Your veterinarian or the veterinary staff can show you how to perform physical therapy on your dog to help relax stiff muscles and promote a good range of motion in the joints. Your dog may benefit from massage. A soothing massage of the affected area helps relieve stiffness and soreness. Start by petting the area and work up to gently kneading the muscles around the joint with your fingertips using a small, circular motion. Gradually work your way out to the surrounding muscles.
Moist heat is also beneficial.
A water bottle or soaked towel works best. Make daily activities less painful Larger breed dogs can especially benefit from elevating their food and water bowls. Elevated feeders make eating and drinking more comfortable for arthritic pets, particularly if there is stiffness in the neck or back. Going up and down stairs is often difficult for arthritic pets, and for dogs it can make going outside to urinate and defecate very difficult. Many people build ramps, especially on stairs leading to the outside, to make it easier for the dogs to go outside.