As the weather starts to get cooler, you might notice your older dog limping a bit more or favoring her hips. It’s very common for older dogs to experience joint pain and arthritis as they age–much like humans. As dogs get older, the cartilage surfaces of their joints begin to thin and cartilage cells die. This death of cartilage cells also causes inflammation of the joints. This process set into motion further changes in the normal functioning of the dog’s joints and an ongoing spiral of pain, lameness, limb disuse/inactivity and muscle atrophy sets in. The good news is that there are several natural ways to ease joint pain in older dogs. Here’s a good place to start:
Comfort is key for easing joint pain
So, what can you do to make your older pet more comfortable as these normal joint changes begin to happen? First up, make sure she has a comfortable place to sleep. Vets recommend that you provide well-padded bedding away from cold or damp drafts. Carpeted or padded steps or a ramp to get on and off the bed or couch are advised. Non-skid flooring wherever surfaces are slippery also helps your old gal to maneuver around your house.
Get the ‘rub’ on pet massage
Simple massage can help keep your pet comfortable. While there are licensed pet massage therapist who can certainly help, reading up on pet massage can help you to offer her very valuable joint and muscle relief, which can help stimulate blood flow to atrophying muscles. There’s no doubt that massage is the most natural way to ease joint pain in older dogs but massaging your pet also provides a bonding opportunity when you take a few minutes out of your day to focus on your pup and give her a special petting session.
Look into supplements for joint pain
While vets don’t yet know whether beginning nutritional supplements at a young age benefits every dog, many pet owners swear by supplements. Countless joint supplements are available to promote healthy cartilage and joint health. This is a decision best made with your veterinarian, taking into consideration factors such as diet and genetics. The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) have also been documented to be of help in dogs with arthritis. Using supplements is a natural way to ease joint pain and help keep other parts of your dog’s health in check as well.
Maintain mobility
Maintaining mobility through reasonable exercise is important regardless of a dog’s age and the extent of her arthritis. Just like humans, if a dog leads a sedentary lifestyle, health problems are sure to ensue. Simply walking your dog as often as possible can help keep her joints in tip-top shape, affording you both the health benefits of an active lifestyle. By trying some natural alternatives to easing joint pain in dogs before pulling out all of the stops with medications from your vet, you might find something that works for your beloved dog and is a bit easier on the wallet, too!
Want to learn more about keeping your pooch healthy? Check out these posts:
What Bones Are Safe For Your Dog?
6 Foods to Soothe Your Dog’s Tummy Troubles at Home
Demystifying the Big Wide World of Dog Food
Author: Jenny Jurica
Jenny is a married mother of two humans, one rescued Weimaraner, and four (yes, four) rescued cats. She is a native Texan who is a columnist/contributor for several publications and enjoys spending her free time curled up on the couch with a dog and a couple of cats. Much like the poet Sylvia Plath, Jenny often finds that she, “likes people too much or not at all,” but has never met an animal that she didn’t instantly adore (except for maybe the Komodo dragon at the zoo).
