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Since a lot of dogs suffer from arthritis, many pet owners are always on the hunt for solutions which can make their dogs feel better. Mobility aids are one of those solutions that can be needed to help dogs gain some level of support. However, which aids need to be used, and which would be most effective can depend massively on the severity and how exactly they have been impacted. In this article, we will explore our top 5 mobility aids for dogs with arthritis and more.
What is the best thing to give dogs for arthritis?
For dog owners who are recently uncovering arthritis in dogs and wondering what is the best thing to give dogs in arthritis, there is a lot to explore. Because arthritis is a progressive condition, several options can be explored and chosen based on the particular needs of your dog. Here are some things you can explore:
- Supplements: There is a wide range of supplement options available across markets that can help dogs improve their joint function and relieve some of the discomfort they experience. Dietary supplements such as Omega-3, MSM, and Chondroitin are most commonly used for their distinctive effects. For instance, Omega-3, provided through fish oil dietary supplements contains anti-inflammatory characteristics, which means that they can help your dog by minimizing their pain over time.
- Therapies And Assistance: Another advantageous solution for dogs with arthritis is providing them with supportive therapies which can help alleviate some of the challenges that come with arthritis. For instance, physical therapy is a wonderful way in which a dog’s mobility can be improved by providing targeted massages and exercises.
- Medicines: If your dog has a severe case of arthritis and experiences unbearable pain and discomfort, you might need to opt for medicines like pain relievers and even nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications will help relieve symptoms and make it easier and bearable for the dog who has arthritis. However, these should only be given on prescription provided by a licensed and experienced vet. But, dosage needs to be carefully managed to avoid any potential side effects as well.
How to help an arthritic dog stand up?
When a dog develops arthritis, they are reluctant to stand up or lay down once they have taken a certain position. Yet, despite the reluctance, they need to perform these movements to live a normal life. As an owner, you can help them by assisting them in standing up, so that they get some level of comfort. Following are some helpful techniques which you can try to include:
- Personal Support: To make the dog feel supported, one of the techniques you can try includes personal intervention. When you wish for your dog to stand up, help them do so by placing one hand gently on their belly or surrounding their hips, and using a lifting motion to help them stand. Make sure you do not try to pull their legs or put pressure on their joints as that will only increase their pain.
- Using A Harness: Supportive harnesses which have been designed specifically for dogs with arthritis can be very helpful as well. These have handles that you can use to lift them to support their standing actions without putting pressure on their joints.
- Preventing Slipping: If your house has slippery floors like hardwood floors, the dog may experience greater difficulty in standing up if they have arthritis. To help them, you can try getting aids which help build grip such as traction mats.
How to carry a dog with arthritis?
Another one of the challenges that dog owners whose dog has arthritis face is how to carry a dog with arthritis. If this rings true for you, there are a few things you must keep in mind:
- When lifting or carrying a dog with arthritis, it is beneficial if you carry them in a specially designed sling carrier or a blanket. This supportive gear goes under their belly and needs to be lifted to ensure their weight has been distributed properly, and does not put unnecessary pressure on their joints.
- Another thing to focus on is that when you lift your dog, make sure you are supporting their hips as well as the front of their bodies. By doing this, you are eliminating pressure from their spine and joints.
What are the best mobility aids for rheumatoid arthritis?
If your dog has rheumatoid arthritis and you are looking for mobility aids for them, you can check out some of our following top 5 choices:
- Harnesses: Support harnesses are one of the best mobility aids you can get for your dog if they are suffering from arthritis. It provides support and stability as well as reduces pressure on joints, thereby alleviating pain.
- Wheelchairs: For extremely severe cases, wheelchairs for dogs are a helpful mobility aid which supports their hips and spine, providing them with the necessary support for moving around.
- Supportive Beds: Specially designed orthopedic beds are a very helpful addition for a dog with arthritis as they allow the dog to sleep peacefully by spreading weight uniformly, preventing any excess pressure from causing more trouble for their joints.
- Ramps: Dogs with arthritis have trouble lifting their legs, which is where ramps can become helpful if your house is built to have stairs that need to be climbed all the time. This way they can move around without causing extra strain on their joints.
- Special Gear: Dog gear which is specially designed for those suffering from arthritis such as gripping socks and shoes can help the dogs feel more comfortable in moving around, and prevent them from slipping.
Conclusion
Mobility aids can help dogs with arthritis in navigating through their regular lives easily and without constant pain. These pain management aids are essential to ensure they do not get reluctant to move around which will only aggravate the issue as time passes. Choosing a right aid is essential, as per any specific challenges that your dog faces.
