How To Prevent Joint Problems & Arthritis In Dogs? (Vet Answer)

Arthritis is one of a variety of joint disorders that can affect our loving canine friends and is a regular occurrence in dogs.

Although it is difficult to avoid arthritis, its start and progression can be slowed.

Continue reading "How to Prevent Joint Problems & Arthritis in Dogs? (Vet Answer)" by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) for preventative precautions you may do to safeguard the joints of your aging dog.

The 6 Tips to Prevent Joint Problems & Arthritis in Dogs

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1. Start With Good Nutrition

According to some estimates, half of all dogs aged between 5 and 10 years old have arthritis, although this may also be true for around a quarter of older canines. This indicates that although it is more prevalent in older dogs, you should still evaluate arthritis in young dogs.

Nutrition is essential to a dog’s general health, which includes joint health. Dogs should develop normally and not too rapidly. Their diet must be full and well-balanced, as this will assist with everything from weight increase to ensuring that your dog receives a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals that can preserve the bones, joints, and cartilage, which all play a vital part in joint health.

If a dog acquires weight too rapidly, the bones strain to support the additional weight, and this additional pressure can contribute to issues that may develop into arthritis in the future.

Provide a healthy, balanced diet with food of acceptable quality. Adhere to the recommended food amounts to prevent your dog from gaining excessive weight.

 

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2. Visit the Vet

Frequent visits to the veterinarian may help discover a variety of health issues in their early stages, which can be crucial for a long and healthy life.

Ensure that your dog visits the veterinarian at least once a year, and preferably twice a year, for a general checkup.

The sooner your veterinarian notices and identifies an issue, the sooner you may make the necessary adjustments to ease discomfort and delay the beginning of complications.

Before observable signs such as swelling or limping manifest, joint disorders such as arthritis are typically rather advanced. But, a veterinarian may detect indications of inflammation and pain before you can, which is why frequent vet visits are so crucial.

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3. Ensure Good Exercise

Together with proper diet, exercise is one of the most essential things you can provide for your dog. There is no standard amount or form of exercise that is appropriate for all dogs.

Certain breeds, such as collies, require hours of vigorous daily activity, but others, such as Saint Bernards, require much less exercise, and that exercise should be much less vigorous. In fact, excessive exercise might be just as dangerous as little exercise.

Consult with your veterinarian, heed their advice, enroll your dog in canine sports or agility lessons, take them on frequent walks, and find additional methods to offer the necessary exercise. Ensure that you adhere to a workout routine, since consistency is required for optimal outcomes.

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4. Consider Joint Supplements

Supplements are commonly linked with dogs with particular deficits; however, providing your dog the proper supplement from a young age ensures that it receives the vitamins, minerals, and other critical nutrients it needs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin help protect cartilage, and while they are commonly available in diets for dogs with joint issues and even in foods for senior dogs, providing your dog supplements containing these vital nutrients can help prevent problems from occurring. Additionally try supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Consult with your veterinarian about supplements and choose one that is simple to administer, does not include any harmful additives, and is consistent with the feeding plan.

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5. Avoid Excessive Weight Gain

Being overweight increases the stress on bones and joints. It increases a dog’s susceptibility to a variety of other health issues and can lead to joint problems that finally cause arthritis.

If your veterinarian has suggested a feeding regimen, adhere to it. Alternatively, ascertain your dog’s present and optimal weight by weighing them.

Use these numbers to establish how much food your dog should be receiving, and gradually alter the quantity you feed so that you are feeding for the desired weight and not the dog’s current weight.

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6. Look for Early Arthritis Symptoms

The sooner you are able to diagnose arthritis in a dog, the sooner you can attempt to limit its progression. Early indicators might be difficult to detect, but if your dog limps, moves awkwardly, or displays signs of joint discomfort, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to assess whether the condition is arthritis or something else, and they can offer advice on nutrition, supplements, and other treatment options.

Conclusion

“How to Prevent Joint Problems & Arthritis in Dogs? (Vet Answer)” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has clarified that Arthritis is an incapacitating condition. There is no cure, and it is impossible to completely eliminate your dog’s risk of developing this degenerative disease as they age.

However, it is possible to slow the disease’s onset and progression, and through a healthy diet, supplements, exercise, and regular visits to the veterinarian, you can give your dog the best chance of living a healthy, pain-free life.