Dog Joint Health

While genetic problems can cause dog joint problems that you can't help, there are things that you can do to insure good joint health for dogs. Hip dysphasia can cause severe problems in many breeds of dogs, but it is not the only problem that can cause joint problems. Poor nutrition, limited exercise and poor environment can also cause several joint problems and make canine arthritis worse.

Proper nutrition is very important in the formation of good joints. The proper amounts of minerals and dog supplements as well as proper amounts and quality of food will give your dog a great head start. Large breed dogs require additional amounts of the proper nutrients to insure that they have the extra building blocks that they need for their large frames. Pet food companies have developed a large breed puppy food to help make sure that puppies have the right amount of nutrition.

Overfeeding can cause problems for all age of dogs. The added fat puts additional stress on joints causing unnecessary strain. By feeding the right food in the right amount, you can avoid this problem altogether. Avoid feeding table scraps to your dog. They have little nutritional value for your dog and will greatly increase the chances of your dog gaining weight.

The proper amount and type of exercise can be a very important to promoting good joint health in dogs. Exercise will keep your dog at a proper weight and keep its joints supple and free-moving. Some breeds of dogs require more exercise than others. While gentle walking is the key to some breeds, other breeds are very high energy and require more exercise. Take care not to over-exercise your dog. Too much exertion can lead to joint injury.

If your dog shows signs of joint injury, it is important to seek treatment right away. The sooner that the dog is treated, the less damage will be done. Prompt treatment may be key in reducing the chance of arthritis forming in the affected joint.

The proper environment will make your dog much happier and more comfortable. While concrete runs are popular, the hard, un-giving surface can cause damage to a dog’s joints. The unrelenting pressure can cause joints to become stiff and even cause open sores on the outside of the joints. If a dog must be kept in a concrete run, it should always have a thick, padded bed large enough to lie fully stretched out on.

Wire is even worse on a dog’s feet and joints. Wire is unable to adequately support a dog’s weight. In addition, the wire mesh will allow a dog’s paws to slip into the holes. This can cause joints to break or become severely strained. Hardware cloth is a small meshed wire but is not sturdy enough to support a dog’s weight. Being kept on wire will cause a dog to walk improperly and impair proper joint development.

By following these simple steps you can give your dog a life that is not marred by joint pain. While there is no guarantee that your dog will not develop joint trouble, it is important to try and avoid it when possible. These keys to good joint health in dogs will help you and your dog enjoy life.