It’s excruciating to see your Chihuahua in pain.
When you take a pet into your home, you have to promise that you will love and care for it as long as you can, but this arthritis and joint pain can strike at any time and leave you feeling helpless.
Prescription NSAID pain relievers certainly have their place, but they can be tough on your Chihuahua’s liver, and steroids come with several side effects.
Luckily there are natural steps you can take to keep your dog comfortable.
Here are ten drug-free ways to help your dog live pain-free.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian before significantly changing your dog’s diet, exercise, or medication routine.
1. Maintain A Healthy Weight
The more extra weight your dog carries, the more strain their joints suffer. If your dog is overweight or obese, now is the time to start a weight loss regimen. If your arthritic dog is already at a healthy weight, maintain it with a healthy diet and gentle exercise.
2. Keep Moving
If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis. You will want to revamp their exercise routine, but staying active is essential for joint health.
Instead of long, vigorous walks or strenuous play sessions, try frequent shorter walks and short play sessions indoors on the soft carpet.
3. Add Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Your Dog’s Diet
If your veterinarian feels it is safe, you can try adding papaya, alfalfa, celery, or ginger to your dog’s diet.
4. Canine Acupuncture
It may seem shocking that a dog would tolerate dozens of needles being placed into its body.
But the acupuncture trend has become quite popular in the animal world.
It has shown promising results for many common canine ailments, including joint pain.
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5. Physical Therapy
Many veterinary hospitals and specialty centers now offer advanced services for dogs with injuries, arthritis and mobility issues. Highly trained staff members can help keep your dog’s pain at bay with techniques like hydrotherapy.
They can also teach you how to provide physical therapy at home.
6. LaserLow-level laser therapy is oneerapy
One of the newer innovations in reducing inflammation and pair therapy. Your veterinarian will create a schedule of treatments based on your dog’s individual needs. The treatments are easy, painless and relatively quick.
7. Massage Therapy
The same massage techniques that help relieve your stiff muscles and aching joints can also benefit your arthritic pup.
Many human massage therapists also work on pets and holistic veterinarians often offer this service to their clients.
8. Prevent Slipping
Hard wood and tile floors can be like mine fields for arthritic pets. Try laying down a series of throw rugs and runners to help your dog navigate the house. Keep toenails trimmed and consider friction socks to prevent slipping.
9. Provide A Supportive Orthopedic Dog Bed
An unsupportive mattress can wreak havoc on sore joints. Be sure your dog’s bed is designed for pups with arthritis.
10. Supplements
Not all canine joint supplements are created equal.
Many products only contain one active ingredient (glucosamine being the most popular), while others have more than one.
For example, this 8-in-1 canine joint supplement contains not just glucosamine but also turmeric, green-lipped mussel, MSM, chondroitin, devil’s claw, and more.
Choosing a joint health supplement that offers the correct therapeutic dosage for your Chihuahua’s needs and is made from the highest quality ingredients is essential.
Optionally the product is also available as a 9-in-1 containing broad-spectrum hemp oil for additional mobility support and inflammation-fighting power.
