In most households, the dog is part of the family. Because of the love and joy your dog offers, you will most likely want them to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, certain disorders are likely to affect your dog even though you may provide them with a loving, comfortable home. Although shocking for most pet owners to learn, one out of every five adult dogs develop arthritis. This condition may cause painful inflammation and swelling of the joints, but it can also limit your dog's mobility. Thankfully, managing your dog's pain while improving their comfort level is possible. Using this guide and your veterinarian's help, you can ease your dog's arthritic pain.

Dietary Supplements

One of the easiest ways to improve your dog's pain level is by giving them supplements. Of course, you may not know where to begin incorporating these into your dog's diet. To start, consider a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are excellent for your dog's joint health. They reduce painful inflammation in and around the joints while also strengthening connecting cartilage and ligaments. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin for every 25 pounds that your dog weighs is sufficient for your dog's needs. Adding these supplements to their food each day will improve mobility and reduce arthritic pain.  

Diet and Exercise

Your dog may also need to lose weight, since excess weight can place pressure on their arthritic joints. Make sure to talk to your vet before changing your dog's food or starting an exercise program. This is even more important if your dog has allergies.

Weight-management dog foods are suitable, but make sure the first few ingredients are meat and not grains or other fillers. In addition, avoid feeding your dog table scraps. People food, such as potato chips, hot dogs, and even leftover steak can cause your dog to gain weight.

Exercise is also important for your dog's health and weight management. Be sure they get enough time for walking and playing. This will help reduce their weight and also improve the endurance and mobility of their stiff joints.

Massage

Massage is also a great way to relieve your dog's arthritic pain. While there are many licensed massage therapist available for pets, you can massage your dog at home.

When your dog is lying in a comfortable position on their bed or a piece of furniture, use your hands to gently knead the muscles and ligaments surrounding their joints. Focus on the joints of their legs, but also massage their paws. Use a soft, comforting voice to talk to your dog during the massage, reassuring them that they are safe.

Massage can ease your dog's sore muscles, ligaments, and joints while improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation.

Home Preparation

You may have noticed your dog limping, struggling to climb stairs, or having a hard time jumping onto a piece of furniture. This can be disconcerting to watch, but it is also very painful for your dog. You can reduce your dog's stress by making your home more comfortable.

Purchase an orthopedic bed or special mattress for your dog's crate. This supportive cushion will alleviate pressure on your dog's bones and joints while they are resting.

Also, do not allow your dog to climb up or down any stairs since this can cause enormous pressure and pain on their joints. Use a baby's gate or furniture to block off the stairs in your home.

Your dog is capable of living with arthritis, but it can be stressful and uncomfortable. With these tips, you can ease some of your dog's arthritic pain. Contact a local animal hospital for additional information.