As winter creeps closer, you may notice your dog starting to become less active, more lethargic, and slower to rise. While it is possible for dogs to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the more likely reason for your dog’s cold-weather change in activity level is osteoarthritis. Arthritis is a painful condition involving deterioration of the cartilage in joints. Luckily, there are several things you can do to help your dog through the pain and stiffness that cold weather can bring to arthritic joints.
#1 – Keep your dog warm
Though scientists aren’t quite sure why, cold weather does seem to make the pain from arthritis worse in both people and our beloved pets. A sweater, heated blanket, and padded bed can go a long way toward keeping your dog more comfortable this winter.
#2 – Keep them active
Although it sounds counterintuitive, mild to moderate exercise actually helps a dog’s joints stay limber and minimizes the stiffness that frequently accompanies arthritis, especially in cold weather. Not only are walks great exercise, but if you have access to water, swimming is fantastic exercise that reduces the amount of pressure on your dog’s joints.
#3 – Try canine massage
You’ve probably experienced a massage yourself and know how wonderful it can feel. Your dog can get the same benefit. You can take your dog to a professional dog masseuse or you may learn to massage your dog yourself. Either way, relaxing your dog’s muscles can help ease the pain in his joints.
#4 – Manage their weight
The sad truth is that the more weight an animal has to carry on their joints, the more painful a condition like arthritis can be. Getting your dog to a healthy weight and keeping him there can make a huge difference in the amount of pain he experiences on a daily basis. Talk to your vet before just reducing the amount of food you give your dog – you need to make sure you’re still giving him the appropriate amount of nutrition.
#5 – Add supplements to their diet
Your doctor may have recommended Glucosamine and Chondroitin to you for your own joint pain – did you know those same ingredients can help reduce your dog’s joint pain, too? The Project Paws™ Advanced Hip & Joint Chews supplement is a powerful soft chew for dogs recommended to support normal joint function, flexibility, and healthy joint cartilage.
It’s formulated with a complete and balanced blend of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Turmeric, Black Pepper Extract, Yucca Schidigera, and Vitamins C and E in a great tasting chew dogs love! These treats are grain-free, gluten-free, and soy-free and are made in the United States.
What could be better than that? Each Purchase Provides 14 Healthy Meals to Shelter Dogs! Click here to learn more about this tasty way to help your dog feel better, before the pain of winter fully hits!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
via Whisker Therapy