Treatments for Dog Arthritis

Let's discuss treatments for dog arthritis. If your dog has arthritis you probably hate seeing them in pain. Well, stop feeling bad and do something to help your dog. You may not be able to cure your furry friend's arthritis, but you can help it live a life of less pain. Continue reading for tips on various ways to help alleviate some of your dog's arthritis pain.

All dogs need exercise even ones with arthritis however, avoid weight bearing exercises for arthritic dogs. Added pressure or weight isn't good for already stressed joints, it will only cause more pain. Added weight is another reason to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy weight. If your dog has arthritis and is overweight you need to start a weight loss plan immediately. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions. An overweight dog will need to be started on a healthy, low-calorie diet and start exercising more.

Short walks, walking on a treadmill, or best of all swimming, are all exercises that are typically recommended for dogs with arthritis. If your dog has a severe case you may want to discuss other exercise options with your veterinarian. Also, for severe arthritis in dogs there are injections available that can help to restore damage as well as prevent further joint damage.

Anti-inflammatory medication or supplementsalso help any arthritic dog to have reduced pain. Anti-inflammatory medicine will require a prescription from a veterinarian, however supplements can be found at stores. Many humans actually use supplements to help reduce joint pain. Make sure you check with your veterinarian first because you never know if your dog could have some other health issue that supplements would make worse.

If you are very concerned about your dog's pain you can even look into therapies such as massage, acupuncture, herbal baths, or physical therapy. See if any of these therapies are available to dogs in your local area.

Another simple thing that helps alleviate arthritis pain in dogs is keeping them warm. Many people with arthritis say that cold weather increases their pain. Keep your dog warm during the colder months, buy them a sweater if necessary.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.