Senior dogs - arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common problems of older dogs, causing pain and immobility to a high proportion of elderly dogs. There are many causes, ranging from badly formed joints (such as hip dysplasia) to simple wear and tear, but whatever the original cause of the problem, there’s a lot you can do to help. Here are my top tips for looking after an arthritic dog:

1. Early diagnosis is vital, so look out for the first signs of arthritis, which include stiffness after exercise, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, lameness on one or more legs and general lethargy and depression.
2. Regular short walks are much better than less frequent long periods of exercise.
3. Weight is crucial as every extra pound on your dog’s waistline puts extra pressure on the painful joints so try to get that extra weight off with a lower calorie diet.
4. Your vet can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs which help to reduce swelling and pain.
5. Foods and supplements which contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate help the joints repair themselves and reduce pain. Our Vet’s Kitchen food contains high levels of both of these active ingredients, and our new Active Joints Supplement is a veterinary-strength formulation containing glucosamine, chondoitin, hyaluronic acid, collagen and MSM.