Senior Dog Comfort & Care

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Arthritis

Did you know that half of all dogs ages 5 to 10 have arthritis? Arthritis literally means “inflammation of the joint(s).” It is a slow and progressive disease with many causes that affect the entire joint (joint capsule, muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.). Inflammation anywhere in the body can cause arthritis in the joints. And one of the most significant causes of inflammation is obesity (sadly, another common problem for senior dogs).

One of the most important things you can do is help prevent and control inflammation in your dog's body. This can be done by:

  • keeping your dog at a healthy weight
  • feeding a high-quality, well-balanced diet
  • providing regular exercise
  • giving omega-3 fatty acids
  • giving joint supplements as early as 1 year old
  • providing parasitic prevention — parasite infections cause inflammation
  • scheduling routine wellness exams
Illustration of dog climbing stairs with joints highlighted

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