About half of all dogs over the age of 10 years have some degree of arthritis, according to Dr. Becker. For many dogs, these aches and pains are merely a nuisance, but for others, they can lead to debilitating pain that limits their mobility and quality of life. No matter what form your dog’s arthritis takes, there are several steps you can take to help ensure your dog’s comfort and ease the symptoms. With proper treatment, many dogs diagnosed with arthritis can resume normal activity within two months.
Diet change
This is actually an underrated way to ease arthritis in dogs, Dr. Becker says. Feeding your dog a high-quality, species-appropriate diet can not only help the symptoms but also prevent arthritis from developing in the first place.
A species-appropriate diet is one that mimics what your dog would eat in the wild, which typically consists of raw meat and bones, organs, and vegetables. This type of diet better supports your pet’s digestive system than dry kibble or processed foods can. Bones are an especially important part of your dog’s diet, as they are packed with calcium which helps regulate muscle contractions.
” Bones also support the teeth and gums, help prevent tartar buildup, massaging gums while your dog chews,” Dr. Becker writes on her website. ” It is best to feed bones raw or cooked .”
Dr. Marty Goldstein, a holistic veterinarian, an expert on the Paleolithic diet agrees that feeding your dog bones is one of the best ways to ease arthritis symptoms. “Bones are very rich in minerals which are easily assimilated into the body,” he tells The Daily Puppy. “Raw bones are particularly potent sources of calcium.”
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of managing arthritis in dogs, but you should take care to ensure your dog isn’t overdoing it. According to Healthy Pets, if your dog shows signs of fatigue or stiffness, chances are they aren’t ready for a workout yet and you should wait a few days before trying again.
In addition to monitoring your dog for signs of fatigue, you should also allow them time to warm up before any strenuous activity. “Stiffness in the joints can often be reduced by walking or otherwise gently increasing circulation in order to encourage fluid movement within the joints,” Dr. Becker writes. “Your dog may also benefit from a warm-water therapy bath prior to exercising.”
Physical therapy
One of the least popular treatment options is actually one of the most beneficial, Dr. Becker says. Physical therapy for dogs with arthritis doesn’t involve medicine or surgery; instead, it focuses on gentle stretching and massage designed to improve flexibility and build muscle strength. “It can be helpful for dogs who have difficulty going up and downstairs,” Dr. Becker writes. “Additionally, a regimen of regular physical therapy can decrease pain and improve joint function.”
CBD treatments for arthritis in dogs
The compound in marijuana that gets you high (THC) is not the only beneficial part of this plant. In fact, CBD oil has no intoxicating effects and contains several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. The main advantage of CBD oil is that it is non-addictive and doesn’t cause any noticeable side effects.
Arthritis in dogs could be caused by neuropathic pain, so using CBD oil is an excellent way to ease pain and help your dog maintain mobility.
CBD oil can be used topically or orally, but before trying any of the above options you should speak with your veterinarian to ensure this treatment is safe for your dog.
Conclusion
Although arthritis in dogs is a bothersome disease, several treatment options exist that can help your dog maintain an active lifestyle and minimize discomfort. The best way to manage arthritis is to combine these treatments with one another and use them as needed. For example, during times when your dog’s arthritis flares up you could turn to CBD oil and physical therapy to help ease the pain.
Treatment for arthritis in dogs is often just as effective as it would be for a human being with arthritis, so you shouldn’t have to accept your pet’s condition as an unavoidable part of aging. Start by trying out one or more of these treatment options and watch your dog begin to feel relief.