Helping our pets age comfortably is one of the most important things we can do for them. Here in Metro Vancouver, our pets are like family. So, when it’s time to guide them through their golden years we find ourselves wanting to do what’s best for them. When it comes to conditions like canine arthritis, we don’t always know where to begin. If your dog is showing signs of joint pain, we recommend a visit to our pet wellness center in Vancouver so our trusted veterinarians can evaluate your dog and discuss various approaches with you. In the meantime, here are some things to consider if your pup is struggling with mobility.
Accommodation
If it seems like just yesterday that you couldn’t keep your puppy off of the furniture and now it seems they can hardly make it up onto the couch at all, it might be time to consider accommodations within your home. Dogs suffering from arthritis may be hesitant to jump on and off furniture, in and out of cars, or travel up and down stairs. These seemingly simple movements require a great deal of effort, joint mobility, and shock absorption. Pain and stiffness can hinder these movements and discourage your pet from wanting to move about let alone up and down. Creating a comfortable ground-level space for your pet to relax and sleep can help reduce the amount of up-and-down jumping they need to do. Installing ramps or keeping a mobile ramp handy can alleviate the strain of stair steps on your pet’s hips and knees.
If your pet can still tolerate gentle walks at their favorite Vancouver dog park, a ramp for getting in and out of the car can be very beneficial to both the pet and the owner. If you’re not sure which accommodations would be most appropriate for your aging pet’s mobility concerns, consulting a pet wellness center in Vancouver about dog-friendly solutions is the best way to get your pup from point “A” to point “B” as safely and comfortably as possible.
Diet
Many foods can help support joint health as your dog ages. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can improve and soothe some of the joint issues dogs experience when suffering from canine arthritis. In Metro Vancouver, there is ample access to all sorts of fresh seafood. Readily available fish such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines offer this particular kind of fatty acid but it can be difficult to determine just how much your pet should eat and in what format. Before making changes to your dog’s diet, it’s important to consult with us a professional. Our trusted veterinarians can assess your pet’s existing diet, and figure out the best way to incorporate these types of helpful nutrients without creating any new problems such as digestive distress.
Arthritis can be a painful condition for aging dogs to live with. Fortunately for pet owners, there are many steps we can take to help ease our pets’ discomfort. Whether that means making accommodations for their mobility as they age, consulting a veterinarian regarding diet changes, or scheduling regular checkups to manage any new health concerns, we are your go-to pet wellness center in Vancouver.