When you adopt your pet young, you might not think about the possibility of them contracting arthritis. For people and pets, we might associate arthritis with the senior ones. However, that’s not real, as all canine breeds of any age can suffer from arthritis. Therefore, slowing down the effects or avoiding arthritis must be done even if they are young and do not seem vulnerable to it yet.
Similar to how people endure arthritis, it can also be very distressing for your pet and even impair their quality of life. The fact that arthritis doesn’t have a cure is already a horrifying thought for pet owners. Thankfully, there are easy ways to protect your pet from this joint disease.
How to Protect Your Dog From Arthritis
While arthritis is a prevalent issue in pets, this doesn’t imply your canine needs to endure a life of discomfort and pain. However, there are habits pet owners can do earlier to prevent or impede the onset of the said condition. We’ve collected five effective tips below to help prevent arthritis and save your pet before becoming a victim of this joint condition.
1. Prevent activities that involve leaping into the air
This sets them up for injury and makes uneven weight loads in their joints and muscles. According to a study, dogs who regularly chase fetch toys from ages 12 to 24 risk developing hip dysplasia. In addition, when dogs of any age and breed leap into the air, this can trigger trauma to their spine or joint. Of course, this does not restrict your pet from playing, but always observe moderation to prevent injuries and unanticipated accidents.
2. Feed nutritionally sound diets early
Pet parents that feed too much food or too rich a diet can cause a dog to put on weight quicker, which can also be too much for their bones to handle. This results in orthopedic issues that can lead to arthritis when neglected. Feeding dog foods designed for your pet’s breed can help maintain their correct development and prevent joint problems.
In addition, do not forget your dog’s preventive medications and pet vaccinations to maintain their general health and protect them from life-threatening parasites and conditions.
3. Visit the veterinarian frequently
Regular visits to a veterinarian, including their yearly or routine examinations, must be observed frequently. This guarantees early medical diagnosis and treatment planning for indications of arthritis or other conditions that might lead to arthritis.
Also, you might take this chance to get a wellness plan for your pet so you can get discounts whenever you take your pet in for regular veterinary care. You may click here for a detailed explanation of pet wellness plans and how you can benefit from them.
4. Exercise the proper way
Canines need exercise, but the right amount and type of exercise can ensure the proper development of bone growth. Running too much on hard surfaces can impact your dog’s bone development, primarily in their hip joints. Consider exposing your pet dog to swimming when still young, as this is an easy activity for their joints. Familiarizing them with swimming will make their workouts much easier, especially when they become seniors or get identified with arthritis.
Consider your pet’s body type before involving them in an exercise program. Take your pet to vet surgery professionals if you notice fractures or strange joint movements after exercising or doing an activity to prevent further injuries.
5. Keep them fit
Weight problems can cause excessive strain to dogs’ joints, leading to faster deterioration. Weight loss can help avoid arthritis and minimize the severity of signs in pets identified with arthritis. Maintaining your pet’s healthy weight and body condition their entire life puts them in a healthier state and can help keep arthritis at bay.
