Dogs are man’s best friend and they are great companions for hiking, exercise, playing games and other activities. Just like human beings, dogs are prone to various diseases too and most often dogs suffer from joint pain. But there are ways to help relieve inflammation with your dog’s joints. Check below the ways as to how your dog can be relieve from joint pain.
Keep your Dog’s Joints Lubricated
Synovial fluid is what makes your dog’s joints lubricated. To keep your dogs joint lubricated and healthy, constant motion is necessary. Activities like taking your dog for a light walk or letting your dog swim can help your dog’s joints healthy. Avoid any strenuous exercise since this will cause more joint swelling and pain.
Massage
Giving your dog a massage everyday will help in improving the flow of blood to joints and release the tension in the muscles. Depending on how big your dog is but 5 to 15 minutes massage is enough. When massaging, focus more on the shoulder and hip part which is the most common part of the body that is affected by arthritis.
Pain Medication
If necessary, treat your dog’s pain according to the severity of the inflammation. Along with the taking of painkillers, lifestyle changes should be adopted too like weight management and exercise. The most common prescribed analgesic medications are Tylenol and Exdol. You can also use NSAID for your pet dog but make sure to consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is quite popular supplement with humans and it offers the same benefits to dogs too (Am J Vet Res. 1999) . It is a natural supplement that soothes and treats your dog’s joints. It is a preventive measure that will assure you of your dog’s joint health. You will observe results within one to two weeks. You will see changes and you will find your dog more playful, active and lively. The results are just amazing.
Surgery
In cases where dog joint pain is severe, a more invasive form of treatment might be required and that is surgery. It might be the only option if pain is too intense or the joints are severely damaged. So be sensitive when it comes to your dogs. Joint pain in dog can be readily detected if you carefully observe your pet.