Did you know common risk factors for arthritis in dogs are genetics, age, and obesity? Dog owners can seek out treatment for arthritis. If you want to learn about dog joint supplements and more, you’re in the right spot.

In this guide, you’ll learn why you should research arthritis treatment for dogs. Your dog might need medication or a comfier bed. Arthritis is common among older dogs, but you can ease their symptoms.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

1. Consider Your Dog’s Diet

Dogs who suffer from arthritis can gain weight because they don’t exercise as much.

Yet, being overweight will end up worsening your dog’s arthritic condition. Look at starting your dog on a lean and nutritious diet to help weight management.

Obesity will put a significant strain on your dog’s joints. The pressure will end up causing wear and tear on your pet’s body.

Weight loss can help improve your pet’s health and prevent arthritis. If your pet already has arthritis, it can improve their symptoms.

Try to keep your dog at a healthy body weight. Talk to your vet to understand your dog’s body condition score. Your vet will help you come up with a solid nutritional plan.

You could start cooking them regular meals of rice, barley, lentils, and stewed meat. Try to add some parsley and celery to their meals as well. Avoid giving them human food and lots of dog treats.

2. What About NSAIDs?

You could consider getting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs will help lessen swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints.

Yet, if you notice your dog’s moody, has itchy skin, or has a noticeable appetite change, contact your vet. Some dogs will experience adverse side effects from NSAIDs.

Talk to your vet if you’re worried about potential side effects. They can tell you more.

3. Try Going for Regular Walks or Swims

Dogs suffering from arthritis don’t tend to enjoy going for walks. Yet, it’s essential to keep moving and exercising so the condition doesn’t worsen. You don’t want your dog’s joints to degrade and cause muscle atrophy.

Ask your vet beforehand. Your vet might suggest you go for a short walk around your property.

Swimming will help keep your pet’s joints and muscles free from stiffness. After the walk or swim, consider doing gentle massages on your pet’s joints.

4. Research Different Supplements

Certain supplements can improve joint health and promote healthy cartilage such as cbd for dogs.

The supplements will have different amounts of chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your vet for a recommendation.

5. What About Natural Remedies?

Turmeric is a natural remedy to relieve some pain in arthritic dogs. Curcumin is a powerful natural antioxidant. Turmeric is also antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

It’s an excellent alternative to NSAIDs or other pain relievers. Some people will also try out CBD or CBG. Learn more about the difference between the two.

6. Vet Treatments

You’ll also want to stay on top of visits to the vet.

Bring your dog to your trusted veterinarian. Your vet will complete comprehensive exams on your dog. This way, you can also detect early conditions and seek out diagnoses.

You can also consider a treatment plan for signs of arthritis. Your vet can also tell you if they notice any signs of discomfort or pain in your dog.

Sometimes, your pets might reveal subtle hints of arthritis. You might not have seen these behaviors. But your vet can help prevent irreversible damage to your dog’s joints.

You can treat your pet’s arthritis with anti-inflammatory medication or dietary supplements.

7. Pick Up a Comfy Bed

You can pick up an orthopedic dog bed created from memory foam. This kind of bed will support your pet’s bones and joints. A supportive bed is critical for thinner dogs, whose bones might get sore on hard surfaces.

Go to your pet store and find a bed explicitly created for a dog with arthritis.

8. Install Slip-Free Flooring

Older dogs often have difficulty navigating hardwood, tile, and stairs.

Cubes and ramps are options to assist your dog with climbing stairs or getting down from sofas. Try putting carpets or rugs on slippery surfaces. Your dog will have an easier time remaining steady on its feet.

Does your pet love to jump up and down from your sofa? Try to either put tiny climbing stairs or lift them. This can prevent wear and tear on their joints as they get older.

9. Massages Will Help

With care, you can massage your dog’s stiff muscles. Massages will help improve your dog’s flexibility and mobility. You can also improve your dog’s circulation and help them to relax.

Don’t put direct pressure on your pet’s joints. Are you unsure about trying to massage your dog?

There are professional pet massage therapists. Schedule an appointment today.

10. Don’t Forget Grooming

Dogs with arthritis won’t have the flexibility or stamina to maintain personal hygiene. You should bring your dog to the local groomer so they can remain clean and well-groomed.

Look at brushing your dog’s hair so you can prevent tangles or mats.

Don’t Forget About an Arthritis Treatment for Dogs

Did you find this guide on arthritis treatment for dogs helpful? Maintain exercising your dog, and look into natural dog joint supplements. Talk to your vet about possible dog arthritis treatment options.

Need some more helpful tips? Stick around the blog and check out the other pet-focused articles under the lifestyle category.

There are around 1100 species of birds in the US, and some are closer to your home than you think. Feeding backyard birds is a great way to birdwatch and support local wildlife. But are you avoiding the common bird feeding mistakes?

It may seem easy to start feeding backyard birds, but sustaining the feeding can be harder. You can even do more harm than good too. 

The good news is knowing the common bird feeding mistakes and how to avoid them will improve your chance of success. Read on to learn six common bird feeder mistakes to avoid. 

1. Not Cleaning Regularly 

Not cleaning your birdhouses and feeders will damage them and can even spread disease. You will put your local birds at risk and need to replace feeders more regularly. Also, be sure to find bird feeder options and houses that are easy to clean. 

2. Using Poor-quality Seeds

It might be tempting to buy economic seeds in bulk, but they are filled with fillers. Birds do not eat filler ingredients, so you will waste your money, the seeds can cause weeds, and the birds will go hungry.

Avoid common filler ingredients such as rapeseed and wheat. Pick well-reviewed and quality food for birds. 

3. Leaving Feeders Empty

Do not forget about feeding winter birds! One of the most common bird feeding mistakes is leaving feeders empty, as birds will soon look elsewhere and not return. Keep feeders topped up with the right food for birds throughout the year. 

4. Forgetting Water

Birds like ground-level birdbaths and raised birdbaths. If you forget to water or do not change it, you will not get as many birds, and dirty water breeds disease.

Leave a space for birds to drink and bathe, which you can heat during winter. Never use pesticides or anti-freeze, which can be lethal for birds. 

5. Neglecting Bird Feeder Protection 

It is not only birds who like bird food. Other animals such as raccoons, rats, squirrels, and even bears will eat food for birds. Pick bird feeder options with protection so that birds can eat their meals without disturbance. 

6. Poor Placement 

It is important to plan where you place feeders and houses. Consider getting various housing and bird feeder options to appeal to different birds. For example, you can choose a bluebird house or a specific feeder for certain birds, such as hummingbirds.

Also, review where you are placing bird feeders. Place bird feeders close to cover but with an opening underneath. 

Avoid Bird Feeding Mistakes

Now you know some common bird feeding mistakes and how to avoid them. By taking these simple steps, you will be successful in feeding backyard birds. Save time and money by getting it right the first time. 

When you first set up your food for birds, have patience. It can take some time for birds to discover your feeders. But if you have suitable feeders, food for birds, and location, you will have many bird visitors before you know it.

Did you like this article? Read on for more gardening and wildlife articles!