Understanding Dog Joint Pain Part 2: Lifestyle Changes

Joint pain is common among canines, especially as they age. This is a two-part series from Baked Goods that highlights key facts about joint pain in dogs.

If your dog has arthritis, you may have already discussed treatments with your vet. Around the home, though, you can modify elements to help boost comfort. Baked Goods explains in this blog post.

Lifestyle modifications for dogs with arthritis

When left untreated, arthritis in dogs can worsen with age. Thus, lifestyle modifications may need to occur to manage symptoms. These changes may involve altering layouts in a room. Here are some examples:

• Setting up ramps so your dog can easily reach furniture or walk upstairs.
• Using non-slip flooring (i.e. mats) to prevent slips and falls.
• Inserting a memory foam mat in the dog bed for extra comfort.
• Using baby gates to block off certain areas (i.e. stairways).
• Replacing current food bowls with elevated dishes to prevent strains.

Obesity can contribute to the formation of arthritis, too, so weight management for dogs is needed. Physical activity is needed, but ask your vet how to modify dog walks; dogs with arthritis require shorter, multiple walks through the day to help manage and prevent aches.

Why consider CBD oil for dogs

You can also ask your vet about integrating supplements (i.e. omega-3 fatty acids) for canine arthritis. So, why not inquire about CBD oil for dogs? CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory properties may be suitable for pet skin irritations and pain reduction. In a study from Frontiers in Veterinary Science, it was shown that “…2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with OA (osteoarthritis).” CBD can come with drug interactions though, so make sure with your vet that CBD will be safe for your dog.

Overall, wide-ranging strategies are available to handle arthritis in your fur baby! Lifestyle modifications and CBD’s potential effects can positively impact your pet’s quality of life.

Did you know that CBD can be given to cats, too? Learn more by reading this article, and let us know if you have any questions about using Baked Goods CBD for pets.

NOTE: This article is not an alternative to formal medical advice and should not be relied on for diagnosing or treating your health condition or concerns. This post is published solely for the purpose of education. Please see your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your wellness or visit a nearby hospital if you require emergency help. 

Source:

https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-arthritis-treatment-how-to-help-a-dog

Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, Schwark WS, Mann S, Wolfe L, Brown H, Berthelsen ES, Wakshlag JJ. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2018 Jul 23;5:165. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00165. PMID: 30083539; PMCID: PMC6065210.

Patikorn, C., Nerapusee, O., Soontornvipart, K., Lawonyawut, K., Musikpodok, K., Waleethanaphan, K., & Anantachoti, P. (2023). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1248417. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1248417