Arthritis can be painful for pets, making them stiff and sluggish. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your dog's arthritis pain so they can stay healthy and active. There are new findings that link certain dog foods as one of the key factors in reducing your dogs risk of developing arthritis in later life.

Learn how to manage your dog's arthritis symptoms with the right diet, medications, exercises, and other measures.

Talk to Your Vet About New Medications that Treat Arthritis

Your vet may recommend different medications to help manage your pet's arthritis symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Some prescription pain relief and joint degradation suppressors may be available if NSAIDs are not the right option for your pet. Talk to your vet about these options, as well as any potential side effects or risks associated with them.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Proper nutrition is a critical component in treating and preventing arthritis. Working with your veterinarian, develop an anti-inflammatory diet that works for your furry friend. Quality foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids (for example, fish oil or krill oil) can help reduce inflammation and many joint pains in dogs. Feeding your dog a complete diet that uses fish as the protein will provide a natural anti-inflammatory aspect in their diet. At Delivery Hound, we know that the Man's Best Ocean Fish is a popular dog food that we deliver to aging and senior dogs.  Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid may also be recommended as they can help decrease inflammation as well. 

What natural Supplements can I give my Dog to Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis?

Like humans, supplements such as curcumin and fish oil can help provide some relief to symptoms. There are several supplements that have been shown to provide relief for arthritis in dogs, and curcumin is one of them. Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Studies have shown that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness in dogs with arthritis. It works by blocking certain enzymes that cause inflammation and by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines.

In addition to curcumin, other supplements that may provide relief for arthritis in dogs include glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and green-lipped mussel extract. It's important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplements or treatments for arthritis in dogs to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for your pet's specific condition.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Exercise is important to keep your dog’s joints flexible and reduce stiffness, but it should be done gradually and not overly strenuous. You can also try physical therapy to help strengthen your pet’s muscles and reduce joint pain. Examples of exercises include swimming, riding an exercise bike, taking walks and playing gentle fetch games. Animal hospitals and rehabilitation facilities are starting to promote underwater treadmill therapy. This provides exercise with the lowest possibly impact due to the dog being in water. Ask your vet for guidance and advice on what type of exercise might be appropriate for your pet.

Exercise Your Dog in Moderation

Exercise is key to helping your pet cope with arthritis pain. Start slowly and give your dog breaks as needed. Depending on the severity of the arthritis, keep exercise limited to short walks, swimming, therapy ball exercises or joint-friendly walking aids like a Help ‘Em Up Harness. Short bursts of playtime such as fetch are also beneficial for arthritis sufferers—just be sure to give your dog plenty of breaks so he doesn’t overexert himself.

Weight Management for Arthritic Dogs

One of the most important ways for arthritis prevention and management is managing your pet’s weight. A healthy diet and consistent exercise are key for staying at a healthy body weight since extra stress on the joints can lead to increased joint pain and cartilage degradation. Working with your veterinarian, develop an appropriate diet that takes into consideration your dog’s activity level, age, breed, etc. Additionally, make sure they get regular physical activity which will help strengthen the muscles around the joint while also promoting joint lubrication.