Today we’re going to talk about how to help your dog with food for arthritis.
Almost all older dogs suffer from arthritis.
And, it’s really tough to watch them suffer.
You see your pup limping up and downstairs because of his arthritis.
You want to help, but many treatments seem drastic.
Did you know in addition to traditional treatment options, there are ways you can help your dog on a daily basis?
Did you know diet can help? Yes, you can help your dog naturally by switching to appropriate types of food for arthritis.
Taking a closer look at how you can improve your dog’s day-to-day lifestyle can elevate your dog’s general health, making veterinary-prescribed treatments even more effective.
How to Find the Right Food for Arthritis
Is there a perfect food for arthritis?
No!
But, you can adjust your dog’s diet to reduce inflammation and decrease weight carried by damaged joints.
The right mix of dietary fatty acids can do more than improve your dog’s skin and coat.
Research shows eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an Omega-3 fatty acid, can help reduce inflammation, help limit damage to cartilage and reduce the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.
Fish oil and Green Lipped mussels are two great sources of Omega-3s.
Think about how you can incorporate foods with Omega-3s into your dog’s diet.
Now you’re well on the way to helping your dog with food for arthritis!
Ensure Your Pup is at a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to your dog’s overall health, and can dramatically aid mobility in dogs suffering from arthritis.
Helping a dog lose pounds to reach its recommended weight may be the most important thing an owner can do for a pet. It may also be the most demanding.
Feed your dog recommended amounts daily and keep treats to a minimum, as well as feeding them with food for arthritis.
You can also try a low-calorie diet for your dog. It is best to consult your veterinarian for help in deciding how to help your dog shed unnecessary pounds.
Studies have suggested approximately one-quarter of overweight dogs develop serious joint complications.
If your dog’s bones, joints, muscles, and associated tendons and ligaments are stressed trying to carry excess weight, they can become damaged – paving the way for arthritis to develop or become more severe.
It is much better for the health and longevity of your pet to feed less food.
Make Sure Fido Gets Daily Exercise
Exercise is the next important step. Go for low-impact exercise that provides for a good range of motion and muscle building while limiting wear and tear on the joints.
Here are some great low-impact exercises:
- Leash walking
- Swimming
- Slow jogging
- Going up and downstairs
An exercise program should be individualized for each dog based on the severity of the osteoarthritis, weight, and condition of the dog.
In general, too little exercise can be more detrimental than too much, but the wrong kind of exercise can cause harm. For instance, frisbee may be enjoyable and fun for you and your dog, but it is very hard on a dog’s joints.
Warming up and cooling down are important for any exercise regimen.
And even if you can only do a little every day, shorter daily exercise is better than doing longer exercises only a couple of times a week.
Again, consult your veterinarian to devise an exercise program appropriate for your dog.
Give Your Pup Warmth and a Good Bed
Most people with arthritis will tell you pain tends to worsen in cold, damp weather.
Keeping your pup warm may help him be more comfortable.
This could include getting him or her a sweater to help keep joints warmer, and/or keeping the temperature in your home a little warmer.
A firm, orthopedic foam bed helps many dogs with arthritis.
These types of orthopedic foam beds distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. Since they are firmer, they are also much easier for the pet to stand up in and get out of.
Be sure to find a warm spot away from drafts for your dog’s bed.
A good bed will have:
- A washable cover with a heavy-duty zipper
- A layer of medical-grade orthopedic foam (looks like an egg carton)
- A firmness which will make it easier for the pet to stand up after laying down
Adjust Pet Supplies in the Home For Pain Relief
Stairs
Going up and downstairs is often difficult for arthritic dogs. Consider building ramps, especially on stairs leading to the outside.
Elevating Food & Water Bowls
Elevated feeders make eating and drinking more comfortable for arthritic pets, especially if they suffer from neck or back stiffness.
Try some of these simple tips and food for arthritis before pursuing more extreme options.
Powerful Tools for Overcoming Dog Arthritis Challenges
There are many quick and easy changes you can make at home to help you give your dog an edge on easing dog arthritis pain.
- Learn more about dog arthritis.
- Try cooking for your dog or feeding high-quality dog food. Home-cooked diets and wet food help keep your pet from gaining too much weight. In turn, less weight means less stress on your dog’s bones and joints. PET | TAO Chill and Blaze are top choices for arthritic dogs.
- Ease your dog’s discomfort naturally. PET | TAO Comfort is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements to soothe your dog’s arthritic challenges to make him/her more comfortable.
- Provide joint support. PET | TAO Harmonize Joint is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements working together to lubricate and restore your dog’s joints.
- Try Freeze-Dried Kidney Treats. According to TCVM, the Kidney controls the bones and joints and supports arthritic challenges in a “like treats like” manner.
- Learn more about TCVM Herbal Remedies. Chinese medicine offers many amazing natural solutions for dog arthritis. Some good examples are:
