The joints of your beloved dog can take a beating over the course of their lifespan, and that is something pet parents are vary about. Generally speaking, joint problems aren’t much of an issue when your dog is young, but as they grow older, you will notice joint problems such as arthritis creeping in.
As dogs grow old, their cartilage begins to wear and tear, and this allows the bones to rub against each other, which in turn results in extreme pain, and you could notice them preferring to sit in one place rather than move.
As a dog parent, it is necessary that you understand the cause and remedies for joint pain in your buddy so that you can take steps in keeping their joints in good condition throughout their life on Earth, especially when they reach seniorhood. Incorporating dog joint supplements into their routine can be one of the effective ways to support joint health as they age. We will talk about this in more detail in the blog, so please read on!
What Causes Joint Problems in Canines?
In general, there are two main categories of joint problems in canines and they are
- i) Developmental
- ii) Degenerative
Developmental problems are associated with the hip or elbows where you could have things like hip or elbow dysplasia. Here, the joint does not develop properly in a number of different ways. On the other hand, degenerative problems are much more wider. But one of the most common cause of arthritis would be without a doubt, cruciate ligament problems. Here, the ligament degenerates over a period of time and causes instability and secondary osteoarthritis in most aging dogs.
6 Early Indicators of Joint Problems in Dogs
The following signs will help you figure out if your dog have joint problems or not. These early indicators can help you get prepared for what’s to follow and you can consult your vet and seek their advice and what needs to be done.
- Slowing Down:
If your dog isn’t the agile dog that he used to be and takes a helluva time to walk from one place to another than he normally would, this means your buddy is slowing down. And this could mean only one thing; their joints are wearing down quite quickly.
- Takes Time to Get Up Or Sit Dow
Another big sign that could potentially mean your doggy could come in for joint problems soon is the time they take to get up or sit down. If they take really long to stand up or sit down, it isn’t a good sign I’m afraid.
- Avoiding The Stairs
Dogs would generally love running up and down the stairs, but if your pal does not want to do it, it could mean he’s probably tired, yes. But if he keeps avoiding the stairs every time, then it could mean his limbs are getting weaker by the day.
- Sleeping More Than Usual
Dogs love sleeping and we cannot deny that, but when they sleep more than they normally would, then we have a problem. Most likely sleeping more is due to the fact that they cannot walk much, so they prefer sitting in one place. And when there’s nothing to do, they go off to sleep.
- Leg Stance
Now this is very key and if pet parents will take a closer look at their dog’s leg stance, you can tell whether they have joint problems or not. If their hind leg stance is close to each other and/or if their front leg stance is wider than normal, then in all likelihood, your dog has joint problems.
- Less Excited When Going for Walks
Generally, when you grab your dog’s leash they would go crazy because they know it’s time for a walkie walkie. But if that same dog doesn’t show much excitement, it means they prefer sitting at home because their legs are too weak to go for a walk. And when this happens, we have a big problem.
Common Treatments for Joint Related Problems in Dogs
When it comes to treatment of joint pain and joint problems in dogs, there are a number of ways which a pet parent can opt for.
The first choice would obviously be surgery which includes arthroscopic cleaning of a joint or maybe total joint replacement. But you should know that surgery is expensive and pet parents who cannot afford the funds for surgery and seek other options.
One would be a change in their diet. That’s right! Feeding your buddy, a diet that specializes in joint health can go a long way in healing their joints.
Secondly, you could opt for joint treatments and there are many available. For instance, Joint Guard for Dogs, Aristopet Glucosamine, and Mobiflex Joint Supplement are some of the most renowned joint treatments on the market. Moreover, you can get these quality treatments at a reasonable rate when you shop at BudgetVetCare!
Joint problems in dogs are a major issue and most dogs will face them during their lifetime, but as pet parents it is so very important to give them the best care so that their pain is diminished even for a wee bit. Take care of your furry buddy, and keep them safe, always!
