Many people usually associate dog arthritis with senior canines or specific breeds, and they don’t consider its possibility to younger ones. However, this is not true, as pets of any age and breed are prone to arthritis. This is why it’s essential to hinder and prevent the impacts of dog arthritis, even in your pet’s puppyhood.
While pet arthritis can’t be reversed, it can be prevented. Please keep reading to see how you can be proactive against the mentioned pet condition and protect your pet from it.
How to Prevent Dog Arthritis
Dog arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is common in older dogs but can also affect pups regardless of age. Like how humans with arthritis feel, the exact condition is excruciating for dogs. However, your pet does not need to go through all that pain when you can prevent it in the first place. So below are five pet arthritis prevention suggestions to keep your pet from going through that unpleasant experience.
1. Address injuries immediately
Vets recommend treating suspected injuries immediately to prevent joint problems from developing as your pet ages. Canines that suffer fractures from accidents like being hit by cars or through physical activities might need forced rest, special treatment, or surgery to recover properly and healthily.
2. Exercise the right way
Pets require exercise, but the correct amount and type of exercise can ensure proper bone development. Running too much on hard surfaces can affect hip joints and impact bone growth if they’re loose. Consider exposing your dog to swimming as it’s an activity that is easy and healthy for the joints.
3. Keep their weight in check
According to most professionals, dogs with a lean body and good nutrition are essential aspects for preventing the development of arthritis. Excess weight can worsen joint issues as it puts more pressure on their joints and bones. Furthermore, obesity is associated with greater inflammation of a dog’s entire body and even puts them at risk of many life-threatening health problems.
You may inquire from facilities like Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital for more info on managing your pet’s weight if they’re obese.
But if your canine is already a victim of arthritis or any joint issues before you could prevent it, considering vet acupuncture for addressing any joint concerns is an efficient and reliable alternative to alleviate the condition. You can browse the web to see the benefits of veterinary acupuncture.
4. Feed a balanced diet
Regularly feeding your puppy a high-quality diet helps make sure proper nutrition. If in doubt and unsure of what diet is recommended for your pet’s breed, age, and activity level, always consult your vet. Feeding your pet the vet-recommended foods can prevent them from growing too quickly. Rapid growth spurts usually cause early joint issues.
In addition to giving your dog the perfect and balanced diet, consistently taking them to the veterinary clinic for their cat & dog vaccinations can help them stay healthy and away from rampant pet conditions.
5. Give them supplements
Some studies proved that particular joint-supporting supplements for canines can help boost your pet’s joint health and restore lost cartilage, which can hold back the symptoms of canine arthritis. You might give your canine supplements that have chondroitin, glucosamine, and fish oil but ask for the vet-recommended choices and brand.
Even if you don’t see any indications of arthritis in your canine, providing them with these supplements can help support and strengthen their joint health and even slow down or prevent the onset of the said condition.
