Just like people, as dogs get older they need an orthopedic dog bed. Because of their bodies, brains, and behavior change. 

Some of these changes are easy to spot, like sleeping more. But you might overlook the hearing loss. Owners sometimes write off these changes as typical signs of old age.

Still, there is a difference between healthy aging and symptoms of something more severe that warrant a visit to the veterinarian.

As your dog’s caregiver, it’s crucial for you to monitor all age-related changes. Be on the lookout for any that indicate possible health problems.

Dr. Jerry Klein, a chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, advises owners to listen to what their dog is “telling” them. “Do not disregard changes in a dog’s personality, behavior, or health.” He also warns that although specific symptoms of old age may be familiar. But they are not necessarily typical.

Symptoms of the need of an Orthopedic Dog Bed

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as recent weight loss or gain, loss of hearing, or loss of vision. It’s important to rule out medical causes. Senior dogs are susceptible to many illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer.

To be safe, monitor your dog carefully and discuss any changes you see with your veterinarian to rule out illness.

It’s also important to be aware of any changes in behavior and activity level. For example, a senior dog may begin to go to the bathroom in the house.

This problem could be due to a physical condition, like a bladder infection, inability to make it up and downstairs.

 It would not go outside due to painful arthritis. Even cognitive changes such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). A form of dementia with symptoms similar to those people experience. It similar when people have Alzheimer’s disease.

The Orthopedic Dog Bed Can Help With Behavioral Changes

Dr. Klein advises watching for any behavioral changes. This includes “unusual aggression, changes in housebreaking“. Recent “phobias, chewing or swallowing inappropriate objects“. Because they may be indicators of an underlying medical issue.

Once your dog is a senior, Dr. Klein suggests increasing veterinary visits from once a year to twice a year.  It helps your vet more easily detect early warning signs of illness. 

“Veterinarians may pick up on any changes or signs of health problems, which may not be noticed by the dog’s owner.” 

The visit should include a check of the heart, lungs, mouth, ears, anal sacs, blood pressure, and palpation of the abdomen. Necessary laboratory tests should also be done. Including blood work with a check for heartworm, urinalysis, and a fecal examination.

When you think of arthritis, you probably think of old dogs. But the truth is, arthritis doesn’t just affect old dogs. A estimated that one in five dogs would show signs of arthritis by the time they’re one. And that number increases to 80% by the time they’re eight.

Keeping Your Arthritic Dog Fit

So, unfortunately, most of our dogs will experience arthritis during their lifetime. That doesn’t mean they can’t play or exercise anymore. In fact, keeping your arthritic dog fit is an essential part of keeping them comfortable.

While it may seem counter-intuitive to exercise a dog with arthritis, it’s an essential part of keeping them mobile. The trick is finding what exercise works well for your dog. Regular low impact exercise will help a dog maintain muscle, reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility.

Dogs with arthritis also need to maintain a healthy weight. Any extra weight adds more pressure and pain to your dogs’ achy joints. It will help and makes regular exercise less challenging.

The key to the medical management of arthritis is weight control and exercise management.  Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for arthritis, but there are ways to manage it and keep your dog fit. In this article, we’ll go over some ideas to help keep your arthritic dog fit and healthy. Here are some tips to help keep your arthritic dog comfortable.

Consult Your Veterinarian For the Correct Diagnosis

While this may seem like a no brainer, you’d be surprised at the amount of self-diagnosing that goes on when it comes to our pets.

 If your dog is limping or getting stiff, it’s reasonable to assume it may be arthritis. But it’s essential to get the correct diagnosis from a professional. There are a lot of conditions that cause stiffness & limping. Each of them requires a different management plan.

The suggested exercises for arthritis can cause more problems for a dog with an ACL injury.

My dog was showing signs of arthritis long before she got the official diagnosis. Since it’s a progressive disease, it’s easy to write off a little stiffness now and then as healthy aging.

It’s not something that suddenly appears one day, and it’s not always easy to notice the subtle changes.

It’s not just arthritis that can cause limping & lameness. There are many conditions that have similar symptoms. Consult your veterinarian if your dog is showing any signs of lameness, pain, limping, jumping, or difficulty getting up.

Your veterinarian will be able to rule out any injuries or other conditions that may be contributing to your dog’s discomfort.

When my dog Mias began showing signs of lameness, we took her in for a checkup. Because she’s a German Shepherd mix, our veterinarian ruled out a couple of genetic disorders & diseases.

Such as hip dysplasia & degenerative myelopathy before making the official diagnosis of arthritis.

Why Have The Correct Diagnosis

Because arthritis symptoms mimic those of many other conditions, it’s not always easy to diagnose immediately. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination. Often including a neurological assessment to rule out other joint problems.

They may do a series of blood tests and run x-rays. Your dog’s age, breed, and complete history will take into consideration.

Managing arthritis includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying fit with low impact exercises, and managing pain with an orthopedic dog bed. That regimen can make other conditions worse.

So it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for the right diagnosis before you start any treatment plan.

Arthritis symptoms mimic those of many other conditions. Consult your veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and to come up with a management plan that’s right for your dog. The veterinarian usually recommends Mattress Memory-Foam.