When dogs who were once enthusiastic squirrel-chasers start to lose their mojo, it might be a sign of arthritis. This is a very common condition among older (but not necessarily wiser) pooches as they start to slow down. Pet parents might be alarmed, but with a few lifestyle changes, in most cases, it can be managed.

The chances are, you'll know a human or two with arthritis. So you'll be aware that with a little extra help, life can carry on pretty well for your arthritic dog. With a healthy diet, some gentle exercise and a cosy home environment, your pup will be more at ease. Let's take a closer look at arthritis in dogs, and how a Butternut diet can form part of their everyday health management.

Arthritis in dogs is an inflammation of the joints, caused by the bones rubbing together. The bones in a healthy joint slide over each other easily, but in an arthritic joint, the worn and uneven surfaces can't glide, resulting in uncomfortable swelling. Arthritis in dogs is common, and although it can happen at any age, tends to creep up on our older four-legged friends. Joints become stiff and painful, and catching the frisbee might be a bit trickier than it once was.

Early signs of arthritis include stiffness, less interest in exercise and frequent licking of painful joints. Doing a gentle warm-up with your pooch before your walk (leotards and headbands not required) can help keep them flexible and stop them seizing up. Some breeds are more prone to developing arthritis than others. If you live with a Lab, German Shepherd or Springer, for example, it's worth keeping an eye out for stiffness or an awkward gait so you can start managing the condition early on.
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Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage arthritis and make your pet more comfortable. A great way is to feed them a healthy diet which includes naturally beneficial ingredients. Butternut's Wham Bam Lamb recipe, for example, contains turmeric, which has been used for centuries in human health as an antioxidant that eases sore joints. Really tasty food is also stimulating for a senior or poorly dog, so forms part of a holistic approach to managing their health. Senior pooches may get a bit picky: elderly dachshunds are basically food critics in furry suits who love a high-quality menu. As we've taste-tested all of our recipes ourselves, we can guarantee they've got a treat coming their way.

Your vet can also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or advise a supplement for joints like green-lipped mussel (sounds tasty). Make sure your pet has an extra-comfy bed in a warm spot. Cosiness can really help to relieve arthritic symptoms and under-bed heat pads aren't just about pampering – they're soothing, too.
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Sometimes, older dogs prefer the sofa to the park. Which is understandable. You might have to encourage senior and arthritic dogs to take daily exercise, even if it's just a stroll to the post box to sniff out a message from a friend. This gets stiff joints moving and keeps brains working. Importantly, it also helps to prevent extra poundage sneaking up. Lack of activity = chubbiness. And it can put extra strain on arthritic joints, so it's important to carry on exercising.

As we know (from personal experience), maintaining a healthy weight is about balancing what goes in with what we burn off. When you sign up to Butternut Box, we ask you lots of questions about your dog's lifestyle as well as their vital statistics (age, breed, talent for tricks). This is to help us put the right portion of food in their pouches, making sure their tummies are full and they've got the right amount of energy. A gentle walk, a Butternut Box meal and a nice spot on the sofa. We quite fancy that ourselves, now you mention it.