Arthritis is one of the most common ailments in older dogs and can make the advanced years of their lives incredibly uncomfortable and even painful if it is left to affect the body as and when it pleases. Just like in humans, arthritis can have a debilitating effect in an older dog but there are steps you can take to help ease it somewhat.

Consider the exercise that your older dog has. Long and gruelling walks can put more strain on the joints and cause more pain, so take shorter walks twice a day or take your older dog swimming instead. Swimming is the perfect exercise for an older dog with arthritis.  The water supports his or her weight and works with the joints as well as strengthening them. Your older dog should still have an active exercise regime, but it should be gentler than before.

Think about where your older dog’s bed is. Is it in the draughty kitchen or next to a source of heat? Cooler weather will make arthritis worse for anyone afflicted with it, thus if your dog is in a warm place then the arthritis will not be as painful. The bed should also be slightly raised so that your older dog can manoeuvre on and off it much better than a bed that is placed on the floor.

Finally, make sure that your older dog has a healthy diet that is full of vitamins and minerals. This will help to keep the body healthy and reduce any possibility of further degeneration. If the body is healthy then your older dog will be happy so take good care of it. Arthritis is a serious ailment but can be controlled if you do what is best for your older dog. By following these tips, you can give him or her a better quality of life. After all, every older dog deserves it!