5 Effective Ways To Prevent Arthritis In Dog

We share many beautiful traits with dogs, including a gregarious temperament, a fondness for a lovely sofa, and 84% of our DNA. However, one of the less-than-ideal things we share in common is arthritis. The CDC believes that roughly 23% of human adults have it, and the figures for canines are comparable.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, around 20% of adult (or “middle-aged”) dogs have arthritis, while other estimates suggest that 90% of seniors have arthritis in one or more joints.

An Overview

Arthritis, often known as degenerative joint disease, affects people and dogs. It is also a frequent component of aging. Arthritis develops when the cartilage in our joints wears away. Cartilage, which lacks nerves, softens joint movement, allowing it to articulate without producing pain.

When the cartilage in the joint degenerates, movement causes discomfort, irritation, and inflammation, furthermore, new bone protrusions called osteophytes may grow at the joint site, causing extra discomfort and pain.

What Causes Arthritis?

Idiopathic arthritis occurs in dogs when the cartilage in the joint degenerates for unclear causes. Some canines may be predisposed genetically.

More often than not, pet arthritis is caused by an orthopedic ailment such as cranial cruciate ligament dysfunction (also referred to as cranial cruciate ligament) or hip dysplasia. In addition, an injury or strain to a joint can also cause cartilage damage, resulting in the diminished function of the cartilage in cushioning the joint.

How To Prevent Arthritis in Dogs?

Asides from dog arthritis treatment, it is also important to look at the prevention septs. We all want our furry pals to live in good health and happiness as long as possible. This involves them remaining pain-free and active long into their old life.

Steps that may be done to properly manage injuries and diseases at an early stage frequently result in lower long-term costs when untreated problems worsen and contribute to additional conditions, such as arthritis. Preventing damage will save money on both short-term and long-term treatment of illnesses like arthritis, as well as on total veterinarian expenditures.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and active will help prevent various undesirable medical concerns, including arthritis. An additional benefit is a reduction in the cost of unnecessary food and an increase in your activity level while exercising your dog!

If your dog has an orthopedic condition, getting treatment or corrective surgery as soon as possible can prevent arthritis from developing in the affected joint.

Physical therapy and massage may aid in the recovery from these orthopedic conditions while also alleviating the impact on joints. Here’s how to prevent arthritis in dogs:

• Give them a Nutrition – Rich Diet

  If you give your puppy poor-quality dog food, he will most likely gain weight, putting stress on his skeletal structure. If this continues as the puppy grows, the joints will be subjected to much too much pressure. This may cause issues later in life, which might progress to arthritis. Instead, choose a recognized dog food brand high in nutrients to ensure your puppy develops appropriately.

• Consider Where Your Dog Exercises

  All dogs require exercise, but do you think about where your puppy is exercising? For example, if your dog spends a lot of time running on hard surfaces like concrete, this can affect bone formation.

  Introducing your dog to water at a young age is a terrific idea so that he can do gentler swimming on his joints when he is older. Also, allow your dog to exercise a little bit every day rather than letting him go crazy on the weekends and risk overworking his joints.

• Joint Supplements of High Quality

  Joint supplements help his cartilage develop and function. Look for joint supplements that contain fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Before beginning a supplement regimen, consult with your veterinarian. They can advise you on the finest supplement for your dog.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight for Your Puppy

  If your dog is overweight, the pressure on his joints will undoubtedly be more significant. This can hasten the wear and tear on the joints, leading to arthritis. If your dog already has arthritis, losing weight will relieve the load on his joints and alleviate his pain.

• Regular veterinary examinations

  Getting particular counsel from your veterinarian during his growth is priceless. Having your dog evaluated at least twice a year helps you to recognize and treat any early indications of arthritis.

If your dog exhibits modest indicators of joint discomfort, you may collaborate with your veterinarian to put preventative measures in place. The vet will help prescribe the best arthritis meds for dogs as well as offer the best arthritis treatment for dogs.