by Tammy Wynn

Created on: September 03, 2008

Many dogs, like humans, as they age, get arthritis. Arthritis is a stiffening of the joints. Many steps can be taken to relieve the pain of arthritis, though it can not be cured.

The older dog needs a nice soft place to sleep, at least as soft as the owners sleeping place. A good option is a thick piece of foam or even an old baby mattress cut to fit the size of the dog. The foam or mattress should be around 4 inches thick. For larger dogs, it is best to raise the bed off the floor. Depending on the size of the dog, the bed can be raised up about a foot. This makes it easier for the large dog to get up and down.

Provide the older dog gentle exercise. A short walk around the block or around the yard a few times of day will suffice. Avoid strenuous activity on a regular basis. This can aggravate the pain and swelling in the joints associated with arthritis. Excercise is important to keep the joints moving and less stiff and aids in keeping the elderly dog from gaining excess weight. Excess weight is harder on the joints of an arthritic dog. If it appears as though the dog is gaining weight, then provide them a diet formulated for less active dogs.

Supplements are a good way to help a dog with arthritis. Joint diet foods do exist that add the supplements directly to the food. These foods do nothing for weight control, but if weight is not a problem, then these foods can be investigated and used. Most supplements that combat the effects of arthritis in dogs include glucosamine, chondroitin or perna caniculus. Sometimes these contain creatine and many also include a variety of vitamins and minerals. An Omega3 supplement is also good for maintaining joint health. Providing these supplements in the early stages of arthritis is a good way to prevent rapid deterioration of the joints in an older dog. At this time, no adverse side effects have been recorded from giving dogs joint health supplements.

If the arthritis problem is severe, then medications can be given to reduce the pain and swelling. Medications, unlike supplements, can have side effects. Some of the same medications used in humans for arthritis pain and swelling can also be administered to dogs. Aspirin is one such medication, but it is a bad idea to give a dog aspirin more than a couple times per week. Additionally, Cats should NOT ever receive aspirin.

Newer medications, likely available through prescription only, are also available for even more severe cases of arthritic dogs. These may or may not have more or less side effects than other over the counter medications. They are more costly. It is best, to speak with your veterinarian about treatments and treatment plans for severe arthritis in an elderly dog.

Start supplements early, before arthritis actually sets in to maintain good joint health and to help minimize joint deterioration. Give the dog plenty of exercise, maintain a healthy weight and provide the dog a nice soft place to sleep. These basic actions will help prevent pain and joint swelling associated with age-onset arthritis in dogs.

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