| For your older dog, arthritis can really put a halt to her | | | | bed of his own, and keep it in a warm area of your |
| activities. It also impacts his overall health as he isn't | | | | home. Large breeds may find it easier if the bed is |
| exercising as much. You can use these tips to give | | | | raised a few inches off the ground. |
| your dog relief from symptoms and pain of arthritis in | | | | 4. Exercise: Encourage your older dog with arthritis to |
| dogs. | | | | take part in slower gentler exercise routines. A short |
| 1. Lose weight: For older dogs, arthritis is only one of | | | | walk around the block will help keep your dog fit, and |
| the issues that can be triggered by an excessive | | | | help him preserve the muscles in his legs and back. |
| amount of body fat. An overweight dog will suffer | | | | 5. Offer accessibility options: Older dogs with arthritis |
| more with any arthritic pain. Help your pet lose weight | | | | still need to be a part of the family. If your dog likes to |
| by switching to a "light" dog food, and making sure he | | | | travel in the car, invest in a small pet ramp so he can |
| gets some gentle exercise. You should also avoid | | | | climb inside without injuring himself. Add accessibility |
| giving your senior dog table scraps—"people food" | | | | devices like ramps to help your dog get in the truck or |
| can be very calorie rich and could contribute to your | | | | on the couch. You may need to offer some support |
| dog's weight problem. | | | | with a strap or harness while your pet is climbing up or |
| 2. Supplement for joint health: Find a homeopathic | | | | down stairs (down can be more difficult for some |
| supplement that's easy to give to him as well as offer | | | | dogs, as they can't control the speed of their descent). |
| support for joint mobility. A natural supplement can help | | | | In older dogs, arthritis is a serious condition that can |
| by alleviating stress on his joints, and help preserve | | | | affect their quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, |
| cartilage. Joint supplements are safe and effective for | | | | arthritis and its effects can generally be dealt with |
| older dogs, and should be added to your dog's health | | | | using the techniques above. One of the best things |
| plan as soon as you consider him an "older" dog. | | | | you can do for your older dog with arthritis is to take |
| 3. Provide a soft bed: Older dogs with arthritis must | | | | him to the vet for an evaluation and examination. Your |
| have a clean, warm and soft bed to help him sleep. If | | | | vet will be able to work with you to determine the best |
| your dog has always slept on the couch, he may not | | | | treatment plan for your dog. |
| be able to climb up as easily. Provide him with a soft | | | | |