Make the Dog's Life a Little Softer

• Give the dog something soft to sleep on.sieste image by thierry planche from Fotolia.com
  
  Give the dog something soft to sleep on. A hard floor only makes an arthritic condition more uncomfortable. Many pet supply catalogs and pet shops sell beds especially designed for arthritic dogs. Consider a baby mattress or a couch cushion. Garage sales might net something soft and thick enough that is budget-friendly. Foam that is 4 to 6 inches deep will provide a good sleeping surface.
  
  

A Good Diet and a Little Exercise

• Short walks keep an older dog more limber.dog walking image by Jana Lumley from Fotolia.com
  
  An arthritic dog needs a little exercise. Not too much to tax the aging bones and joints, but a walk around the block a couple of times a day will keep the dog more limber. Avoid strenuous, over-taxing exercise. Also consider the dog's diet to keep its weight down. Arthritis problems are compounded in overweight dogs. Joints are stressed with extra pounds, and it makes it harder for the dog to get around. Older dogs tend to put on weight because they are less active. Consider purchasing a lower-calorie dog food.
  
  

Supplements Can Help

• Supplements can help with joint problems.dog image by Bube from Fotolia.com
  
  Pet stores sell dozens of joint medications for arthritic dogs, most of them flavored so the dogs gobble them up like treats. Read the labels for dosing information. Also look over the ingredients. Glucosamine, creatine and chondroitin have been shown to be effective. Omega 3 fish oil capsules, or cod liver oil, also can help. Some dog foods are designed to aid joint health, including Hill's and Purina's varieties.
  
  Dog owners considering baby aspirin to ease the pain of a dog's aching joints should consult a veterinarian for dosing information.
  
  

Consider Homeopathic Treatments

• With care, an older dog can have a great quality of life.dog face image by KateC from Fotolia.com
  
  Natural ingredients in homeopathic remedies can be easy on the budget and good for the dog. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling in a dog's joints, as can guggul. Remedies to bolster a dog's immune system include ginseng and milk vetch. Take care on dosing based on the dog's weight.
  
  

Helping the Dog Can Help the Owner

• Exercise with the dog.walking the dog image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
  
  The treatment for arthritis in dogs is often similar to the treatment for arthritis in people. Paying attention to a dog's arthritis can improve the dog owner's health, too. Managing the dog's arthritis can help a dog owner manage her own arthritis, as pets are known to boost a person's attitude and outlook on life. Some statistics show that dog owners live longer and tend to require fewer trips to see the doctor.