Senior dogs are most likely to experience Gingivitis (a type of gum inflammation), diabetes, kidney ailment, dementia (although, not a very common one), and arthritis. Of all these clinical signs, arthritis is the most common in older dogs, affecting one in four pet dogs in the United States. Arthritis is often a result of an active and happy life, however, may as well result from diabetes, obesity, and other forms of injuries. Fortunately, this degenerative joint disease in your aging dog is manageable and treatable to certain extent. You can make them feel comfortable if follow these tips – Meet your vet Arthritis is treatable with chondroprotective agents, dietary supplements, and anti-inflammatory medication. Other treatments include laser therapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound therapy, and acupuncture. While chondroprotective agents such as Cartrophen help repair the cartilage and stimulate its function, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce pain and inflammation in their joints and muscles. Maintain diet and exercise recommended by your vet Joints with arthritis wane faster in overweight dogs. If you can help your dog lose some weight, it will take some strain off of their joints and bones. A common diet for an aging dog with arthritis contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids. Besides, once your dog has a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis, your first step is to walk them more often than ever, but, of course, for shorter distances. A moderate exercise regime will help lessen the joint pain and keep his muscles healthy to support the joints. Your vet may as well recommend swimming, for it is an excellent exercise for dogs with benign arthritis. Get cubes, ramps, and slip-free flooring installed Senior dogs with arthritis might have difficulty navigating tile/hardwood floors and stairs. Cubes and ramps are highly advisable as these will help them get up or down from the couch and even climb the stairs. You can also consider placing carpets and rugs over slippery floors for your dog to feel more stable on their legs. Make them a more comfortable bed Knowing that your pet dog with arthritis may feel achy, it is imperative to provide them a more comfortable place to rest. They tend to fall asleep on the couch, but you should make sure that they sleep only on their bed at night because this way they will stay warm and cozy through the chilling night. Some dog owners prefer rubber-backed bath mat because it doesn’t slide as their dogs lay down or get up. Do not forget to make time for grooming Senior dogs with arthritis slowly become unfit for personal hygiene, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. They need to be groomed more often than the younger ones with no sort of clinical signs. Those daily tangles and matting must be brushed off, but remember to go gentle while doing so. Use light therapy Low-Level Light Therapy has proven to deliver therapeutic advantages to living organisms and tissue lately. To make the treatment convenient as well as effective for pet owners, there are now Low-Level Light Therapy Devices available. You can also use one those devicse to address your dog’s pain from muscles and joints. Low-Level Light Therapy has proven to ensure relief and comfort for senior dogs with arthritis. Protect their paws Dogs with advanced arthritis tend to drag their paws back as they walk. And, because you know how critical it is for them to keep moving or get out for a quick sniff, you will want to protect their paws from being scraped or lacerated. Get them booties when they are out and about. Some dog paw booties are like little balloons, made from a single layer of rubber. They provide protection, however also allow them to feel the ground. Your dog will be comfortable in them. Or, you can always consider a pet stroller, if you are planning on taking them out for a long-distance walk-around. Get a versatile stroller with a detachable carrier, so you can also use it as a car seat for maximum convenience. Pet Strollers from Pet Rover – recommended!
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