Ten top strategies to help your arthritic dog

If your dog is struggling with arthritis, or you’ve recently been told that they have the condition, you’ll be asking yourself what you can do to help them be more comfortable.  Your vet will have given you advice and may have prescribed and dispensed some pain killers.  They will have explained the condition is progressive but can be managed and there are things that you can do at home to help.

Here are 10 tips for helping your arthritic dog at home:

1. Help them maintain a healthy weight. Extra mass puts additional stress on your dog’s joints. Work with your vet to ensure your dog maintains an optimal weight through appropriate diet and exercise.
2. Provide a comfortable sleeping area. Invest in a supportive, orthopaedic bed to cushion your dog's joints and provide warmth, which can help soothe aching limbs.
3. Modify exercise routines. While movement is important, high-impact activities can exacerbate joint pain. Opt for gentle exercises like swimming or short, frequent walks on soft surfaces. Keep the exercise routine consistent and avoid long walks
4. Use non-slip surfaces. Place rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors to help your dog move around more confidently and reduce the risk of injury.
5. Work with a canine physiotherapist to learn exercises you can do at home to improve your dog's range of motion and strength. These might include gentle stretches or controlled movements
6. Apply warm compresses Gentle heat can help soothe aching joints. Use a warm (not hot) compress on affected areas for 10-15 minutes at a time.
7. Gentle massage Learn how to perform gentle massage on your dog to improve circulation and provide comfort. Your vet can demonstrate proper techniques.
8. Elevate food and water bowls Raising your dog's food and water bowls can make mealtimes more comfortable by reducing the need to bend down.
9. Assist with grooming Arthritic dogs may have trouble grooming themselves. Help them stay clean and comfortable with regular, gentle grooming sessions.
10. Create a stress-free environment Minimize stress in your dog's life, as anxiety can exacerbate pain. Maintain a calm, predictable routine and provide a quiet space for rest.

Early intervention is key to helping manage your dog and their arthritis in the long term.  Employing the right techniques can slow the progression of arthritis and give your dog a longer happier healthier life.

CaniFlow, a fast-acting, easy to give joint supplement containing long chain hyaluronic acid can also help maintain your dog’s joint health.  Hyaluronic acid is nature’s magic ingredient that ensures joint fluid nourishes cartilage, absorbs shocks and lubricates joint surfaces. Arthritic, inflamed joints often have lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid, leading to increased friction and discomfort.  Giving CaniFlow can help replenish these levels and contribute to longer term joint health and mobility.

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