Arthritis affects dogs in nearly the same way that it does their owners. Dogs get arthritis a lot more than cats. Arthritis is a small word that covers over one hundred kinds of joint inflammations that causes pain and stiffness. Arthritis is barely understood in humans, let alone canines, but there are many arthritis remedies available for your dog.

Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best arthritis remedies available for both human and canine. This keeps your joints limber and keeps off putting on any excess weight that will make the joints have to work harder. But how can you exercise when your legs and hips are stiff as a board? You could change the nature of your exercises. Instead of a jog in the park with your dog, how about taking your dog for a swim? These gently exercise the muscles and joints without the joints having to take any impact from the ground or the job of holding up the dog. If your dog has trouble standing, there are some slings you can put him in to help you give him the initial boost he needs.

Glucosamine

There are many tasty supplements in the form of crunchy treats for your dog. One of the most touted arthritis remedies for humans, dogs and even horses is glucosamine. This supplement seems to help grease up the joints and make the limbs just that bit more limber. Glucosamine helps the body build cartilage. You can get liquids, treats or capsules of just glucosamine, but often it is a main part of a whole mix of canine arthritis remedies you can buy through your vet, online or at pet shops.

Acupuntcure

Dogs seem to handle the ancient art of acupuncture a lot better than their owners. Dogs often fall asleep during a session when they are inserted with hair-thin needles which are sometimes stimulated electrically. Acupuncturists are fully trained medical professionals, but they can be a bit pricey. Pet health insurance usually doesn’t cover acupuncturists. Your dog will need periodic treatments – it’s not a magic pill.

Surgery

This is the most drastic of arthritis remedies for dogs and used if there is no other option. Before surgery, your vet will have your dog try medicines, limiting the diet and maybe even lifestyle changes such as moving the dog’s bed downstairs and getting a heated bed to loosen up cold, stiff joints in the morning. The success of the surgery varies.