Anyone that has suffered through the heartbreak of having their dog experience arthritis and joint problems, knows how important it is to do whatever you can to prevent them. It has been estimated that there are at least $10 million dogs in the United States with arthritis and joint problems. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can prevent this from happening and then, some dog joint supplements that can help alleviate the pain and symptoms as well.
Common Joint Problems In Dogs
Although any dog can experience problems with their joints, larger dogs are much more prone to arthritis and pain and additionally, older dogs tend to suffer more as well. There are certain types of problems, such as arthritis which is an inflammation of the joints and then there are genetic problems such as hip dysplasia which is an abnormal growth in the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is a degeneration caused by overuse of the cartilage around the joints, which leads to inflammation and pain. Larger dogs such as Great Danes, Labradors, Mastiffs, and German shepherds tend to get joint problems earlier in life and more often than the smaller dogs.
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
As with many diseases, it’s far better and easier to prevent them than it is to treat them later on. One of the first things to do is to reduce the amount of commercial dog food that your dog eats. Switch to a more natural diet, full of vitamins and minerals in order to help your dog grow healthier bones and joints in the first place. Add to that, plenty of regular walks a couple of times a day to keep his bones and joints loose and well exercised. Make sure your dog doesn’t overeat and that he stays at a healthy weight so as not to put undue stress on the joints.
Talk To Your Vet About Cartilage Healthy Supplements
In addition to making sure that your dog has plenty of vitamins and minerals for his body, there are also a couple of dog joint supplements that can be taken in order to prevent the onset of arthritis and inflammation and also, to relieve the pain and help lubricate the joints after arthritis has already set in. Most veterinarians will recommend supplements containing chondroitin and glucosamine on a regular basis and sometimes, starting at an early age. The supplements are fairly inexpensive and if taken as a preventative measure can slow the progression of many joint problems in dogs.
Install Dog Ramps
As a dog gets older, it’s important that they do not jump as much, which can be detrimental to their joints and painful at the same time. There are many places where a simple ramp for your dog to walk up a set of stairs is an easy job to do. There are also commercially available ramps to help your dog get in and out of your car and this can go a long ways towards helping them with their pain.
Lots of people forget that many of our pets and especially dogs, age much more rapidly than us humans. By giving your dog the proper diet, plenty of appropriate exercise, joint supplements, and ramps for when they are unable to walk without pain, you can go a long ways towards helping your dog have a happy and pain-free life.
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