As your dog ages, it is only natural that he might begin to slow down a little. Just like in humans, a little stiffness, slowness or lethargy is to be expected in older dogs. However, when their natural symptoms of old age become painful, reduce their mobility, or threaten their quality of life, it is time for the owner to intervene by starting a dog joint care regime. Aging may be natural, but there is still a lot that can be done to make an older dog happier and more comfortable.

Getting your dog moving

Dogs can suffer just as easily as humans from joint stiffness, pain and arthritis. Dog arthritis is now more common thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, which means many dogs live for much longer and are therefore more vulnerable to developing joint conditions and arthritis. Protecting your dog from pain when he or she has begun to stiffen up naturally due to age will take time and care, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

Encourage your dog to stay mobile, and don’t be tempted to shorten your everyday walk simply because your companion has begun to slow down a little. Look out for signs of pain such as stiffness, an unwillingness to sit or lie for long periods, and difficulty climbing stairs or standing after sleeping. Consider joint supplements for dogs that show symptoms of joint pain. If your dog will submit, bathe him or her in warm water whenever you have the opportunity. If not, encourage swimming with plenty of walks by the river or on the beach. As a low-impact exercise that won’t put undue pressure on joints, swimming is a great way to get a stiff dog moving, pain free.

Sooner rather than later

Veterinary professionals often recommend joint supplements for dogs that are beginning to show their age but have not yet encountered stiffness or joint pain. Some of the more common dog supplements such as glucosamine can be used to improve joint health by thickening the synovial fluid that cushions joints. This is a vital component in dog joint care, helping the joints themselves move easily and painlessly, and protecting them from the joint decay and loss of mobility that follows when the joint is no longer sufficiently protected. A “pre-emptive strike” including plenty of exercise, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and feeding your dog supplements could help delay or even prevent arthritis in dogs altogether.

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