Dogs are susceptible to hip and joint pain. They incur this painful condition owing to many reasons such as weakening of joints, overweight, injuries, hip disintegration and hip dysplasia. But the good news is that many of these problems can be prevented if you are cautious about their joint health from the very first day you bring them home. One of the things that can help in this regard is feeding them with necessary supplements.
Let us take a closer look at how you can guard your pet’s joint health.
Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs
The hips and knees of dogs tend to deteriorate as they age and this can lead to severe pain and swelling. Breeds that are more likely to suffer from this painful condition include Golden Retriever, Labrador, Great Dane, Dachshund, German Shepherd, St. Bernard and Mastiff. However, the possibility of this problem cannot be ruled out among others. The problem is likely to crop up in just about any dog breed if you do not take adequate care. And to ensure good care, you must keep a watchful eye on their activities.
If you notice the below mentioned symptoms then your pet is probably suffering from joint pain:
- Change in the way your furry friend moves can be one of the first signs of swelling or pain in the joint. It may start limping around due to pain.
- Reluctance to walk/run is another such sign. If you place a bowl of your pet’s favourite food at a distance and it doesn’t come running to it then it can be a cause of concern.
- It will find walking up and down the stairs difficult and avoid the same.
- Jumping becomes particularly challenging because of pain in the knees.
- If your pet whines at night and is unable to sleep then it is most likely unwell.
These are all warning signs that mustn’t be ignored. It is recommended to take your pet to a vet and start necessary treatment in case you notice any of these symptoms.
Supplements to Prevent Joint Pain
While starting the treatment at the right time can heal the problem it is best to prevent it in the first place. Joint pain can largely be prevented if you add supplements to your pet’s diet from the very beginning. Hip and joint supplements for dogs are loaded with chondroitin, glucosamine, omega 3 fatty acids, methylsulfonyl methane, yucca root, turmeric, and perna canaliculus. Chondroitin helps fight white blood cell enzymes and prevents damage to the cartilage. Glucosamine increases the production of collagen in cartilage. Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, omega 3 fatty acids prevent joint inflammation. Turmeric helps heal minor injuries. Other ingredients present in these supplements also help improve joint health and prevent soreness and pain.
So, if you are planning to pet a dog then be ready to take complete care of the furry creature. No matter how healthy or playful it is, you must include joint and hip supplements in its diet. Regular intake of these supplements strengthens joints, prevents stiffness and enables better movement.