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Arthritis in Dogs – Tips to Help Ease the Pain We all wish that our dogs could live longer lives. Unfortunately, though, a dog's life span is much shorter than ours. A dog is considered elderly by about the age of 8 or 9. For large breeds, this stage of life begins even earlier than that. Like people, when dogs age they sometimes develop physical problems such as joint pain or arthritis. These problems are just as painful for them as it is for us. Just as there are things that arthritic people can do to help ease the pain of their arthritis, there are things you can do for your arthritic dog. 1. Use Quality Senior Dog Food: Consider switching to an all natural dog food with high quality ingredients that is specifically formulated for elderly or senior dogs. These dog foods have special vitamins and minerals that are important for the senior dog. Also choose gourmet dog treats that are made with the same high quality ingredients. 2. Choose Low Fat Dog Food and Treats: It is very important to make sure your senior dog does not become overweight. Being overweight can exacerbate any physical problems such as arthritis. The more weight your dog has to carry around, the more pain on their joints. DO NOT feed your dog people food. This is very unhealthy for them and can cause obesity. Also make sure the dog treats you choose are low in fat and calories. 3. Exercise: Even though your dog is getting older, exercise is still very important. Regular slow walks will keep your pooch from becoming overweight and also increases blood flow. Increased blood flow helps to ease the pain of joint problems. It also prevents your dog from becoming too stiff in their joints. The length of the walk will depend on your dog's age and overall health. Even a short walk will be beneficial. In lieu of walks, use dog toys to engage your dog and promote exercise. Be careful though, the play should be light and easy so as to not cause any strain. 4. Dog Sweaters: Arthritis can sometimes be more acute during cold winter months. Invest in a cute dog sweater or dog jacket to help keep your pooch warm. Designer dog boutiques tend to have the largest selection of dog sweaters and jackets. 5. Orthopedic Dog Bed: Elderly dogs tend to sleep or rest much more than the younger dog. An orthopedic dog bed provides a supportive and comfortable surface to rest on. They often mold to your dog's body, easing pressure on legs and hips. Some examples of orthopedic beds are Memory Foam dog beds, Gel-Pedic dog beds and Heated/Thermo dog beds. 6. Dietary Supplements: You may want to consider adding some supplements to your dog's diet such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Yucca, Omega 3 & 6, Manganese, Bromelain and Vitamins A, C and E. These supplements can help to ease joint pain. Do your research though and always check with your vet before adding any supplements to your dog's diet. 7. Mainstream Drug Treatments: Your vet may suggest trying nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or Rimadyl, which is made specifically for dogs. These treatments will help ease the pain associated with arthritis, but will not treat the disease. NEVER give your dog any drugs without checking first with your vet. There are many human drugs that are very dangerous for dogs. If your dog suffers from arthritis, applying one or more of the above tips could definitely help ease some of the pain associated with the disease. There is no absolute cure, but you can manage the joint pain and help your dog live a long and happy life.
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