When you adopt your dog young, you might not consider the possibility of them contracting arthritis. For people and household pets, we might associate arthritis with senior ones. However, that is not true, as all dog types, regardless of age, can experience arthritis. Therefore, slowing down the impacts or preventing arthritis must be done even if they are young and do not look susceptible to it yet.
Comparable to how humans endure arthritis, it can also be distressing for your pet and even reduce their quality of life. The fact that arthritis does not have a cure is already a frightening thought for pet owners. Fortunately, there are helpful ways to protect your pet from this joint disease.
How to Protect Your Dog From Arthritis
While arthritis is a prevalent concern in pets, this does not mean your pet needs to experience a life of pain and discomfort. However, there are routines pet parents should do earlier to prevent or delay the onset of the stated condition. We’ve gathered five tips below to help prevent arthritis and rescue your pet before becoming a victim of this joint problem.
1. Feed nutritionally sound diets early
Pet parents that feed way too much food or too rich a diet can cause a dog to gain weight much faster, which can also be far too much for their bones to handle. This results in orthopedic problems that can trigger arthritis when disregarded. Feeding pet foods created for your pet’s breed can help maintain their proper development and avoid joint issues.
In addition, do not forget your pet’s preventive medications and vaccinations to maintain their general health and improve their quality of life. You may click here for detailed info on the importance of vaccinations and preventatives for your pet’s life.
2. Exercise the proper way
Pets need exercise, but the right amount and type of exercise can guarantee the correct development of bone growth. Running too much on hard surfaces can affect your canine’s bone development, particularly in their hip joints. Consider exposing your dog to swimming while young, as this is an easy activity for their joints. Familiarizing them with swimming will make their workouts easier, especially when they become seniors or get diagnosed with arthritis.
Always consider your pet’s physique before involving them in a workout program. Take your pet to a vet surgeon if you see fractures or unusual movements in their joints after exercising or doing an activity to avoid further injuries. You may check the website of pet surgery professionals for their full list of services and conditions they treat.
3. Visit the vet routinely
Regular visits to a veterinarian, including their annual or routine exams, are important to be observed often. This ensures early diagnosis and treatment planning for signs of arthritis or other issues that may cause arthritis. Also, you might take this opportunity to get a dog wellness plan for your pet so you can get discount rates whenever you take your dog in for routine veterinary care.
4. Keep them fit
Obesity can cause excessive strain to dogs’ joints, resulting in quicker wear and tear. Weight loss can help avoid arthritis and relieve the severity of signs in pets diagnosed with arthritis. Maintaining your dog’s healthy weight and body condition their entire life puts them in a healthy state and can help keep arthritis at bay.
5. Avoid activities that involve leaping into the air
This sets them up for trauma and produces unequal weight loads in their joints and muscles. According to studies, dogs who frequently chase after fetch toys from ages 12 to 24 risk developing hip dysplasia. Additionally, when canines of any age and type leap into the air, this can trigger injury to their joint or spine. Of course, this doesn’t forbid your fur baby from playing, but always observe moderation to prevent injuries and unexpected accidents.
