fatty food, such as cheese or butter. Fatty foods increase inflammation throughout the body and may make arthritis symptoms worse for your pet. It’s best not to feed red meats because they have a high saturated fat content that increases inflammation in joints over time.
- Avoid too much salt; it causes water retention, which makes it difficult for injured joints to heal due to lack of space. You should also avoid MSG (monosodium glutamate) because it has been linked with stomach cancer.
Dog Owners can Help Prevent Dogs from Developing Arthritis
You can take several preventative measures to help your dog avoid developing arthritis. For instance, you should never let your dog jump from heights or overexert them during playtime. Make sure that the surfaces they walk on are soft enough to absorb the impact of their feet and legs; hard or slippery surfaces will put unnecessary pressure on their joints.
If you notice any arthritic pain in your dog, visit the vet. Arthritis can be painful for dogs and humans, so getting treatment as soon as possible is necessary. Arthritis treatment options vary depending on what type of arthritis your pet suffers; however, most treatments focus on reducing inflammation, easing movement restrictions, and improving quality of life by helping with pain relief.
