Having a canine companion to call a friend is one of the greatest joys in life. However, with great joy comes huge responsibility. When you are a dog owner, you are responsible for the health and wellbeing of your dog and you need to ensure you do everything you can to look after them.
This includes keeping on top of your dog’s health problems, and any signs that they may be in pain. Many dogs, especially older and larger breeds, can suffer from joint pain as they get older. So, here are some of our top tips for treating your dog’s joint pain.
Practice Weight Management
We love our furry friends so much that we often find ourselves spoiling them a little bit. While it can feel great to treat our dogs, it is important that you are mindful of their weight, as being overweight can be added pressure on their joints and muscles; especially as they get older. Therefore, it is important that you practice weight management, and with the advice of your vet, help your dog stay active and eat a suitable diet.
If you have a larger breed of dog, then it may be natural for them to weigh more than smaller breeds, but always ask your vet if you are unsure what is the healthy weight for your dog.
Regular Exercise
A great way to help treat your dog’s joint pain and help them maintain a healthy weight is to ensure that they engage in regular exercise. Being outside is one of the best tonics for your furry friend, and not only will it help promote a healthy lifestyle, but it will help your dog feel happier.
Keeping your dog’s joints active is an important part of your dog’s recovery, so regular exercise should be a part of your dog’s treatment plan, even if only in small doses.
Food and Supplements
While it is important that your dog eats the right kinds of food to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, the food they eat can also have an impact on any joint pain they are suffering with. There are many foods and supplements out there that contain additives and ingredients that are known for being good for your dog’s joints.
For example, fish oil helps to decrease inflammation which can be the cause of a lot of pain in your dog’s joints. You can also get CBD for large dogs to help treat joint pain, and help to manage any discomfort your dog is suffering from.
Learn to Recognize Pain in Your Dog
Unlike other animals, dogs tend to hide the pain they are in, so it is your responsibility to recognize the signs that your canine friend is suffering. By noticing subtle changes in your dog’s behavior, such as restricted movement, you will be able to tell when they are in pain and need extra support and treatment.
Despite your dog being unable to tell you when they are suffering from joint pain, by following our tips, utilizing extra supplements, and taking regular trips to the vets, you can ensure your canine companion has a happy and pain-free life.