As your dog ages, you may notice that he or she starts to slow down. Not unlike people, dogs may develop aching joints. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis are common in older dogs. If your large dog is developing one of these conditions, you will need to make some adjustments to keep him or her comfortable.
The first thing you will want to do is have your veterinarian confirm that your dog is, in fact, suffering from a joint condition. Once you have this confirmation, you can move forward making adjustments.
Supplements
There are some excellent over-the-counter joint supplements that work for dogs. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your pup any supplements.
The ingredients you want to look for are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and green-lipped mussel. You'll find supplements that have these in a variety of combinations.
Another supplement that can help with joint inflammation is Omega-3 fatty acids.
Movement
Your dog's movement may appear to be slow and strained. Signs that there is pain would be walking slowly, appearing to be stiff, and having trouble getting up or lying down. He or she may have good and bad days. This is something you want to watch for and provide extra assistance when necessary.
Things you can do to help your dog include the following:
Bedding
You will want to have a dog bed that gives support. Memory foam and egg crate beds are good choices. Any bedding that provides support and is easy for him or her to get in and out of will help.
Anything you can do to help alleviate your pup's discomfort will ease not only his or her pain but also your mind.
Treat your dog with arthritis and joint pain with loving care. Keep in close contact with a local vet like Southwest Animal Hospital who may prescribe medications in addition to these other things.
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