Older dogs are often affected by arthritis, but the right joint supplements can help delay its development.
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Best dog arthritis supplements in 2024
One in five dogs is affected by joint problems. Osteoarthritis mainly affects older dogs, but it can also affect animals with joint deformities or those who have fallen. Fortunately, there are several effective dog arthritis supplements to relieve this pain.
Dog arthritis supplements to calm stiff joints come in different forms, including capsules, tablets, or powder. It is up to you to choose the form that works best for you and your dog. Dog osteoarthritis can be detected by many symptoms. Among them is lameness, grunting when you touch their joints, and difficulty getting up.
To relieve your pet naturally, you can give it massages with essential oils and encourage them to exercise every day. You can also give them food supplements rich in vitamins and glucosamine, which will strengthen their joints. You'll also need to watch your dog's weight, as excess weight can make osteoarthritis pain worse.
Is your dog starting to get older? You can slow this process down by providing your pet with a dog joint supplement. As it is not easy to choose the best one, we have prepared a small comparison for you.
Summary
How can I tell if my dog has arthritis?
The symptoms of dog arthritis can vary from one dog to another. Some young dogs show no signs at all and live with it without limping for several years.
If you see your dog limping, especially after resting, there's a good chance they have osteoarthritis. Stiffness and lameness are indeed among the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. They are especially noticeable when the animal stands up after a lot of effort. The muscles have been used a lot and are showing signs of weakness. Lameness can also intensify depending on the weather or the season.
You can recognise osteoarthritis by various other symptoms: your dog seems tired or constantly licks certain parts of their body. It doesn't want to play with you or go for a walk or appears to be in pain when you touch its joints.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
There are two types of arthrosis in dogs. Primary osteoarthritis appears as the animal ages: the cartilage surrounding the joints gradually degrades. As for secondary osteoarthritis, it affects dogs that suffer from a malformation or a malfunction of a joint. As the bone is poorly positioned, it damages the cartilage, making all this natural protection disappear little by little.
There are various causes of osteoarthritis, but old age is the main one. The progressive erosion of the cartilage causes pain. Joint trauma, like sprains, falls, inflammation, or improperly treated fractures, can also cause osteoarthritis.
Obesity and eating disorders are among other common risk factors, as being overweight promotes joint wear.
Some breeds are also more susceptible to arthritis, such as the Labrador or the German Shepherd. These breeds are indeed subject to genetic abnormalities: hip dysplasia, for example.
How can I keep my dog from getting osteoarthritis?
To naturally prevent your dog from developing osteoarthritis, it is essential to regularly check their weight. Obese dogs that don't get much exercise are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and joint pain. This is why it is advisable to give an overweight dog a suitable diet.
Have your dog exercise. Play with your pet every day and go for walks. This will keep their joints working, making them flexible and toned.
You should also consider the environment of your ageing dog. The pet should have comfortable, soft bedding in which they can find comfortable positions. Put the bed in a place that's easy to get to and doesn't require climbing stairs. Additionally, eliminate the risk of slipping around the house by placing non-slip mats in certain areas.
You should also keep an eye on your dog's nails. If they are too long, it could lead to lameness and posture problems. The joints would then be poorly used and would eventually develop arthritis.
Is it possible to treat osteoarthritis?
It is not possible to eliminate the inflammation from which the dog suffers. However, there are dog arthritis treatments that reduce the pain as much as possible, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Some dog owners also give their pets anti-arthritis tablets, based on natural ingredients, to strengthen the joints. These are dog arthritis supplements to be given for several weeks or months. This is a very effective solution for relieving pain caused by osteoarthritis.
How do I relieve osteoarthritis symptoms in my dog?
If your dog suffers from joint pain, you can alleviate it with appropriate exercise. Schedule 15-minute sessions three times a day. Ideally, take your dog for a swim in a pool of water, which is an excellent activity for reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Veterinarians also recommend massage to relieve muscle tension. Massaging a dog releases endorphins, which reduces pain and improves the pet's mood. Ideally, you should massage your dog at least twice a day, but be careful to watch their reaction. Don't insist on the areas where it hurts. Massage your pet in the morning to help them get up gently after a night of inactivity and in the evening to relax them.
Many dog owners use essential oils to treat osteoarthritis in their dogs. Scots pine, thyme and immortal are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Put a few drops on your hands before massaging your faithful companion!
