If your furry friend is struggling with arthritis, there are many things you can do to help them. In this blog post, we share our top 10 tips for managing your pet's arthritis at home.
As pet parents, we all want the best for our furry companions. Unfortunately, the reality is that our beloved pets can face health challenges as they age, just like their human counterparts. One common ailment that affects cats and dogs is arthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and decreased mobility.
Here are our top 10 tips, to help pets with arthritis live well till the end.
1. Consult with Your Veterinarian
The first step in managing your pet's arthritis is to consult with your veterinarian. They may recommend treatments such as medication or physical therapy that can help manage your pet's symptoms.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight puts added pressure on arthritic joints, causing pain and discomfort. Help your pet maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
3. Provide Comfortable Bedding
A comfortable bed can help ease the pain of arthritis. Consider a memory foam bed or a heated bed, which can provide soothing warmth to sore joints.
4. Adapt Your Home
Make your home more comfortable for your pet by adding ramps, stair treads, a softer litter, and carpeting to help them navigate. You can also install raised feeding stations and provide a litter box with a lower entrance.
5. Supplement with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and pain. Therefore, we suggest a diet for pets with arthritis that contains the right amounts of Omega 3s in a form that will get absorbed
6. Try Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy, or Physiotherapy
Acupuncture and massage therapy can help manage your pet's pain and increase mobility.
Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy have also been scientifically proven to be effective ways to help pets with arthritis and joint mobility by helping maintain muscle mass.
Talk to your veterinarian to see if these treatments are right for your pet.
7. Use Assistive Devices
Assistive devices such as harnesses or slings can help support your pet's weight and make it easier for them to move around.
8. Consider Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing. It can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
9. Keep Your Pet Active
Regular exercise can help keep your pet's joints flexible and improve their overall health. We suggest short frequent walks and low-impact activities rather than a long daily walk to reduce pain and inflammation.
10. Give Your Pet Plenty of Love and Attention
Arthritis can be a frustrating and painful condition for your pet. Make sure they feel loved and cared for to help ease their stress and anxiety.
As you can see, there are many ways you can help manage your pet's arthritis at home. By working with your veterinarian and taking steps to improve your pet's comfort and mobility, you can help reduce their pain and improve their quality of life.
Remember, every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, be kind, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your pet deserves the best possible care, and with the right support, they can thrive even in old age.
