Five Ways to Help Your Older Dog's Arthritis

For older dogs, arthritis can be a debilitating condition that affects their health, wellness, and sense of security. As your dog ages, he may begin to have trouble getting up from a sleeping position, difficulty running or climbing, and have trouble doing the things he "used to" do with ease. Older dogs with arthritis can get some relief from their symptoms, and resume some of their activities in the following ways:

1. Lose weight: For older dogs, arthritis is only one of the issues that can be triggered by an excessive amount of body fat. If your dog is overweight, it will aggravate any arthritic symptoms he is feeling. Help your pet lose weight by switching to a "light" dog food, and making sure he gets some gentle exercise. You should also avoid giving your senior dog table scraps—"people food" can be very calorie rich and could contribute to your dog's weight problem.

2. Supplement for joint health: Look for a homeopathic or holistic supplement to add to your dog's diet. A natural supplement can help by alleviating stress on his joints, and help preserve cartilage. Joint supplements are safe and effective for older dogs, and should be added to your dog's health plan as soon as you consider him an "older" dog.

3. Provide a soft bed: Older dogs with arthritis need a soft place to sleep. If your dog has always slept on the couch, he may not be able to climb up as easily. Provide him with a soft bed of his own, and keep it in a warm area of your home. Large breeds may find it easier if the bed is raised a few inches off the ground.

4. Exercise: Older dogs with arthritis can benefit from slow, gentle exercise. A short walk around the block will help keep your dog fit, and help him preserve the muscles in his legs and back.

5. Offer accessibility options: Older dogs with arthritis still need to be a part of the family. If your dog likes to travel in the car, invest in a small pet ramp so he can climb inside without injuring himself. Large breeds that are too heavy to pick up benefit most from accessibility devices. You may need to offer some support with a strap or harness while your pet is climbing up or down stairs (down can be more difficult for some dogs, as they can't control the speed of their descent).

In older dogs, arthritis is a serious condition that can affect their quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, arthritis and its effects can generally be dealt with using the techniques above. One of the best things you can do for your older dog with arthritis is to take him to the vet for an evaluation and examination. Your vet will be able to work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your dog.

Work to help your dog maintain his optimal weight and play simple games with him to keep him moving. Exercise keeps his joints lubricated when in use. Finally, consider this natural option as an older dogs arthritis treatment. Find out how to qualify for product when you visit http://ArthritisCatsTreatment.com. We welcome dogs too!