Attention all pet parents! It’s time to get serious about our canine friends’ joint health! Did you know that over 20% of dogs suffer from some form of joint problems during their lifetime? Yikes!
But don’t let that statistic have you feeling under the weather.
We’re here to help turn those numbers around and show you some of the most effective home remedies for dog joint pain!
So, why don’t we get started with some helpful tips on keeping those joints in tip-top condition?
13 Home Remedies For Dog Joint Pain
Not all home remedies for dog joint pain include putting warm and cold compresses, there is a lot more to this story!
How about we begin by saying a few words on how diet affects joint pain?
1. Feeding Your Fido A Well-Balanced Diet
Let’s start off with the classic “you are what you eat” saying. You might find it surprising, but a dog’s diet is closely linked to his joint health. So, their diet makes a strong foundation for strong and healthy joints.
With so many options on the shelves, from bad food labels to high-quality ones, it may be difficult for dog parents to choose the best kibble that will provide the necessary nutrients for their canines that are struggling with hip problems.
My advice is to search for specialized dog food labels that include joint care in their names. Or, if you can not find those, look for these ingredients at the back of the packaging:
- Green mussels
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Protein such as chicken, beef, and lamb
- Fish oil
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
These foods often contain healthy amounts as they are full of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that support joint health and reduce the strain on joints.
2. Adding Joint-Loving Supplements To Their Diet
Incorporating some joint-loving supplements to your pup’s diet is a great and healthy way to give their achy joints some extra love! And what are these joint-loving supplements that we are talking about?
Well, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin not only help keep your pup’s joints healthy, but they also make the pain go away. They work together like a dynamic duo, lubricating and cushioning the Fido’s joints to keep them functioning smoothly.
And let’s not forget about adding some healthy fatty acids, vitamins like B12, A, D, E, and C, and the powerhouse ingredient – fish oil!
Be mindful when adding supplements, as most specialized dog kibbles already have a fair share of aforementioned ingredients.
Make sure to always consult your vet, as too much of anything can be bad!
3. Using Elevated Food And Water Bowls To Reduce Strain On Joints
Okay, hear me out, you should invest in elevated food and water bowls no matter if your dog is suffering from joint pain. You can even make a DIY elevated bowl stand.
Using elevated food and water bowls is a pawesome way to reduce strain on your pup’s joints and to encourage proper posture. When you see your dog bending down to eat, you may probably think that it hurts its neck and back. And well, it does.
With elevated bowls there is no more bending down to chow down. Your Fido can enjoy his meals without any extra strain on his joints.
However, if you have a large to giant dog breed, then you may want to check out some of the studies about Gastric Dilatation Volvulus occurrence in dogs that are fed from elevated bowls.
4. Making Weight Management A Fun Experience
Now that we’ve mentioned all-thing-diet, let’s talk about how to make weight management a fun experience, as it is important for all dogs. It is especially important for some dog breeds such as Labradors, Chihuahuas, and Pugs that easily add pounds to their cute bodies.
But, there is nothing cute when it comes to canine obesity.
You see, obese dogs that carry excess weight often have troubles with their joints. Why? Because so much weight puts extreme pressure on their legs which becomes impossible for their joints to handle.
There are plenty of ways you can keep your Fido fit:
- Cutting down on diet
- Correcting feeding habits
- Going on longer walks
- Regular Training
- Daily Exercising
- Encouraging playtime with other dogs
5. Daily Exercise For Healthy Joints
Daily exercise is all fine and dandy, but when it comes to joint pain, you have to keep in mind that moderation is key. You don’t want to over exercise your pup and make his joint pain worse!
So, before making a final exercise plan, it is wise to talk to your vet and see what they recommend. Until then, figure out how long and how often to walk your dog, depending on their needs.
As a rule of thumb, pups that are affected by hip problems should go for short and frequent walks. However, if you notice that he is refusing to walk, then it is better to head back home and let him rest.
6. Massaging Those Joint Aches Away
If you’ve ever experienced joint luxation or muscle strain, gentle massages have probably helped you feel better. It is the same with our dogs.
By gently massaging their painful joint areas, you help improve circulation and reduce pain and stiffness.
Not only will it help with pain, but your furry pal will love some snuggling and bonding time with you!
7. Using Ice To Soothe Joint Pain
Putting a cold compress on an inflamed and painful area undoubtedly does the trick.
The way ice/cold compress soothes the joint pain is that it slows down blood flow to the affected area, reducing swelling and numbing the pain.
You can simply put a bag of frozen peas on your dog’s painful hip, or stick to the ol’ reusable cold gel packs. Just make sure not to put ice straight onto your dogs skin as it can cause ice burn, redness, and pain.
Keep the cold compress on your dog for up to 20 minutes. You can repeat this process every six to eight hours, depending on the severity of hip pain.
8. Using Heat To Tackle Joint Pain
On the other hand, applying warm compresses on your pup’s achy hip will increase blood flow to the area, which can help speed up the healing process and ease the discomfort.
You can put a cloth into hot water and once you get it out, wait for a few minutes for it to get warm. You do not want to put a steaming hot compress and burn your pup!
If it gets too cold, you can reheat it in the microwave. Another thing that you can do is use reusable gel pads.
9. Plush And Supportive Bedding
All dogs require a comfy bed, but the ones that are affected with joint problems need an even more comfy solution, and we’re talking memory foam!
These types of beds are very important as they provide support to the dog’s joint which eases the stiffness and pain. This is crucial in large dog breeds such as Labrador Retrievers.
A memory foam bedding helps distribute their weight evenly which helps relieve them from joint pain. Oh, not to mention the quality sleep that they will be getting!
10. Popping Those Prescription Pills For Joint Pain
This one is for those pups that are experiencing acute joint pain and need to be put on prescription medication under the supervision of a licensed vet.
So, before starting any new medication, it’s important to consult your vet and get a proper treatment plan.
And, once you are done with all the vet visits and check-ups, make sure to stick to the plan and follow the recommended dosage.
11. Securing Your Slippery Floors
This one calls for some home renovations! If your pup is experiencing joint pain and you happen to have uncarpeted floors in your house, then it is time to change that.
Such floors can be very slippery and your pup’s joints will certainly hate you for it.
Invest in high-quality rugs and matts to stop your dog from slipping and sliding, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
12. Investing In Lifting And Support Harnesses
Drop the old leash and invest in a brand-new lifting and support harness that is specifically designed to help your achy dog with his joint pain.
As the name implies, these harnesses provide support and assistance when your pup is standing up, walking, or climbing stairs.
These specialized harnesses do their trick by evenly distributing their weight and reducing the strain on Fido’s joints.
Of course, this makes it easier for him to proceed with his everyday activities!
13. Keeping Your Puppy’s Nails Short
Lastly, you should keep an eye on your dog’s nail length. You might be surprised to learn that a dog’s long nails can actually contribute to joint pain and mobility issues, especially in hind limbs.
And let’s not forget about those slippery floors – long nails can make it tough for your furry friend to get a grip.
You see, when your dog’s nails are too long, his gait is affected and there is extra strain on his toe joints. This can contribute to the development of arthritis, patellar luxation, or even hip dysplasia.
Conclusion
Phew, that’s a wrap!
We have covered all the home remedies for dog joint pain that we could think of! From balanced diets to bedding, and even popped some tips on prescription pills, all to help keep your pup joint healthy and well.
Remember, the key to success is being optimistic and providing your pup lots of smooches, cuddles, and care!