Caring for a pet with stiff or sore joints can be difficult, but with the right approach, you can improve their overall health and well-being. By incorporating tailored exercise routines, creating a safe living environment, and more, you can significantly ease your pet’s discomfort.
10 ways to help your pet with joint pain or stiffness
In this article, you’ll learn effective strategies to support your pet’s joint health and relieve discomfort caused by joint stiffness or pain, keeping them comfortable and happy.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is crucial to reducing stress on their joints and preventing further discomfort. When pets carry extra pounds, it puts extra pressure on their joints, leading to stiffness and pain. That’s why it’s important to monitor your pet’s weight.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian for advice on an ideal weight range. They can also recommend suitable diets, portion sizes and exercise programs tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is also necessary for their overall well-being.
2. Offer joint supplements
Introducing joint supplements into your pet’s diet can be an effective way to promote joint health and relieve discomfort associated with stiff or painful joints. Some popular supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, support the maintenance and repair of cartilage in the joints,
However, other vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning a new supplement regimen as they will help you choose high quality products based on your pet’s needs and ensure they are taking the correct dosage.
3. Provide probiotics
If your dog has an inflammatory type of arthritis, give him Honest Paws Pre+ Probiotic. Good bacteria can impact inflammation, reducing common biomarkers of this problem. These include C-reactive protein (CRP), common in pets with arthritis.
Typically, animals with inflammatory arthritis will have inflammation of the intestinal tract, which increases intestinal permeability. This allows certain bacteria to congregate in the intestinal barrier. However, probiotics may be able to reduce this type of inflammation at its source.
4. Set up gentle exercise routines
Incorporating gentle, low-impact exercise into your pet’s daily routine can significantly improve their joint health while minimizing the risk of injury or increasing existing pain. Activities such as swimming or controlled walks on a leash are perfect options for maintaining mobility and flexibility.
Consider your pet’s limits and daily needs and adjust exercise intensity accordingly. If you are unsure of the appropriate activities for your pet or if they experience discomfort during exercise, consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and advice.
5. Apply warm compresses
Using warm compresses can provide relief to pets with stiffness or discomfort in their joints, even if the pain is chronic. Gently applying a warm cloth or heating pad to the affected area helps stimulate blood circulation, which can reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
Make sure the heat source is always at a comfortable temperature and wrapped in a towel to avoid direct contact with your pet’s skin, thus avoiding burns. Monitor your pet closely during application of the hot compress and keep treatments short, approximately 10-15 minutes, to provide optimal comfort.
6. Do regular massages
Massaging your pet can help relieve tight muscles and tension around their joints, promoting better mobility and comfort. It can also increase blood circulation. To effectively massage your pet, use gentle but firm pressure while working on the affected areas.
While massaging, make sure not to cause discomfort by pressing too hard or too long. If you are unsure of proper massage techniques, consider consulting a Certified Animal Massage Therapist or seek advice from your veterinarian to maximize the benefits for your beloved pet.
7. Use orthopedic beds
Invest in an orthopedic bed designed for pets with painful joints, as they provide extra support and comfort during rest periods. Beds containing memory foam or other supportive materials can provide comfort to your pet’s body as it relieves pressure on their joints and muscles.
Not only do orthopedic beds help relieve joint discomfort, but they also promote quality sleep and overall well-being. Always opt for an appropriately sized bed for your pet and consider one with a waterproof or washable cover to ensure easy maintenance and hygiene.
8. Try physical therapy
Physiotherapy is a great option for pets with joint pain because it can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. A trained animal physical therapist can design personalized exercise programs that focus on improving joint mobility, among other things.
By targeting specific areas, these exercises help optimize your pet’s functional abilities while simultaneously relieving pain and discomfort. Consult your veterinarian for referrals to reputable animal physiotherapists in your area and always follow prescribed therapy schedules.
9. Consider Medication Options
Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate medications, such as anti-inflammatories or pain relievers, to help manage your pet’s discomfort more effectively. These medications can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. Even a veterinarian-approved dog joint supplement can do a lot of good for your pet.
It is crucial to follow the prescribed doses and monitor your pet closely for any potential side effects. Keep in mind that medication should be used alongside other treatments like supplements, physical therapy, and proper exercise to address the root cause of the stiffness or joint pain.
10. Create a comfortable home environment
Make sure your home environment is safe and comfortable for pets with stiff joints. Start by placing non-slip mats on slippery floors to provide extra traction and prevent injury. If raised surfaces like beds or sofas are part of your pet’s territory, consider using ramps or stairs.
Finally, keep their living spaces warm and well-padded, as cold temperatures can make joint pain worse. Making these simple adjustments can greatly improve your pet’s overall comfort and well-being at home, and to top it all off, many of these solutions aren’t expensive or hard to find.