12 Effective Ways to Relieve Joint Pain in Senior Dogs

As dogs get older, many experience joint pain, which can make it hard for them to move around and enjoy life. At Get Pettin, we want to help your older dog feel better. Let’s look at 12 ways to help your furry friend feel more comfortable and stay active in their later years. We’ll cover natural treatments, changes to their daily life, and things your vet can do to help.

1. Natural Joint Supplements: Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Natural supplements can really help dogs with sore joints. Our Get Pettin Hip & Joint supplement is made to help older dogs feel better. It has ingredients that work together to make joints healthier and less painful:

• Makes joints move more smoothly
• Protects joints from getting hurt
• Helps reduce swelling and pain
• Helps make new cartilage to keep joints strong
• Makes it easier for dogs to move around

If you give these supplements regularly, you might see your dog moving better in a few weeks or months.

2. Weight Management: Less Weight, Less Pain

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is really important if they have sore joints. Extra weight puts more pressure on joints that already hurt. Here’s how to help your dog stay at a good weight:

• Measure food carefully so you don’t give too much
• Choose food that’s healthy but not too high in calories
• Weigh your dog every month and change how much you feed if needed
• Give healthy treats like small pieces of carrot or green beans
• Feed smaller meals more often during the day

Read our guide on good food for older dogs to help keep your pet at a healthy weight and support their joints.

3. Gentle Exercise: Staying Active Safely

Regular, easy exercise is important for keeping joints flexible and muscles strong in older dogs. But it’s important to choose activities that don’t hurt their joints. Try these gentle exercises:

• Short walks several times a day instead of one long walk
• Swimming, if possible, is great exercise without putting weight on joints
• Gentle play with soft toys
• Walking on an underwater treadmill if available
• Careful stretching exercises

Check out our blog about safe exercises for older dogs to learn more. Always ask your vet before starting new exercises, especially for dogs with joint problems.

4. Comfy Beds: Good Support for Sore Joints

A good bed can really help dogs with sore joints. It gives them a comfortable place to rest and takes pressure off painful areas. When choosing a bed for your older dog, look for:

• Orthopedic foam beds that support the whole body
• Memory foam beds that shape to your dog’s body
• Beds with raised sides for extra support
• Waterproof covers that are easy to clean
• Heated beds to keep joints warm and comfortable

Put a few beds around your house so your dog always has a comfy place to rest nearby.

5. Massage and Physical Therapy: Hands-On Help

Gentle massage and physical therapy can really help dogs with joint pain. These hands-on treatments can:

• Increase blood flow to sore areas, which helps healing
• Relax tight muscles around sore joints
• Help dogs move more easily
• Make muscles stronger to support joints better
• Be a nice bonding time for you and your dog

Learn about how massage can help dogs with joint pain and how you can do it at home. For more advanced help, you might want to see a special dog physical therapist.

6. Warm Compresses: Soothing Heat for Sore Joints

Putting something warm on sore joints can help dogs feel better, especially if they have arthritis. Here’s how to use warm compresses:

• Use a warm (not hot) compress for 10-15 minutes at a time
• Put it on the areas that seem most sore or stiff
• Watch your dog to make sure they’re comfortable
• You can use a special microwaveable pet heat pad
• Try using the warm compress before exercise to loosen up stiff joints

Using a warm compress along with gentle massage can help your dog feel even better.

7. Acupuncture: A Different Way to Help Pain

Some dog owners have found that acupuncture helps with joint pain. This is an old Chinese treatment where very thin needles are put into specific spots on the body. For dogs with joint problems:

• It can help reduce pain and swelling
• It might help dogs move more easily
• It should be done by a vet trained in acupuncture for dogs
• It’s often used along with other treatments
• It usually takes several sessions to see big improvements

Learn about different ways to help dogs with joint pain and how they might help your older dog. Always talk to your regular vet before trying new treatments.

8. Making Your Home Easier for Your Dog

Changing your home a bit can help your older dog move around more easily. Try these ideas:

• Use ramps or steps to help your dog get on furniture or into the car
• Put non-slip mats on slippery floors to prevent falls
• Raise food and water bowls so your dog doesn’t have to bend down as much
• Use night lights to help your dog see better in the dark
• Make comfortable resting spots in quiet areas of your home

These small changes can make a big difference in how comfortable your dog feels at home.

9. Medicine from the Vet: When More Help is Needed

Sometimes, dogs with really bad joint pain need medicine from the vet. These medicines can help a lot when other treatments aren’t enough:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling
• Pain relievers for severe pain
• Special drugs that might slow down joint damage
• Always talk to your vet before giving any new medicine
• Your dog might need regular check-ups and blood tests while on medicine

Remember, medicine should be part of a bigger plan to help your dog, often used along with other treatments.

10. Adding Healthy Foods: Omega-3s and Antioxidants

Some foods can help keep joints healthy in older dogs. Adding these to your dog’s diet can help with inflammation and joint health:

• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce swelling and help joints move smoothly
• Antioxidants to protect joints from damage
• Fish oil or foods like sardines or green-lipped mussels
• Vitamins C and E to help keep joints strong
• Ask your vet about how much to give and the best ways to add these to your dog’s diet

Check out our guide on good foods for dogs with joint pain to help your pet’s joints through diet.

11. Regular Vet Visits: Keeping Track of Your Dog’s Health

Taking your dog to the vet regularly is really important for managing joint pain. These check-ups help:

• Keep an eye on how your dog’s joints are doing
• Change treatments if needed as your dog’s needs change
• Catch any new problems early
• Make sure medicines are working and not causing side effects
• Get advice on how to care for your dog at home

Work closely with your vet to make a care plan that’s just right for your older dog.

12. Turmeric: A Natural Way to Help with Swelling

Turmeric is a spice that can help reduce swelling in dogs with joint pain. It contains something called curcumin, which is good for fighting inflammation:

• Can be added to food in small amounts, usually mixed with a healthy fat
• Might help reduce joint swelling and pain
• Also good for digestion and brain health
• Start with small amounts and slowly give more
• Always check with your vet before adding new things to your dog’s diet

Read our article about 12 ways turmeric can help dogs to learn more about this natural remedy and how it can help your older dog’s joints and overall health.

Conclusion: Taking Care of Your Older Dog’s Joints

Helping older dogs with joint pain means doing a few different things. Using natural supplements like our Get Pettin Hip & Joint formula, changing their lifestyle a bit, doing the right kind of exercise, and going to the vet regularly can all help your dog feel better. Every dog is different, so it’s important to work with your vet to make a plan that’s right for your pet. With patience and the right care, many older dogs can move more easily and enjoy life more.

At Get Pettin, we want to help you take the best care of your older dog. We have products and information to help keep your pet healthy and happy. Check out all our pet health products to help your dog’s joints and overall health, and give your loyal friend the comfort they deserve in their older years.