Do you have a dog with arthritis at home? If you said yes, you are not alone: 80% of dogs will show signs of arthritis by age 8, however, some dogs show signs as early as the age of one year. If you said no, it may be you do not right now. Unfortunately, just like in humans, the more we age, the more likelihood there is that our dogs will struggle with joint issues like arthritis in dogs (also known as osteoarthritis).
First, are you sure your dog has arthritis or not? Here is a quick and easy quiz you can take that will give you some answers on your dog’s mobility. Just click on the link below to go to the quiz.
Does your dog have arthritis? Find out when you take this easy quiz.
No matter if joint issues are related to the type of breed, if they had an injury or surgery, or their active lifestyle has started to slow down, it’s important to plan accordingly for helping your dog have a great quality of life. Remember, all sorts of sizes, breeds and types of dogs have some sort of joint problem. The best thing you can do as a caring pet parent is make their lives as comfortable as possible while they are here. Read on for the top 3 ways you can improve your dog’s quality of life.
3 tips to help your dog with arthritis live a better life
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Adjust your feeding area.
Most food bowls and water are directly on the ground. Dogs have to lean over to get what they need. If you have a larger dog especially, update your dog’s feeding area to be higher so they don’t have to lean over so far. Even younger large dogs will appreciate this adjustment. Leaning down to try and eat and drink puts extra stress on their joints, especially at their neck and back.
They make many types of elevated feeding dishes, some are quite stylish. Pick one that works for your space. Your dog will appreciate the fact they do not have to bend over so far to get the food and water they need and love.
Here is a great resource on the best elevated dog bowls for 2022!
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Improve sleeping
Does your dog have the opportunity to sleep on a comfortable bed only for them? If your dog sleeps in your bed, sometimes it’s hard for our dogs to jump that far up. Look into the possibility of providing a ramp or bench for access by walking up or jumping in two places, instead of one big one.
If they have a bed all their own, it should be:
- In a warm area, not near the doors or drafty windows.
- Bedding should be soft but firm where they can be elevated off the hard floors
- Their beds should be large enough for them to sleep comfortably on, without overlapping onto the floor, if possible.
Here is a great resource when selecting the best dog bed for your dog.
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Maintain daily exercise
It is so important for our dogs to continue to be active, healthy and mobile. Do you have to force your dog outside to go to the bathroom? If they are laying around all day, it’s harder for them to stay active. Try and help them stay active by letting them get out for exercise (not simply to go outside to the bathroom) at least twice a day for at least 30 minutes during each time.
This may not be possible in extremely cold temperatures or when there is a snow on the ground. When you can and the environment is not too cold, be sure to get outdoors with your dog.
Sometimes, our dogs need motivation for wanting to get outside. If you have trained your dog to be treat-focus, bring plenty of treats to make it fun. Then head outside for that walk! Or, check out this list of fun things to do outside in your own backyard.
Joint Supplements Can Help
To support your dog's joints during their exercise, consider adding a joint supplement to their diet. Joint supplements are a great natural solution to help keep arthritis at bay and to relieve painful joints later in life. They provide the valuable vitamins, minerals, and nutrients dogs need and may not get in their own diets. There are so many different options out there, be sure you know what to look for in joint supplements for dogs.
Every dog is different, just as every person is different. But one thing is for certain: our dogs need good joint health to stay active!
Glyde™ Mobility Chews are designed to protect your dog’s mobility. Glyde has a proven formula specifically designed for dogs and contains high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, plus an added key ingredient of Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) for dogs. Glyde uses natural, gluten-free ingredients to promote healthy joints that let your dog do everything he or she loves to do!
There is still a puppy inside your dog waiting to get back out and play, and you may see glimpses of that puppy every now and then. Whatever you choose, take action today!
