VET APPROVED
REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
DVM (Veterinarian)
The data is current and up-to-date based on the latest veterinary studies.
Learn more »
Arthritis is a prevalent issue in dogs and is among the many joint problems that can affect our furry friends. While it’s not entirely preventable, it is feasible to slow down its progression. Here are some preventive measures you can adopt to protect your dog’s joints as they grow older.
Six Tips to Prevent Joint Issues and Arthritis in Dogs
1. Emphasize Good Nutrition
Reports suggest that about half of dogs aged 5–10 years have arthritis, and nearly a quarter of dogs over 1 year old also face this issue. This indicates that while more prominent in elder dogs, arthritis is a concern for younger ones too.
Nutrition plays a critical role in dogs’ overall health, including their joint health. Dogs need to grow at a steady pace. A well-rounded diet is essential to support weight management and ensure they receive adequate vitamins and minerals that help protect their bones, joints, and cartilage—all crucial for joint health.
Rapid weight gain strains the bones, leading to potential arthritis issues in the future. Maintaining a balanced diet with quality food is crucial. Follow recommended feeding guidelines to prevent excess weight gain.
2. Regular Vet Check-ups
Frequent visits to the vet can help detect various health problems early, contributing to a healthier life for your dog. Ensure your dog sees the vet at least once a year, ideally every six months, for routine check-ups. Early identification of issues allows for timely interventions to alleviate pain and slow down the progression of problems.
Joint issues like arthritis often advance significantly before noticeable symptoms like swelling or limping appear. Vets are trained to spot signs of inflammation and pain early, making regular vet visits crucial.
3. Encourage Adequate Exercise
Alongside proper nutrition, regular exercise is vital for your dog’s well-being. There isn’t a universal amount or type of exercise suitable for all dogs. Some breeds, like collies, require rigorous daily exercise, while others, like St. Bernards, need less intense workouts. Excessive exercise can be as harmful as insufficient activity.
Consult your vet for exercise recommendations, enroll your dog in activities like canine sports or agility classes, take them for regular walks, and find suitable ways to keep them active. Consistent exercise is key to seeing beneficial results.
4. Consider Joint Supplements
Although supplements are often associated with addressing specific deficiencies, providing your dog with appropriate supplements from a young age can help ensure they receive essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Glucosamine and chondroitin aid in cartilage protection and can be found in foods for dogs with joint issues or in senior dog diets. These supplements can help safeguard your dog’s joints before problems arise. Additionally, look for supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
Discuss supplements with your vet to find a suitable option that is easy to administer and free from unnecessary ingredients, and stick to the prescribed regimen.
5. Avoid Excessive Weight Gain
Excess weight adds strain on bones and joints, leading to potential joint problems like arthritis and increasing susceptibility to other health issues.
If your vet has recommended a feeding plan, adhere to it strictly. If not, weigh your dog to determine their current and ideal weight. Use this information to adjust their food intake gradually, ensuring you feed them based on their ideal weight rather than their current weight.
6. Watch for Early Arthritis Signs
Early detection of arthritis allows for prompt steps to slow down its progression. Initial symptoms may be subtle, but if you notice limpness, awkward movements, or signs of joint pain in your dog, consult the vet promptly. They can diagnose arthritis or other issues and recommend appropriate interventions like dietary changes, supplements, and other measures.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a challenging condition with no cure. While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of arthritis entirely, you can delay its onset and progression by providing a good diet, supplements, exercise, and regular vet check-ups. These steps can enhance your dog’s chances of a healthy, pain-free life.
Sources
- https://www.petmd.com/5-ways-prevent-dog-arthritis
- https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/guarding-against-arthritis-in-dogs-awareness-and-weight-are-key/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/
- https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-prevent-slow-down-arthritis-in-dogs
- https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/arthritis-in-dogs
Featured Image Credit: msgrafixx, Shutterstock