How to Make Your Home OA-Accessible for Senior Dogs

July 11, 2018

elevated beds help dogs with arthritisArthritis can happen in humans at any age, but it is often associated with getting older. Simply put, as you age, joints wear out because of the repeated use over the years. This is true for dogs as well. Your veterinarian may call it arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) or even Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD).

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with OA, or you suspect your dog may have it, you can find different ideas on what to do to treat the symptoms. But have you figured out what you can do to make your home easier for your dog to get around? Here are a few simple steps to make your home OA-accessible for a happy senior pet.

Elevate food and dog bowls

Could you imagine lowering your head every day to eat? If you had arthritis, think how this might be uncomfortable. If you elevate your dog’s food and water bowls, it will help relieve some lower back pain in your dog.

A warm fluffy bed for Fido

Could you imagine sleeping on a cold floor? If your dog does, this will be hard on their backs and joints. For dogs with arthritis, consider a beds that are cushioned enough to raise them off of the cold floors. There are now orthopedic beds for pets available on line.

Less Stairs When Possible

Every house has stairs. Consider adding a ramp to at least one stair area to make it easier for your dog to get up. Ramps are easy to build or buy and this will help your dog get up the stairs much easier. Even if there are a few stairs outside, this will help your dog.

Try Mobility Supplements

Joint supplements can help tremendously, just as it can for humans too. Glyde™ Mobility Chews combats the symptoms of arthritis and has a proven formula to help. Be sure you know what to look for in the joint supplements so you know the best kind to get for your dog.

Stay Active

Remember to keep your dog active. Just as in humans, less regular movement and exercise may give way to arthritis taking over. If you are looking for additional ideas, try these tips to keep your dog active.

Today there are so many ways to help your senior dog live a better life with arthritis. As long as you continue to work with your dog on solutions, your fur-baby can live a good life. If you aren’t sure but are suspecting your dog may have arthritis, take this short quiz to find out your dog’s risk.