Just like humans, animals can also suffer from arthritis and joint pains, and certain breeds like goldendoodles are more susceptible.  Just like people, your dog will need to be treated so that you can minimize the pain and discomfort they may be experiencing. Of course, this can be trickier considering that your dog is unable to tell you whether their joints are hurting or if they need supplements. However, there are signs that you should be on a look out for, especially if your dog is ageing and fast approaching their senior years. It is common that your dog will experience discomfort and lessened mobility, but if they are suffering from arthritis, you may need to make some extra changes.

Whether your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis or starting to show signs, here are a few ways in which you can care for them to ensure that they are comfortable and getting the most out of life. 

Speak to Your Vet

Your first port of call should be to speak to your vets and organize a visit so that they can check your dog and see whether they have arthritis. Once they have monitored your dog and come to the conclusion that your dog does in fact have arthritis, then your vet will help explain how you can help them and provide them with the support needed. Your vet may even provide a plan for your dog so that you know when you should best exercise them, how to do so, as well as provide your dog with a meal plan so that they stay at a healthy weight and do not put too much pressure on their joints.

Swap Out Their Old Bed for a New One

Arthritis and being unable to move around properly typically go hand-in-hand. Therefore, you should look into providing your dog with a bed that is easy for them to get into and out of, reducing any strain that may be put on their joints. Luckily, there are special orthopedic dog beds that are made from a memory foam. This memory foam will support your dog and their joints and bones. What’s more, the added padding can provide a barrier between the flooring and your dog, which can also provide an extra level of comfort. This can be necessary if your dog is thin and does not have a lot of padding on them to keep them safe against hard surfaces. 

Have Anti-Slipping Flooring

Your dog is going to struggle to move, so any slippery surfaces will prove difficult for your dog and could cause them pain and discomfort when they are walking around the home. Plus, with the potential to slip, they may become too nervous to move around the house as they start to lack confidence.

Replacing your flooring is an expensive endeavor. Therefore, you may wish to invest in rugs and place them around the house so that your dog can walk around confidently. Not only will your dog appreciate you for doing this, but they will stay steadier on their legs and the rugs will reduce the likelihood of them slipping, falling, and hurting themselves. 

Provide Joint Supplements

Your dog may need additional aid when it comes to their stiff joints. Luckily, you can easily find joint aid for dogs such as the supplements provided by YuMove. YuMove have a large selection of the best joint supplements for dogs so that your pooch can benefit from additional help for mobility and improved joint structure. Plus, the supplements provided by YuMove are made for dogs of all sizes, breed and ages. Such dog joint supplements are ideal for dogs with have arthritis and need extra aid for stiff joints. Be sure to shop around for the best joint supplements for dogs if you feel your pet can benefit.

Keep an Eye on Their Weight

It is likely that your dog may put on weight or struggle with keeping their weight steady if they are unable to move properly. However, it is vital that you learn how to keep your dog at a healthy weight as any additional weight can put additional strain on their joints, making the pain a lot worse to deal with. Furthermore, a diet that contains omega-3 fatty acids can also help alleviate arthritic symptoms. 

Speak with your vet and come up with a diet and exercise plan that suits your dog’s needs so that they can stay at a healthy weight. You may need to try a few diets before you find one that works best for them. 

It can be painful to see your dog have to deal with arthritis, especially if you are used to seeing them running around free and enjoying themselves. There are, however, multiple ways to ensure that your dog is comfortable and able to live a happy and healthy life. Just be sure to consider the points detailed in the article above.