It would be good if the dogs joint are flexible lifetime. But as happens to us, your joints become stiff as they get older, especially due to arthritis, a painful condition that occurs when the cartilage of joints is weakened. There are several types of arthritis but the most common is osteoarthritis. "The cartilage will deteriorate over time, as the eyes and skin," Some young dogs also suffer from arthritis due to injury or infection or diseases such as hip dysplasia, which is an irregular separation of the joints. However, in most cases the arthritis affects older dogs.

Arthritis is potentially serious, and dogs who suffer need vet care. But in most cases you can control or alleviate the pain and stiffness using simple home remedies. In addition, there are many ways to protect the joints when the dog is still young.

Eliminate stiffness

Massage your hips, elbows, back, neck and knees for a few minutes each day to improve blood flow and maintain flexible muscles and joints. The massage should be consistent. Exert pressure with the fingertips on the areas around the joints. In doing so, make all kinds of movements with the legs. This warm up day will prevent the onset of arthritis, but also to alleviate the pain if you already have it.

Keep active

Dogs with arthritis would rather be lying on the carpet to run around the garden. But regular exercise is very important because it stimulates the body to secrete a fluid that lubricates joints. "Exercise also strengthens the muscles near the joints, which prevents the arthritis worse," says Dr. Fortney. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise because it has little pressure on painful joints. Although it is well, take it out for walks several times a day. Take short walks and days that are more flexible, a little longer. Do not overdo it, because their joints can swell even more.

Ducks to water

If you love water, swimming is good exercise, allowing you to perform all kinds of movements of joints and muscles and the water reduces pressure on the joints.

Watch your dog’s weight

Dogs that are overweight are more prone to arthritis than those who are thin. And for those who already have it, a few extra kilos may pose greater pressure on joints, leading to wear out faster. Besides the additional exercise, the only way to lose weight is to give less food. Dr. Tate recommended reducing by 10% to 20%. If anything has lost after two or three weeks, reduce it a little more food. If you continue to be overweight, ask your veterinarian to begin a weight loss plan more severe.

His weight gain is due not only to the food you put in the container. Most of us take our dogs plenty of quirks, from dog biscuits to leftovers, and these extra calories are reflected immediately. No need to stop pampering, but reduce those extras. To give it a quarter of a biscuit instead of a whole. Or try to replace these vagaries by other low-calorie foods, such as raw carrots.

Let dog’s sleep in a comfortable

All dogs like to sleep in a comfortable, but for those with arthritis becomes a necessity. This doctor recommended buying orthopedic bed foam, sold in pet stores and catalogs. Furthermore, since arthritis is aggravated by cold, it put in a comfortable and warm.

Cover

The coat keeps the dog warm. But when your joints hurt and does a little cold, you should put a sweater or coat for dogs. These will provide a little more warmth and insulation, so keep your joints flexible. Put your plate high. Dogs will not let arthritis get upset at the time of meals, but in some cases bending to eat can cause pain and stiffness in the neck. Some dogs are too rigid to reach their vessels. To make things easier, avoid putting food containers and water on the floor, placing, for example, on a low chair. Or buy special container large dog arthritis.

Take a hand

What is frustrating is that of arthritis, but the pain goes away for a while, always comes back. To make your dog more comfortable when suffering these pains, try to help. For example, put a ramp near the stairs or help when you try to stand up in the morning.

Provide relief

Veterinarians often recommend treating the pain of arthritis with an aspirin. The usual dose is 125 mg per 5 kg of weight, once or twice a day. Consult your veterinarian before giving it. Give aspirin mixed with food. It is preferable that it is effervescent as the normal can be heavy for your stomach.

Try applying a natural alternative

The glucosamine has proved very useful for treating arthritis. It has undergone many scientific tests, but besides not knowing any side effects, regenerate cartilage in joints and relieve pain and inflammation. It can be purchased at health food stores, in catalogs by mail or at the vet.