9 Things You Can Do to Help Your Dog Live with their Arthritis

It's no secret that people in the United States love their pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 45.5% of U.S. households own a dog. Unfortunately, veterinary researchers estimate up to 38% of these dogs could suffer from osteoarthritis, which can significantly impact your pet's quality of life.

An arthritis diagnosis isn't hopeless. Owners can help keep their dogs comfortable by working with their veterinarian to develop a management plan that minimizes pain and maintains mobility. Here are nine things you can do to help your dog live with their arthritis.

1. Visit Your Veterinarian

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, make an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm your suspicions and rule out other health problems. It's important to continue visiting your veterinarian after your dog is diagnosed with arthritis to manage the disease.

Arthritis is a progressive condition, and your dog may respond differently to specific treatments and management strategies. Your vet will monitor the efficacy of treatments and the progress of the condition to develop a custom plan for your dog.

2. Monitor Your Dog's Weight

Excess weight can strain your dog's joints and worsen pain from arthritis, so dogs with osteoarthritis must maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is overweight, talk to your veterinarian about developing a weight loss plan.

Research suggests losing weight can improve comfort levels and mobility in obese dogs with arthritis. One study of obese dogs with osteoarthritis found body weight reduction led to a significant decrease in lameness.

3. Provide Consistent Exercise

Consistent exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health by increasing circulation. Arthritis often leads to decreased mobility, so work with your veterinarian to develop an exercise program appropriate for your dog.

Support braces can help dogs with arthritis maintain mobility by supporting affected joints during exercise.

4. Reduce Stress

Chronic joint pain from arthritis can increase stress and lead to behavioral changes in dogs. Uncharacteristic irritability, growling, and a lack of enthusiasm for playing can all be signs of the condition.

Create a stress-free environment for your dog by modifying his routines to be compatible with decreased mobility and look into pain management strategies to prevent behavioral problems.

5. Keep Your Dog Warm

Cold weather conditions can make pain from arthritis worse, decreasing your dog's mobility and comfort during the winter months. Keeping your dog warm supports his joints by maintaining healthy circulation.

Your pet may benefit from wearing a dog coat that helps him stay warm when the temperatures drop. Dog coats with textile technologies that support circulation, such as Back on Track's Welltex technology, provide additional benefits for dogs with arthritis.

6. Improve Comfort at Home

Invest in items that help improve your dog's comfort at home. Dogs with arthritis often struggle to climb stairs or jump. Ramps can make it easier for your dog to go upstairs or climb into your car.

Hard surfaces are uncomfortable for dogs with arthritis to lay on. Ensure your dog gets adequate rest by providing a cozy dog bed where he can sleep comfortably. Back on Track beds lined with Welltex help increase circulation and support joint health.

7. Medications and Supplements

Talk to your veterinarian about prescription pain medication for managing your dog's arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are popular for dogs with arthritis pain. Your vet may also recommend other medical therapies, such as joint injections.

Supplements can help provide additional support. Glucosamine and chondroitin are common oral joint supplements for dogs. Remember to consult your vet about any medications or supplements you plan to give your dog.

8. Explore Bodywork Options

Bodywork can also help manage symptoms of arthritis in dogs. People who suffer from joint pain due to arthritis often go for acupuncture, acupressure or to a massage therapist for help. These therapies are also available for dogs.

Talk to your veterinarian to determine if bodywork and other alternative therapies are suitable for your dog. Bodywork can help relieve pain, increase circulation, improve flexibility, and reduce stress in dogs and people.

9. Ask Your Vet About Surgery

Some severe canine osteoarthritis cases are candidates for surgery. As with people, surgery should not be the first option, but it is sometimes recommended for arthritis that does not respond to other treatments and therapies.

Your veterinarian can discuss surgical treatment options with you if they determine your dog is a good candidate for surgery.

10. Help Your Dog Stay Comfortable

No one likes it when their pets suffer from any kind of pain. Thankfully, you can help your dog live with arthritis by following these tips and working with your veterinarian to develop a customized treatment and management plan.

Consider Back on Track support braces, dog coats, and dog beds to help your dog with arthritis stay comfortable and active.