Tips that May Help Your Arthritic Dog
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The cause can be abnormal bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint, an infection, or injury caused by the immune system. While anti-inflammatory medicines are popular treatments for arthritis, another approach involves protecting the cartilage in the joint and "nourishing" the joint.
Here are tips that may help your arthritic dog.
Slip-free Flooring. Hardwood and tile are slippery and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to navigate. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog's footing. This can help prevent him from slipping and injuring himself. Glucosamine for dogs
Swimming is a good aerobic exercise and is especially good for arthritis symptom dogs because there is no jarring impact. As swimming is a non-weight bearing activity.
It exercises every muscle of the body without any stress. When swimming, muscles and joints are able to move through a complete range of motion without bearing any weight.
Swimming in warm water has the added benefit of relaxing muscles (specially important for arthritis symptom dogs) and increasing overall blood circulation. Warm water relaxes muscles so the dog will not feel pain when exercising, thus improving joint lubrication. Older dogs have the added benefit of cardiovascular strengthening and weight loss, improving general fitness.
Your dog should use all four legs to doggie paddle. If he paddles with just his front paws, lift his rear legs to help him float. He'll quickly understand that he needs all four of his legs to swim.
Daily, low-impact exercise helps to improve strength and stamina, joint mobility, and stimulates joint cartilage metabolism.
While helping maintain your dog's weight, it also decreases the need for pain-relieving medications.
A Soft Bed. Soft bedding and heated beds can help support the bones and joints, making your pet more comfortable. This can be especially important in thin dogs in which bony prominences are likely to rub on hard surfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthritis, such as waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of extra cushion. Our new Durabed may be right for your older do.
Grooming should not be neglected, especially in the older dog. Arthritic dogs have a difficult time keeping themselves clean, especially in those hard to reach areas. Help your dog stay clean by trimming the hair around the rear end. Brushing will help remove mats and tangles, which can injure delicate older skin. Keep eyes & ears clean, also.
Peace & Quiet. As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for your pet to enjoy rambunctious playful children. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. He may want to join in the festivities regardless of the discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit his time as the center of attention.
Massage. Massage can increase flexibility, circulation, calmness and a general sense of wellness. Professional animal massage therapists are available to provide your pet a more thorough treatment.
Weight Loss. Arthritis is more of a problem in obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by helping to reduce the workload on the bones and joints.
Exercise. Modest daily exercise can help some dogs. Special care is needed, so it is important to first see your veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate exercise program. Exercise can strengthen the muscles and ligaments thus reducing the potential and risk of injury.
Supplements. There are many products on the market that can be used in addition to a good diet.
Extra Time. Don't rush a dog with arthritis. It often takes them extra time to walk, climb stairs or get in and out of the car. Support and help them if needed or just give them extra time to get around.
Mary E. Joyce http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com
Latest News
A Season of Responsibility for New Pet Owners MarketWatch - Will the owner have a safe, pet-ready household? -- Will the owner be capable of caring for the pet for its lifetime, both in terms of time and financial ... |
How to protect your house and pets during a freeze freezing ... Dallas Morning News, TX - Bring pets inside. Provide adequate shelter that is elevated and facing away from the wind for pets that must remain outside. That's a chilling wind |
Homeless pets still need to eat Reuters - With foreclosures of homes on the rise, so are stories of pet abandonment, but pet food maker Del Monte says sales of dog and cat food and treats hasn’t ... Earnings Note: Del Monte Foods 2Q09 - Taming Pets |
Pet-centric Retail Site Muttropolis.com Included in Internet ... MarketWatch - Featured alongside some of the world's most highly regarded brands, Muttropolis is one of only three pet related sites to be included among the honorees and ... ToolKing.com Makes Internet Retailer’s Hot 100 Retail Web Site List Ritz Interactive Named to Internet Retailer's 2009 Hot 100 Best ... Ritz Interactive Named to Internet Retailer's 2009 Hot 100 Best ... |
Make sure pets have safe, happy holidays Pioneer Press Online, IL - As families start pulling out their favorite holiday recipes and shopping lists and decorations, it's easy to overlook one hairy detail: The family pets. ... |
Bob Shallit: New animal hospital to offer hotel luxury for pets Sacramento Bee, USA - "It won't look like an animal hospital," says Dr. Schenck, who has run Mueller Pet Medical Center near Sac Executive Airport for the past 30 years. ... |
Hilary Duff Has Precious Pets Just Jared, NY - Hilary Duff buys a couple of fluffy toys for her cat on her trip to Maxwell Dog pet store in LA on Wednesday. Last week, Hilary attended the Rodeo Walk of ... |
 Weekly Vista | Pets as presents: Cute, but is it practical? Weekly Vista, AR - Adopting a pet at Christmastime may bring joy to the family, but it also comes with responsibilities and expenses for years to come. ... Exponential potential |
InSight UT: Pets line up to take their pictures with Santa Claus Tennessee Journalist, TN - 23 pet owners took their animals to the Agri Feed Pet Supply store to get their pictures taken with Santa Claus. Many owners said they participated in the ... Have your pet pose with Santa to benefit animal organizations Santa Paws is coming to town |
Animal Angel Tree seeks donations for needy pets Mid Columbia Tri City Herald, WA - By the Herald staff Holidays are a time for helping the less fortunate, and that can include pets too, say organizers of two Tri-City pet assistance efforts ... |
Resources
-
Online Classifieds - Free classsifieds advertising with Classified 2000 .net
High Traffic classifieds Free and fee based advertising. Personals Employment Business Pets Vehicles more categories. Affordable business solutions...
-
Bake-A-Dog-Bone :: Starting A Homebased Pet Business
Resource Guide for Starting a Dog Treat Pet Business
-
Top Quality, High Converting eBooks.
Earn excellent affiliate income: Pets, Diets, Selling, more.
-
Online Pet Memorials Desicated To Sadly Missed Pets
Create a Loving Online Pet Memorial Dedicated to Sadly Missed Pets and Animal Companions.