How To Improve Senior Dogs’ Joint Health
It’s a big statement, but true: senior dogs can live happier and healthier lives with the right attention to their joints. It may be too late for some dogs to improve their joint health by a lot, but even giving some of these older dogs a few extra years of quality life will make a world of difference to your dog.
About 80 percent of dogs in the United States 11 years and older will suffer from some form of arthritis, according to WebMD. Your dog might not even realize that his joints hurt if he has arthritis, but it is possible to alleviate squeaking and clicking sounds caused by inflamed joints with these simple steps:
1. Give your senior dog glucosamine
Using a product such as Cosequin is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s joint health. It has glucosamine, which helps dogs’ bodies heal and regenerate cartilage. If you don’t see results with one brand of glucosamine, try another to find out what works best with your pet. Don’t give your dog too much, however; according to WebMD, you should follow the instructions on the label of whatever supplement you use.
2. Help your senior dog lose weight
An obese pet is an unhealthy pet, and it has a very high chance of developing arthritis while carrying around extra pounds. Pets are also more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues when they are overweight. It’s not easy to help your dog lose weight on his own; if you think this is an issue for your pet, please consult with your veterinarian about canine obesity.
3. Give your senior dog some exercise
A great way to improve joint health in older dogs is to make sure they get the exercise they need. Of course, you don’t want to overexert your dog by putting him through strenuous activities he may not be able to handle. But some slow-paced walks and easy playtime can go a long way toward keeping your older pet active and happy.
4. Make sure your senior dog is healthy overall
If your senior pet is taking any kind of medication, or if he has any health problems other than arthritis, it can affect his joint health. If you notice that your dog’s joints seem worse when he takes a certain type of medicine, talk to your veterinarian about changing it. That way you should be able to minimize the side effects and keep your dog healthy.
5. Talk to your vet about supplements
Your veterinarian may be able to prescribe a medication that will improve your senior dog’s joint health significantly. Don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything you can do to make the time with your pet more pleasant and comfortable for him, even when he gets older. You would see many vets suggest CBD oil for dogs, but do not worry as CBD isn’t harmful if taken as recommended.
The best thing to do for arthritis in senior dogs is to keep them as comfortable and active as possible. By giving your dog glucosamine, taking him on walks, making sure he gets plenty of exercises, keeping him trim and healthy, and talking with your veterinarian about the best options for his particular case you should be able to make your aging dog happy and healthy for years to come.