As a dog owner, have you seen a senior dog having trouble standing up? Sometimes, they try to use their front paws to help their back legs. This can be a sign of hip dysplasia, one common joint issue dogs can have.
Joint pain, dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and osteochondrosis are serious problems with joint health. It is important to address their symptoms as soon as they appear.
If the pain is not treated, it can become too much for older dogs. They might stop wanting to play, go for walks, or even greet you at the door—something we hold dear and can’t imagine living without.
Read this guide to understand why dog joint health is important and how to help prevent joint problems as a dog owner.
Why Is Joint Health Important?
Joints help dogs and people move freely. Without joints, our skeletons wouldn’t have a strong structure, and we would be stiff like a bag of bones. The padding between bones prevents them from banging into each other when we jump, jog, or change positions, which protects our skeletons from damage.
As dogs age, they often experience various health issues, with joint pain, arthritis, and bone degradation.
This reduction leads to increased friction, wearing down the cartilage that cushions the joints. Once this protective cartilage is damaged, restoring the joint’s health becomes challenging. It also often results in a notable decrease in mobility and quality of life for our beloved companions. Therefore, maintaining and prioritizing canine hip dysplasia treatment can work wonders for joint health. Doing this lets your pet remain active and comfortable even in their golden years.
Signs That Indicate Dog’s Poor Joint Health
You may have observed some noticeable changes in your dog’s mobility lately. Common indicators of declining joint health include;
- Reduced stamina during walks or outings at the dog park.
- Your pet may struggle to climb onto furniture or tackle stairs.
- You might also see your furry friend having difficulty jumping in and out of the car.
- With time, the effects can become more pronounced. Your dog may start to walk with a distinctive limp, gingerly adjusting their gait to avoid putting pressure on a troublesome joint.
- Or lifting a limb entirely off the ground as they move about.
How To Protect Bone Health In Dogs?
If your dog is slowing down and not as active, you have options to improve his quality of life. You can get prescription medications from your veterinarian. The most common ones are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.
Many dog owners use alternative therapies to help support their dogs’ joint health. Nutritional supplements have several advantages over medications. Also, most joint supplements have different active ingredients that address all parts of joint health.
Here is how you can strengthen your pet’s bone health and benefit them more.
- Maintain A Healthy Body Weight
One of the most effective strategies for promoting your dog’s joint health is maintaining lean and healthy body weight. Excess weight can strain their joints, leading to discomfort and potential mobility issues. Conversing with your veterinarian is essential to achieving and sustaining this ideal weight.
- Pampering Your Furry Friend
Have you ever experienced waking up from a deep slumber only to find your joints feeling stiff, making it difficult to crawl out of bed? Dogs can experience similar discomfort, as their joints may stiffen after a long nap. Consider giving them a gentle, soothing massage to help your furry friend ease into their day. This simple act can promote blood circulation and help loosen those tight muscles and joints.
- Make Them Feel Cozy
Ensure your beloved pet has a cozy, well-cushioned bed away from chilly or damp drafts. This is especially important for those furry companions with thinner coats. As they may benefit from the warmth of a heated bed to keep them snug and comfortable on colder nights.
- Keep The Moving
If your pet finds exercises like running or brisk walking too strenuous, consider the benefits of aquatic activities. Such activities include swimming in a dog pool or using an underwater treadmill. A 15 to 20-minute session in the water can provide an excellent workout. These water-based exercises are gentle on your dog’s body, allowing for a full range of motion while minimizing the impact on their joints.
Conclusion
As we journey through life, it becomes evident that simple activities can become challenging. The things we once took for granted—like walking, running, reaching for an object, or even settling down into a chair—can become arduous tasks as we age. This experience is not limited to us. Even our beloved canine companions face similar challenges. However, they cannot express their discomfort in words.
They may struggle with the movements that once brought them joy and energy. However, advancements in technology and veterinary medicine offer us invaluable tools. Thus, the harsh reality is that we cannot turn back the clock or undo the natural effects of aging. Yet, we can actively support our dogs’ joint health, helping them maintain mobility and comfort for as long as possible. By being attentive and proactive, we can enrich their lives and ensure they continue to thrive in their golden years.
