Ways to help your arthritic dog to live an active life without medication

Arthritis is probably the most common condition amongst the elderly pooch population. Today, veterinarians are seeing more cases because dogs are becoming more obese, less active and living longer. Below you can look into several options of new products that can eliminate pain, reduce inflammation, help repair damaged joints and help keep dogs arthritis safe and comfortable.

Arthritis in pets is very similar as arthritis in people. It’s caused by normal wear and tear of cartilage and other parts of the joint. Typically, there is inflammation or swelling in a joint. This can be caused by bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint.

Clear signs of arthritis in dogs include limping, stiffness, decreased activity, difficulty rising, and acting depressed. Here are some ways to treat the condition. Before giving any type of medication, please try a conservative approach, since just like any medication, it does come with long term side effects long terms.

Exercise

Treating Four-Legged Friends’ Arthritis Watch Video
Keep your dog at “an ideal weight and make sure he exercises regularly, which will strengthen his muscles and ligaments and keep his joints limber.”

Nutrition

Ask a holistic vet about joint-friendly food that has been proven to reduce inflammation and stop joint degradation. I am recommending a holistic vet because they have a broader knowledge about canine nutrition versa a traditional vet. It is worth the money spent.

New Devices to Help Arthritic Pets

Lift-N-Aid, $19.99
Lift-N-Aid is a dog-mobility harness that slips around a dog’s shoulders and supports a dog by its rib cage and takes pressure off joints and limbs. It is made for medium and large dogs.

Tread-a-Stair, $79.99-$84.99
The folding pet stairs help pets get up on a couch or get into the car. It comes with a carrying case and is lightweight and portable.

Pet Ramp and Cargo Step, $184.99
Some dogs may need more help, so the Pet Ramp and Cargo Step can support up to 300 pounds.

Kot-to-Trot , $79.99-$84.99
This pet bed keeps the pet off the ground so aching joints don’t come in contact with the hard floor.

Pet Physical Therapy: Aqua Paws Underwater Treadmill System, (your vet’s office might have this)
“With an underwater treadmill, dogs are able to begin rehabilitation earlier than normal,” Becker said. “The idea is to use the natural properties of water — buoyancy, resistance and heat. It offers great therapy for rehabilitation and therapy for pain. There are additional options for home use, such as whirlpools you can put in your garage or mud room.”

Last resort:

Medication: Rimadyl, Previcox and Deramaxx
These medications are all nonsteroidal and chewable. They are taken just once a day and can produce dramatic results. But, as mentioned earlier, there are side effects, both short term and long term.