You can start looking after your dog’s bones and joints health from the moment you buy/adopt them. There are even things that can be done in puppyhood to reduce the risk of wear and tear later in life.
Remember – prevention is far easier than curing ailments, so start now to give your pup strong, healthy bones & joints for life.
Here are our tips on keeping your dog’s bones and joints healthy.
Is My Dog At Risk?
Some dogs are more prone to joint pain than others. This includes dogs that are overweight, working breeds and athletic dogs like Border Collies, diabetic dogs and those who have suffered an injury. Large breed dogs are also more at risk.
How Do I Prevent Arthritis?
While it’s impossible to completely prevent, there are some things you can do to help decrease their chances of developing it later in life.
A good diet is crucial. Most store-bought pet food does not contain the vital nutrients required to keep a dog’s joints healthy. If this is the case, find a supplement that contains glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.
If you feed your dog raw, providing ground or whole bones in their diet should give them a good supply of the right nutrients.
Don’t over-exercise them, particularly when they are young and their bones are still growing. Similarly, don’t under-exercise them or their muscles will not adequately support the joints.
Install ramps. Having to continuously jump up and down from high places can put a lot of pressure on their joints.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Joint Pain?
Dog’s can’t tell us how they’re feeling, so it’s up to us to look out for the signs. If your dog has sore joints, you may see them limping. They may not be able or willing to walk as far as they used to, and they may yelp in pain.
Some dogs are excellent at hiding their pain, so watch closely as they age for signs of reluctance climbing the stairs.
What to Do If You Think Your Dog is in Pain
If your dog is in pain it’s important to take them to the vets as soon as possible. They should be able to provide pain relief and will also be able to give advice on managing joint pain.
