Your pet’s joint health may be the last thing on your mind when you adopt one. However, joint pains in canines are a common condition that can affect them at some point in their lives, and larger breeds are often the most susceptible. Through joint pet care practices, thankfully, you can prevent a life limited by stiffness and discomfort to your pet and improve their general well-being.
So let’s discuss a few simple guidelines on maintaining your pet’s joint health so they can continue doing the activities they love with you.
How to Keep Your Pet’s Joints Healthy
Pet parents may assume everything is okay as long as their dogs aren’t whining in pain. However, pets exhibit pain differently than humans, and they are experts at hiding it. This is why we must proactively prevent joint problems, so our companions won’t suffer serious conditions like arthritis.
Here are five ways to keep your dog’s bones and joints in the best and optimal condition:
1. Weigh Them Regularly
When you take your companion to a pet vaccination clinic for preventive care, do not forget to weigh them. Always record their weight to know if they’re gaining too much. The vet can suggest the best weight for your pet’s breed and size to keep them in the healthy weight range.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Good joint health in canines starts with a healthy and nutritious diet. Canine weight gain and obesity are among the most common culprits of joint-related issues in pets. Obese canines carry extra weight, which puts additional pressure on their joints, supporting muscle tissues, and spine. Feeding them top-quality dog foods, vegetables, and fruits free of fillers and added sugar can help maintain their weight, promote general health, and support healthy joints.
To keep your pet’s chompers and weight healthy, their dental health is one thing you should maintain. Regularly take them to vet dentists to prevent any dental health issues that may affect their well-being. You may browse their website for more information on their dental services.
3. Prevent Injuries
Canine arthritis usually develops due to injuries, even when your pet is just a puppy. Jumping too high, overexercising, and running too hard before a puppy’s bones and muscles can develop might only hurt their joints, so it’s essential to supervise your dog’s exercise routine. Always observe moderation, exercise properly, and avoid overworking your pet to prevent injuries that might lead to serious joint conditions.
4. Introduce Supplements to Their Regular Diet
In addition to maintaining your pet’s healthy diet, ask your veterinarian about including joint supplements in their regular food. When your dog is a year old, start giving them fish oil, and when they’re two years old, feed them joint supplements. This is important even if you don’t see indicators of arthritis yet.
If your pet experiences an upset stomach or reacts negatively to whatever joint supplements you are giving them, have them checked by a veterinary internist. Some joint supplements have excessive amounts of glucosamine sulfate, which commonly causes toxicity. This is why it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before starting joint supplements to ensure your pet’s safety if they have health conditions that may conflict with it.
5. Treat Injuries Immediately
Vets recommend immediate treatment of suspected canine injuries to prevent joint issues as they age. Pets that suffer fractures from vehicular accidents may need special treatment, surgical attention, or forced rest to heal properly. Neglecting any injury might only intensify in the future and cause many more undesirable situations.
To End
Taking simple proactive measures throughout your dog’s life can help minimize discomfort and even prevent arthritis. By observing regular vet checkups, proper weight and diet management, and giving them joint supplements and vitamins, your pet can live a healthy, happy life with strong limbs that can take them anywhere.
