Veterinarian Amir Anwary has provided a list of five important steps all mature dog owners should follow to help keep their pets safe throughout their golden years. In a TikTok video, he emphasized that prevention is better than cure, especially since arthritis is common in older dogs.
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
According to Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), approximately one in five dogs develop arthritis, which is incurable. Most dogs are not diagnosed until they are 8-10 years old, making early intervention crucial.
1. Weight Management
"The first step is to keep them lean," Amir began. He explained that even a slightly overweight dog is at greater risk of arthritis due to increased joint pressure. "This increases the rate in which the joints deteriorate so you want to make sure that their weight is correct," he said. He stressed putting dogs on a diet if needed, calculating food intake, and ensuring they maintain a healthy weight.
2. Exercise Routine
Next on Amir's list is consistent exercise. He recommends regular, controlled walks that are predictable. "Don't let your dog be a couch potato for the whole week and then take them for an intense hike on the weekend. That is absolutely terrible for their joints," he warned.
3. Home Environment
Amir highlighted the importance of a safe home, noting that wet floors and slippery surfaces cause joint stress. He advised covering wet floors with carpets or rugs to prevent slipping. For dogs that love jumping on couches, he recommends using a ramp instead, as any jump puts more stress on joints.
4. Nutrients
The vet recommends feeding joint-supporting nutrients, such as a combination of an Omega-3 supplement and a joint-support supplement. These act as anti-inflammatories, helping reduce joint degeneration and support joint health. "You want to start these before your dog shows any symptoms because this is more of a prevention rather than a cure," Amir said.
5. Start Early
Amir closed his list by advising dog owners to start early with preventative measures, particularly in breeds more susceptible to arthritis. "Most owners will start treating their dogs when they are already showing symptoms - but at this point the joint degeneration has already been going on for maybe even up to a year," he noted. If you know your dog is at risk, especially large and active breeds, it is strongly recommended to start joint support as soon as possible.
