Notes

Can You Walk Your Dog with Arthritis?
Walking a dog who has arthritis

Eighty percent of dogs have arthritis by the age of eight, and twenty percent by the age of one.

In the life of an adult dog, many dog owners are going to have to deal with arthritis. A diagnosis does not mean that your dog cannot be active. We just need to switch up our routine.

In this article, we explore what arthritis is in dogs, how to walk an arthritic dog, and how to help your dog deal with arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes stiffness in the joints. The disease often affects older dogs but can also occur in younger dogs after problems with joint and bone development.

Joint surfaces of your pet have a thin layer of cartilage covering them. Practicably no friction is generated between two surfaces when they're lubricated with joint fluid. When an arthritis dog's cartilage is damaged, it leads to joint problems. There is less smoothness and the bone surfaces rub together.

Your dog will experience discomfort as well as cartilage damage. Purity Preferred around joints causes new bone to form, resulting in stiffness and limited movement. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. While any joint can be affected, arthritis occurs most frequently in the spine, hips, and knees.


What to Look for when Your Dog Has Arthritis Pain
There are many signs that you can look out for when your dog is in pain, but they can act as if they are not. These include:

Reluctant to walk
Yelping when touched
Lameness
Feeling pain when getting up
Licking affected joints
Loss of muscle mass (atrophy)
Limping, especially at night and after exercise
A hunched posture
If you suspect your pet has arthritis, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Should I Walk My Arthritic Dog?

Yes.

Walking your arthritic dog has its benefits. It helps your pet maintain lean muscle mass and strength during times of weakness and discomfort. An active lifestyle softens joints and reduces stiffness caused by sedentary lifestyles.

However, an arthritic dog requires special considerations whenever you walk him.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
Additional weight puts more strain on joints. When your dog is overweight, make sure he or she follows a healthy diet that includes vegetables that are safe for dogs.

Five pounds over 50 pounds means that a dog's already damaged joints are exerting 10 percent more strain. Pain results in decreased mobility, fewer exercises, more weight gain, and more pain.

Consider the Temperature
When the weather is wet and icy, the pain for joints is greater, so it's important to limit your dog's walks during that time.

Utilize products such as CBD topicals for dogs to warm up the joints and muscles. Joints and muscles will be loosened and circulation will be improved. In addition, you should avoid extreme heat, as heat exhaustion can occur regardless of the health of the dog.

Walking your dog in a chilly weather is a good idea. Make sure you bring water and a cell phone just in case the walk becomes too strenuous and you need to hail a ride.

Take Things Slow
Walk at your dogs pace. If the weather is cool, start with shorter walks. It's not a race, so be patient. A daily schedule of several short walks will help strengthen muscles if your dog cannot run long distances.

If your dog shows signs of strain or fatigue, do not make them continue. Keep in mind, this is not your time, it's the dogs. Being loving and patient will go a long way during these times.

Get a Mobility Device
Assisting an arthritic dog with mobility can be beneficial. Support is provided for better walks by a sling, dog wheelchair, harness, or a beach towel draped under a dog's body.

Using a collar on pets with arthritis can lead to neck strain. As well, retractable leashes don't control speed well, so you should avoid walking with them.

Warm-Up
Gentle play will help an arthritis-suffering dog move more easily. Muscle pains, cramps, and sprains are also reduced and their heart rate is gradually increased.

Make sure the dog has some affection and healthy CBD chews. An exercise warm-up experience that is positive will make you feel happy. Glucosamine, noni, and chondroitin are among the ingredients in Hip & Joint Chews for dogs that help support healthy joints.

Put warm towels from the dryer on the dog's legs or moist and warm towels around its legs. Alternatively, you can use heating pad on the lowest setting with a towel between the dog and the pad. Any form of heat you use needs to be cool enough to feel comfortably.

Consider Other Physical Activities
Apart from walks, there are several other low-impact activities you can enjoy together, including:

Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise that can be used to increase a dog's range of motion and build muscle. Locate nearby swimming pools, dog-friendly hydrotherapies, public beaches, or dog parks with water features.
Hikes that are short and level. To ensure your dog is comfortable, start with a few short hikes.
Keep your dog active and entertained with indoor activities and games when the weather is bad, such as find the treats, hide and seek, or interactive toys.
It's Still Possible to Have Fun and Stay Active with an Arthritic Puppy

Do not worry about your dog's limitations. You can still enjoy some awesome activities together. Maintaining your dog's health and happiness by taking them for daily walks will keep them happy and healthy.

Read More: https://puritypreferred.com