Cover Floors for Walkability
Arthritic dogs may lose muscle mass and become weak, making it difficult to gain traction on hardwood, laminate, marble or other slick floors. Placing bath mats, rubber runners, foam mats or even yoga mats in the areas where your dog walks can give him the footing he needs to get around safely and comfortably. Lay down carpet or rubber treads on stairs. For all-day, all-surface traction, you might also try placing special socks, booties or shoes on your dogs feet that have grippy bottoms. Unfortunately, many dogs will not tolerate something on their feet and will have even more trouble walking in them.
Get a Good Dog Bed
Your dogs joints are sore, so he will probably have trouble getting comfortable in a flat or lumpy dog bed. Fortunately, there are many great orthopedic dog beds on the market today. These beds are more expensive, but they are typically worth the price. Look for orthopedic foam that is at least 4 inches thick and has an area large enough for your dog to stretch out. Avoid elevated beds and nesting-type beds that will be difficult for your dog to get in or out of. In colder months, consider a heated bed, which will provide even greater comfort for sore joints. When researching dog beds, be sure to read the reviews from other consumers before you buy.
When it comes to exercising your arthritic dog, too much can cause pain, and too little will worsen their condition. Movement and activity are important to keep your dog’s muscles strong and improve circulation, which brings healing blood flow, oxygen, and increased range of motion to those achy joints. Plus, consistent exercise helps keep your pup at a healthy weight, removing excess stress and strain on their joints – another absolute must for arthritic dogs.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As is the case for any pet parent whose dog is suffering from arthritis, you know the symptoms all too well. You’ve watched your beloved pet slow down, see their difficulty getting up, and looked on as they limped (especially after exercise and at night). So, it’s not surprising if your first instinct may be to let them relax and rest as much as they like.
Think swimming, walking, and gentle play. Low impact activities are great for the cardiovascular system, increasing muscle strength and girth, improving range of motion, helping with weight loss, and circulating blood to stiff joints. Swimming is an especially wonderful option for arthritic dogs, as the water is very soothing to muscles, supports much of their body weight, and inhibits sudden movements that could cause injury.
So how do you exercise your dog in a way that will give them all these wonderful benefits, while still keeping them safe and pain-free?
On days when you come from home after a long day of work and collapse on the couch, or it’s bitterly cold outside, or the kids are all sick with the flu and you can’t possibly imagine mustering the energy to take your dog out for some exercise, remember: something is better than nothing. Simply 5 to 10 minutes of walking or playing, even just around the house, adds up and makes a huge difference day after day. So, grab your dog and get moving (following our do’s and don’ts, of course).
Is Walking Good For Dogs With Arthritis? What Other Exercises Can They Do?
Osteoarthritis is an extremely painful joint condition that affects an estimated 2.5% of dogs under veterinary care. Exercise can provide many benefits if a dog owner facilitates it properly.
Pet owners often turn to natural home treatments to help manage their pet’s arthritis pain or natural plant extracts to help manage joint pain. More importantly, canine owners should consider visiting a veterinarian regularly.
Arthritis pain results from inflamed and damaged joints. It hinders dogs’ movement and may make them inactive, so they don’t feel like walking or playing. When this happens, one’s dog may suffer:
Veterinary experts used to believe that dogs with arthritis should limit physical activity. They often prescribed “exercise restriction.”
However, recent research shows that, over time, this approach can lead to issues like stiff joints, muscle loss, and weight gain.
Studies reveal that dog exercise like walking and aerobics may help with weight loss and alleviate pain.