The older we get, the more our bodies suffer from joint pains and other aches and pains. Dogs are no different. As they age, they become more prone to joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Since dogs don’t speak our language and can’t tell us when something hurts, we must be aware of any changes in their behavior so that we can take care of them properly.

In the case of your canine, their age, breed, size, and diet determine whether they are suffering from or susceptible to developing joint issues. You can start them on specialized joint care premium food or joint supplements that you can purchase from an online store like PetCareRx, but consult your vet first.

Here are the top tips for caring for senior dogs with joint pain:

Provide Nutritious Food and Supplements

If your dog is experiencing joint pains, it’s important to provide nutritious foods that can help alleviate the pain. Good nutrition is the foundation of good health for all living things, including dogs. The need for quality food is even more critical in senior dogs because they are likely dealing with a range of illnesses that require additional nutrients and vitamins to maintain their quality of life.

Senior dogs require more protein than humans. However, this does not mean you should give your old pet unlimited amounts of meat or fish. Too much animal-based protein has been linked to kidney disease in some dogs, and too much fat can lead to pancreatitis. Your vet will be able to recommend specific ratios based on your individual dog’s needs and current health conditions.

Give Your Dog Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural compound that helps the body produce more cartilage. It’s often used to treat joint pain in humans, and it can do the same for your dog, who may be experiencing mild arthritis or other joint issues.

If you want to give glucosamine supplements to your senior dog, talk to your vet first and ensure they are okay with this treatment plan. It would help if you also considered talking with a nutritionist who can help determine what dosage would be best for your dog based on size and weight.

The typical dose of glucosamine tablets is 500 mg per day, given once or twice daily. If you purchase an herbal supplement containing glucosamine, follow those directions instead of relying on human doses because they tend not to work as well when treating canine patients.

Take Your Dog to Regular Check-Ups at the Vet

The best way to ensure that your senior dog is in good health is to take them for regular check-ups at the vet. The recommended schedule for this varies depending on the breed and size of your dog, but it’s generally recommended that you bring them in once a year if they’re healthy and twice a year if they aren’t.

If your canine companion shows signs of joint pain, it’s time to take them in for an appointment as soon as possible. Most dogs will have some level of arthritis in their older years. However, suppose their pain worsens or doesn’t respond to treatment after two weeks with glucosamine supplements or other medications prescribed by your vet. In that case, you must check them out immediately before any permanent damage occurs underneath their fur.

Use a Joint Supplement

A joint supplement is a specific nutritional supplement designed to help pets with joint problems. Many different types are available, including some specifically formulated for dogs or cats. The most important thing when choosing a joint supplement is to find one with ingredients known to help improve mobility and reduce pain in pets with arthritic conditions.

Aid Your Dog With Mobility

According to reports, one in five dogs experiences joint issues in their lifetime, which causes mobility challenges and pain. You can do a few things to help your dog get around if it has joint pain.

• Use a harness or sling to assist with walking. If you have ever taken your dog for a walk and it is reluctant to move or appears to be in pain while walking, try using a sling or harness to help support its weight and keep it from straining.
• Use ramps instead of stairs whenever possible. Ramps can be great for assisting dogs to gain easier access to cars and furniture and helping them navigate stairs with less difficulty than having to climb up or down them like normal dogs would have to do.
• Let your dog rest when necessary. As much as we love spending time with our pets and doing fun things together, we also need to respect their needs just like everyone else does, and that means sometimes putting them first when they need rest instead of always being active ourselves all day long.

Reduce Your Dog’s Weight Where Necessary

According to a report, around 25-30% of the global dog population is obese, and obesity leads to severe joint issues. The best way to reduce your dog’s weight is to consult a veterinarian or canine nutritionist who can help you determine the right amount of food for your dog based on age and activity level.

If you do not have access to either of these, an easy way to tell if your dog is too heavy is by comparing them with other dogs of similar height, build and age. A good rule of thumb is that if your dog’s waist measurement (around the belly) is more significant than their height measurement (from head to tail), they may be overweight.

Once you know whether your pet needs to lose weight, look at their daily caloric intake with this formula. Multiply four by their ideal body weight in kilograms, then divide that number by 20 (the average number of calories per pound). It will give you an approximate idea of how many calories are needed each day depending on how much exercise they get each day.

Conclusion

As you can see, many ways to help your dog with joint pain exist. Some of them involve more complicated medical procedures than others. However, talking to your vet about the best course of action for each case is always important. The most effective treatment for joint disorders will always be one that combines all these approaches, whether giving your dog glucosamine supplements or taking them in for regular check-ups every six months or so at the vet’s office.