How to help a dog with arthritis

Our latest guide to helping older dogs suffering from arthritis, to make their lives easier.

Arthritis in dogs

• Canine arthritis develops over time just as human arthritis can and statistically, 80% of dogs over 8 years old will develop arthritis.
• It isn’t just older dogs that can develop it however; an injury or wound suffered at any age can cause joint damage which can lead to inflammation and arthritis.
• Sadly also, there are certain breeds that may be predisposed to canine arthritis, including popular breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Springer Spaniels, amongst others. In these cases, screening is available.
• Ensuring your dog remains a healthy weight, and exercises regularly, will reduce the risk of being overweight which can also be a cause of arthritis through excessive weight putting stress on the joints.

Once you have identified that your dog is suffering with arthritis, there are lots of practical ways you can help to lessen the effects and of course, consulting a vet and canine dietary specialist who can offer practical advice will also help.

Easing arthritis in dogs

• Lift food and water bowls off the ground (there are lots of different bowl stands available on the market). Doing this means that larger or taller breeds don’t have to lower their heads too far which can pull on painful joints.
• Ensure your dog’s bed is as comfortable as possible and firm enough to offer support to painful joints. Arthritic dogs rest often and having several beds around the home will let them rest in comfort wherever they are.
• As with humans, exercising arthritic joints to prevent immobility is very important but consider more frequent, shorter walks rather than one or two longer walks. This will be kinder on joints, as will walking on softer ground such as grass, that offers less impact stress than say concrete.
• Keep claws well clipped to reduce the chance of slipping.
• When walking an arthritic dog, try to stick to flat, dry ground. This will minimise the risk of your dog losing his footing and slipping or falling.

As well as minimising the risk of slipping while on a walk, it is important to ensure flooring at home does not pose a similar threat. At Floors for Paws, we specialise in dog-friendly flooring solutions that are kind to arthritic dogs.

Non slip flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we have combined quality and style in our range of pet-friendly, low-maintenance flooring. Where real wood, laminate and ceramic floors pose a real risk of slipping coupled with a hard landing, our vinyl solutions are perfect for dogs of all ages. With a textured, anti-slip surface and an extra-soft layer of protection, our ranges have been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) who recommends them for older dogs and those with arthritis. Offered as tiles or planks in a wide range of colours and designs, our Pawsafe Domestic Range and our Luxury Vinyl Range are perfect for any room in the home. For businesses who experience a high volume of pet visitors, such as veterinary clinics, dog daycare centres, and canine cafes, our Pawsafe Commercial Range is supplied on the roll and offers the very best in pet-friendly flooring. To discuss any aspect of our flooring and how it can help your dog remain as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, please call us today on 01522 300218 or send an email to info@floorsforpaws.com