March 13, 2012
Posted in Pet Food, Pet Health, Pet Meds, Pet Supplies

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions facing older pets. This joint disease makes it painful for the dog to walk and enjoy other activities it used to love. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can help your pooch manage this chronic condition.

One of the best ways you can help your dog with its arthritis is through diet. Nutritious food often has nourishing ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, which support health cells. When selecting pet food for your arthritic dog, look for varieties that have high-levels of protein and added ingredients like chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs. These nutrients promote joint health by supporting the development of strong cartilage.

Now! Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a good option to feed an arthritic dog because it has high levels of meat protein as well as fruits and vegetables that serve as a healthy source of carbohydrates while also nourishing with vitamins and minerals. If your dog prefers wet food, try a variety like Before Grain Canned Dog Food, which is made up of 96 percent meat and has vitamins to keep your pooch healthy. If your dog's food does not contain joint-focused nutrients, it's a good idea to discuss supplements with your veterinarian. Some dogs benefit from joint supplements like Dasuquin or Cosequin for dogs. These pills help dogs maintain healthy joints by supplementing the natural compounds found in healthy cartilage.

Managing your dog's arthritis pain through diet is a good idea, but never hesitate to make other modifications around your home to make living more comfortable. For instance, you might want to move its favorite bed to the first floor so it doesn't have to climb the stairs. You might want top invest in pet products like Dog Steps with 2 Steps to help your achey pooch climb up and down from the couch or bed. You can make it easier for Fido to climb in the car with you by keeping a Dog Ramp for Cars, SUVs and Trucks in the trunk of your car.

Exercise is key to managing arthritis pain, but if your dog has overdone it, you might want to give it pet drugs like Previcox or Metacam to soothe the inflammation and soreness. 

Related posts:

1. How to feed an arthritic cat
2. Supporting your arthritic dog through diet
3. What’s the best pet food for my senior dog?
4. How to feed an older dog
5. Switching your cat from wet to dry food