Discovering Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Joints Healthy

Dogs love running from here and there. They want to be active all the time but joint-related problems can impact their agility to a great extent. Canine joint condition is one of the most prevalent yet overlooked parts that affect their mobility and overall quality of life. Dogs can suffer from various joint-related issues irrespective of their age, so it is inevitable to keep a check on their joint health to keep them active and happy in the long run.

In this blog, we will share some simple tips to keep dogs' joints healthy at all ages and will list common joint conditions and symptoms related to canine joint issues. To begin with, let's first understand how dogs' joints work.

How do dog joints work?

Though dogs' joints differ in structure and mobility, the individual joint components are mostly the same. Ideally, dogs' joints comprise a synovial fluid, cartilage, bones, and joint capsule. Joints connect two or more bones by fibrous connective tissues known as ligaments that keep the bones in place. Cartilage works as a protective cushion between bones and absorbs joint stress during movements. Synovial fluid or joint fluid lubricates the joint care and promotes free movement. The joint capsule surrounds the joint, protects it, and provides essential support for the joints.

Common dog joint problems

Take a look at some common joint conditions in dogs:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to the gradual degeneration of cartilage, making the bones grind against each other, and causing pain, discomfort, and movement problems.

Hip dysplasia

A dog’s hip joint works like a ball and socket and they should function in coordination to keep the joint intact. When the ball and socket don't fit appropriately, it leads to the grinding of the joints causing pain and inflammation. This leads to wear and tear of the joint, leading to mobility issues and loss of function of the hip joint, known as hip dysplasia.

Ligament disease

A dog’s knee is made up of multiple bones- a thigh bone (femur), the kneecap (patella), a shin bone (tibia), and a lower leg bone (fibula). The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) connects the femur and tibia. When this ligament gets damaged, the knee becomes unstable and leads to ligament disease causing pain and mobility problems.

Also Read: 4 Top Most Joint Treatments for Pets

Symptoms of dog joint issues

Dogs exhibit various symptoms when suffering from joint problems which often go unnoticed. Here are a few subtle signs you can look out for to provide timely treatment to your canine companion:

• Trouble standing or sitting

• Reduced social interaction

• Reluctant to jump or play

• Painful and inflamed joints

• Behavioral changes

• Lethargy and irritability

• Difficulty in climbing the stairs

• Difficulty in urinating

• Reduction in appetite

• Swollen joints

How to keep your dogs’ joints healthy at all ages?

Here are some simple tips to keep your dog’s joints healthy, irrespective of their age:

1. Nutritious & Balanced Diet: Feeding a wholesome meal packed with essential vitamins and minerals helps keep your canine’s joints healthy and improve mobility. Combining nutritious and natural ingredients such as fish oil, turmeric, etc. in your dog’s daily diet not only promotes their bone health but also helps maintain their overall well-being.

2. Physical Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise is the most underrated yet effective therapy for maintaining optimal joint health. Irrespective of age, taking your dog for everyday walks, swimming, or running may help prevent joint stiffness and keep them active. Make sure you do not overdo any exercise and always speak to your vet before introducing any strenuous exercise in your dog’s routine.

3. Joint Care Supplements: Joint care supplements play a vital role in keeping your canine’s joint health in check as they are loaded with the required amounts of joint-supporting nutrients. You can administer them under a vet's supervision according to your dog’s requirements and preferences. GCS JOINT CARE ADVANCED POWDER for Dogs, MOBIFLEX JOINT CARE for Dogs, and Arthritis Care Tablets for Dogs are some of the effective dog joint care supplements that improve joint and bone health.

4. Weight Management: Maintaining an ideal weight helps in keeping joints healthy. Obesity, especially in senior dogs not only invites a lot of diseases but also puts a serious strain on the joints. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy body weight to keep joints healthy in the long run.

5. Routine Veterinary Check-ups: Taking your dog for regular vet check-ups can help detect joint-related problems, if any, at an early stage and provide timely treatment to your four-legged companion before the condition advances.

Must Read: Why You Should Choose Dorwest for Your Pet’s Joint and Skin Wellness

Maintain Optimal Joint Health of Your Canine

With the right approach and a few modifications in the routine, you can maintain the healthy joints of your four-legged friend. Equip yourself with the information provided in this blog and consider the tips to keep your furball protected from joint-related problems at all ages. Always consult the vet for tailored recommendations.