-
Step 1
Keep them moving. Flexing the joint keeps synovial fluid pumping, which lubricates and nourishes tissues in the joint. Begin with five minutes of gentle exercise twice a day, working up to twenty minutes twice per day as soon as your dog can handle it. Swimming is also a great way to keep the joint moving. It allows the water to support the body and takes the strain off tender joints. Let your dog swim for about 10 minutes at first. Dogs are natural swimmers, but all dogs don't take to water immediately. If your pet needs a little coaxing to get in, they will quickly feel the comfort and not want to get out!
-
Step 2
Massage to lessen pain. A daily massage can help pets to move better because it will get blood flowing into the muscles, which relaxes painful tightness caused by inactivity. Use slow firm strokes from head to tail concentrating on the muscles on either side of the spine. Then hold your finger tips together and rub circles into the muscles all the way down the spine, around the hips and on the shoulders. Once a day for fifteen minutes to an hour is recommended.
-
Step 3
Increase joint lubrication. Two dietary supplements, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate help repair cartilage and increase lubrication. They are available in health food stores and online catalogs.
-
Step 4
Stop the swelling. The number one swelling product used in India is called boswellia (Boswellia serrata) The recommended dose is 150 to 200 milligrams twice per day. Each dog is different though, so a vet's direct advice is recommended.
