Dogs are a bundle of joy when they run around the house doing all sorts of funny stuff. From tearing your slippers apart to running with the door mat in their mouth, they have given you a thousand reasons to laugh as they have grown over the years.
However, dogs grow old too and it is painful to watch your old dog suffer if you do not take the right steps at the right time to alleviate their pain to some extent. The biggest issue with dogs is that they cannot speak up for themselves.
Whilst some of them whine when they are in pain, most of our furry friends suffer in silence as they get older, mostly neglected by their owners.
If you really want to help your dog reach the end of their lives with as little pain as possible, it is about time you sit with your vet and discuss some of the major health issues that are plaguing your old dog. A major old-age disease that can go untreated for dogs is arthritis.
Arthritis of the bones can give your dog much pain and trauma during their final years. Joint supplements go a long way to lessen their suffering.
While there are many kinds of joint supplements that are available in the market, it is best to consult a vet before you start with a supplement routine for your dog.
Some of the best joint supplement for dogs that are available in the market now are:
- Glucosamine supplements: These contain glucosamine, which are the basic ‘building blocks’ of cartilage found in bone joints.
- Chondroitin supplements: Chondroitin helps in the formation of glucosamine and also prevents the accumulation of harmful enzymes in the joint areas.
Joint supplements also come in the form of easy-to-chew flavored treats which are better accepted by dogs of all breeds. It is best to get some of these chewable ones for your dog.
Another factor that you should keep in mind while treating osteo-arthritis in dogs is their weight. Obesity can enhance bone damage due to excessive pressure on the joints while walking or moving.
It is very important to reduce your dog’s weight in order to control arthritis. Exercise and diet control are a must for over-weight dogs and it helps a lot in reducing joint pains, especially during winters.
