Managing Arthritis in Senior Golden Retrievers: Natural Care Tips
Arthritis is one of the most common health issues among senior Golden Retrievers. Beyond causing your aging canine chronic pain and ongoing discomfort, failing to properly address this problem can lead to mobility issues, decreased activity levels, and other serious health complications that significantly affect their overall quality of life.
To clarify, a Golden Retriever is considered a senior once it reaches 7 years of age. Regardless of how active your older dog remains, it will still be prone to pain and discomfort if arthritis is not properly managed.
Many dog parents quickly turn to conventional medications to manage arthritis in older Golden Retrievers. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through simple and practical ways to address this issue naturally. Let’s dive in and explore how you can help your senior dog feel better!
The Importance of Managing Arthritis in Senior Dogs
A key fact about arthritis or osteoarthritis in dogs is that it cannot be cured. Once this joint issue develops, it becomes a permanent condition. Therefore, it's crucial for owners of aging Golden Retrievers to understand how to effectively manage the disease.
Just like in humans, arthritis in canines can be highly uncomfortable. While joint stiffness and damage are the primary effects, it can also lead to severe muscle strain and inflammation throughout the body.
Additionally, arthritis affects more than just physical well-being. Your senior dog’s mental health can also suffer due to the increased stress and anxiety that accompany the condition. Without proper care, your once cheerful and wonderful companion may become irritable or withdrawn.
Arthritis can prevent your aging Golden Retriever live a happy life.
Senior Goldens have reached a stage in life where they should be able to take things easy. However, arthritis can easily disrupt their daily routine and will persist for the rest of their lives. Without proper management, your aging Golden Retriever may not enjoy the quality of life it deserves in its later years.
9 Essential Tips to Help Your Senior Golden Retriever Manage Arthritis
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over the essential items for your senior Golden Retriever care checklist when it comes to managing arthritis. Before we continue, I’d like to emphasize that these tips require consistency and dedication to truly make a difference.
Managing arthritis in aging Golden Retrievers is not a quick fix. If you're committed to helping your dog (and I know you are since you're reading this), be sure to keep the following points in mind:
#1. Ideal weight management for your older Golden Retriever is a must.
Arthritis in aging Golden Retrievers is closely linked to their weight. Excess weight can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, putting additional strain on their joints. Moreover, being overweight or obese may lead to other serious health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure, and heart disease.
The more excess weight your pet carries, the greater the strain on its joints, muscles, and bones, leading to chronic discomfort. This discomfort may even escalate suddenly, depending on the severity of the arthritis. For reference, the average weight of a senior Golden Retriever is 55 to 65 pounds for females and 60 to 75 pounds for males.
As your dog ages, its joints, muscles, and bones lose the flexibility they had during its puppy stage. Sudden weight gain can put significant strain on your pet's body, intensifying the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.
The most important factor in maintaining a senior dog's ideal weight is providing a well-balanced diet. This means offering properly portioned meals that supply the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients—ensuring your older Golden Retriever is neither overfed nor left feeling hungry.
#2. Establish a regular low-impact workout routine.
Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs still need regular exercise. However, unlike their younger years when they could handle more demanding physical activities, they now require low-impact workout routines.
Low-impact exercises for senior dogs include relaxed walks, swimming, gentle games of fetch with soft toys, and stretching or mobility exercises. These activities still provide an outlet for their high energy without the risk of overexertion at this stage of life.
As an animal homeopathy expert, I'd also like to emphasize that "exercise" isn’t limited to physical activity—it includes consistent mental stimulation as well. For instance, Golden Retrievers, known for being one of the most easily trainable breeds, often remain curious and eager to learn their whole life. This highlights the importance of keeping your senior pet mentally engaged, regardless of breed.
Beyond protecting our loyal companions from the effects of arthritis, caring for their mental health can also help prevent issues like separation anxiety, depression, and even canine cognitive dysfunction (also known as "dog dementia").
#3. Consider using joint supplements designed for older dogs.
There are many joint supplements available today to help senior Golden Retrievers manage arthritis and similar health issues. Among the most popular are chondroitin and glucosamine, known for supporting joint health and reducing inflammation. These supplements can be easily added to your pet's meals or mixed into their water.
Joint supplements come in both conventional and natural forms. As an advocate of animal homeopathy, I believe natural options are often preferable—they tend to be more affordable, come with fewer side effects, and are easier to administer than conventional ones. For example, many natural supplements come in liquid form, eliminating the hassle of cutting pills in half or struggling to get your senior Golden Retriever to swallow them.
A prominent example is our GET UP N GO, a fast-acting blend of homeopathic ingredients that supports healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. If your pet is experiencing joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, or sensitivity to touch, this remedy offers a natural, effective solution. It’s designed to promote better joint health and improve your pet's overall quality of life.
#4. Give your senior Golden Retriever a more comfortable living environment.
Older dogs are more prone to injury, even in familiar environments. Regardless of how well your loyal companion navigates the house, extra precautions should be taken to prevent accidents that could worsen arthritis.
The most common pieces of advice I give to pet parents with older dogs are: covering any sharp edges of furniture, storing toys with pointed ends out of reach, providing ramps instead of stairs (especially for pets with advanced arthritis), and adding non-slip flooring.
If you have two dogs or more, it's a good idea to give your older one its own safe space to relax. Senior Golden Retrievers, with their friendly nature, may not say no to playing with younger dogs, but this rough play can be hard on their arthritis.
Providing a comfortable environment isn't just important at home—it should also apply outdoors. Whether you're at the dog park or taking a calm, controlled stroll in the woods, it's crucial to maintain a safe and relaxed space for your senior dog.
#5. Provide more warmth and attention during cold weather.
Just like elderly humans, older Golden Retrievers with arthritis often experience increased pain and discomfort during cold weather. This can happen on rainy days, in the winter, or when the temperature suddenly drops. Cold weather tends to worsen arthritis symptoms by causing joints to stiffen, making movement more difficult.
This is because cold weather triggers physiological effects like muscle spasms, slower blood circulation, and heightened sensitivity to pain. Senior Golden Retrievers, depending on their health history, may show more noticeable signs of arthritis, such as stiffness, difficulty walking, or reluctance to move.
I recommend providing aging Golden Retrievers with blankets, dog booties, and other warm clothing like coats or sweaters during cold weather to help ease arthritis pain. You can also offer natural soothing solutions like our CALMPET, which helps balance the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve your pet's social behavior.
#6. Your aging Golden Retriever will appreciate a soothing massage.
If you're like most pet owners, you probably enjoy a good massage now and then. Beyond promoting relaxation, massage also improves circulation and relieves muscle and joint stiffness—benefits that apply to senior dogs as well. Regular massages can help senior Goldens manage arthritis pain and improve their mobility.
Giving senior Golden Retrievers a massage is simpler than you might expect. Start by placing your pet in a comfortable position, and gently massage areas commonly affected by arthritis, such as the limbs, paws, and inner thighs. Be mindful of your dog's comfort, applying gentle pressure for about 10 to 15 minutes each day.
One of the most amazing aspects of massaging an aging Golden Retriever is that it doubles as a bonding experience. Not only does it help relieve pain and discomfort, but it also strengthens the emotional bond between you and your dog. In addition to soothing arthritis, massage can also provide relief for conditions like hip dysplasia by easing joint stiffness and improving mobility.
Massages are also beneficial for young dogs. A simple 15-minute massage not only helps improve circulation and relaxation but also provides a meaningful way to return your canine best friend's unconditional love.
#7. Seek professional assistance for pain management.
Arthritis in senior Golden Retrievers often brings pain and discomfort, so it’s important to be prepared. However, some pet parents administer pain medication on their own, which can potentially cause serious harm, such as incorrect dosing or dangerous side effects. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your older dog.
If you notice your dog showing signs of arthritis, it’s best to consult a vet or pet wellness expert before administering any pain medications. While I understand you’re only trying to do what’s best for your senior dog, giving the wrong dose can lead to serious health risks.
Here's a quick tip: when your pet's arthritis flares up, consider using natural support products that promote joint health. Our JOINT & HIP SUPPORT is ideal for managing hip pain, chronic joint and tendon discomfort, stiffness, swelling, muscle atrophy, and joint pain triggered by cold or damp weather.
#8. Balance the rest and activity of your senior Golden Retriever.
Recognizing that your senior dog no longer has the same energy or playfulness as in the past is crucial when managing arthritis in Golden Retrievers. That’s why it’s important to closely monitor your pet’s rest and activity, ensuring they get enough movement to stay healthy without overexertion.
While puppies and young dogs can play for hours, your senior dog’s ability to do the same is much more limited. They may struggle with long walks, face challenges with additional house training due to mobility or cognitive issues, and can suffer from conditions like hip dysplasia, which significantly affects their movement and quality of life.
I recommend creating a daily activity schedule for senior Goldens. In addition to listing specific activities, it’s equally important to schedule rest periods. Following a structured routine not only ensures a healthy balance of exercise and rest but also helps you recognize when your dog needs a break, preventing overexertion.
#9. Staying hydrated is crucial for senior dogs with arthritis.
When managing arthritis in aging Golden Retrievers, one commonly overlooked aspect is maintaining proper hydration. Many pet parents mistakenly believe that only puppies and young dogs need constant hydration, but senior dogs need to stay well-hydrated too. Adequate hydration is crucial for joint lubrication and overall health.
Encouraging senior Goldens to drink more water helps maintain proper lubrication in the joints and cartilage, relieving inflammation and soreness caused by arthritis. Additionally, water stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which cushions the joints and carries essential nutrients to them.
I recommend giving older dogs at least 1 ounce of water (around 1/8 cup) per pound of body weight. For example, if your senior Golden Retriever weighs 60 pounds, they should have at least 60 ounces of water each day to stay properly hydrated. Additionally, don’t just refill the water bowl—clean it thoroughly and provide fresh water each time.
A Final Word
Arthritis is a serious health issue in aging Golden Retrievers. It requires prompt and proper management to prevent further deterioration over time. While arthritis tends to develop in senior dogs, it can also affect puppies and juveniles.
Don't let arthritis reduce the quality of life for our loyal companions. Familiarizing yourself with the proper care for aging Golden Retrievers is essential to ensure their comfort. After all, aren’t you looking forward to your next walk or game of fetch with your best friend?
About the author
Leave a comment