Like humans, dogs begin to show signs of joint pains as they get older. But even if this is the case, you should begin to be conscious of your pet’s joint health while it is still at a very young age. As the owner, it is your responsibility to plan the health and well-being of your pet throughout his entire life. Like many ailments, dog joint diseases are better dealt with preventive strategies than finding ways to relieve them when they happen.
Here are some of the ways to ensure your dog’s joint health:
Proper Selection of Breeding Stock
Some dog joint diseases are congenital, and you can well avoid it by carefully selecting a stock that doesn’t have a history of joint disorders such as hip dysplasia. This disease is caused by the hip socket which is too shallow to facilitate efficient movement of the ball above the thigh bone. As the dog grows, the joint, which is not stable, becomes painful as it moves around the socket. This unstable condition causes the protective cartilage surrounding the joint to wear down. This is extremely painful. And this can eventually lead to lameness of the dog’s hind legs.
If you are planning to raise a puppy, you must be sure to get one that comes from parents with sound hips, especially if the puppy you want comes from a large breed. It is quite hard to tell if you are getting the puppy from an ordinary dog owner. But if you purchase the puppy for a breeder, you might want to see the certification of the soundness of the hips of his parents.
Keep your Pet in Perfect Shape
Your dog will grow into a fine canine and free from joint problems if you keep him in top physical condition. You should control your pet’s diet and give him sufficient exercise to prevent him from getting obese. Obesity makes dogs susceptible to arthritis.
If you notice that your dog is gaining unwanted weight, you should cut back on his calorie and treats intake, and strive to give him more exercise. This can help to keep him away from joint disorders. Try to establish a healthy guide to your dog’s nutrition to keep your pet in the best physical condition.
Give Him Supplements
Selecting nutritious pet foods and giving them the right food supplements can help to fortify and nourish your pet’s joint cartilage. It is a part of the joints that serves as its shock absorber. It serves as a lining that separates the ball from the socket to prevent them from grinding against each other. But when the cartilage starts to deteriorate, its ability to provide cushion to the joints diminishes and joint problems begin to manifest.
One of the most popular dog food supplements that are loaded with joint health formulation is glucosamine-chondroitin. Glucosamine is known as a cartilage builder while chondroitin works to protect your dog from its own enzymes that can cause damage to its cartilage. You might also want to try Joint Guard for dogs or Joint Guard powder for dogs to ensure the health of their joints.
Some dog foods are loaded with substances that can help to provide your dog with some protection against cartilage and joint problems. Just check the label of the dog food you use. If it contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, continue to patronize it, but if doesn’t carry these nutrients, it’s time for a change for the sake of your dog’s welfare.
These are just a few of the many ways you could employ to raise your dog properly and to keep him protected from bone and joint diseases. Dog care is a long and complex subject, and your pet is a work-in-progress you will surely love to work with.
Pet Lover's Guide 