Pet Arthritis
For Dogs

Signs your dog may have arthritis:

Limping

Difficulty getting up, sitting down, or trouble squatting to urinate/defecate

Muscle Atrophy

Licking or chewing at the source of pain

Stiffness

Behavioral changes like decrease appetite, suddenly irritable, accidents in the house

Can’t seem to get comfortable

How to Create a Comfortable Environment for your Arthritic Dog

• Go for daily walks: after laying down for a while, your pet may get stiff and achy, taking them on a short walk each day will help keep those joints warmed up and not so stiff. It will also help keep those extra pounds off, which is a huge cause of arthritic progression.
• Healthy diet: Don’t overfeed! This also plays into your pet being overweight & having too much pressure on those joints.
• Incorporating omegas in your pets food may help reduce inflammation and results in some joint pain relief.
• Swim! This is a great way to keep the pressure off their joints, but also allowing them to move & get some exercise.
• Massage
• Raising water and food bowls can reduce strain in the neck or back of an arthritic dog; some arthritic dogs may not eat or drink as much as they should without this sort of accommodation.
• Put carpet runners on hardwood floors. Try to prevent your dog from slipping, as this creates unwanted stress on the entire body.
• Provide a soft, supportive bed.
• Keep nails trimmed. If nails are too long they can change the gait on the dog, causing skeletal changes and arthritis in the foot/toes.
• Use a ramp where needed (for helping your dog get in and out of the car, on to your bed or sofa, etc.). This will reduce strain on his knees and hips.
• If your dog is having trouble getting up or walking on his own, check out slings, rear-end harnesses, wheelchairs, or carts to help keep him moving.