Hi Boox Popular Magazine 2024
Hip and joint pain is a common and severe in dogs as it is in humans. Dogs of every breed and age can fall prey to this painful health condition. However, those belonging to certain breeds and ones who are older are more susceptible to this condition. Although one cannot rule out the possibility of hip and joint pain completely however healthy habits, if inculcated from an early age, can reduce the chances of this painful condition. Among other essential measures, it is highly recommended to provide hip and joint supplements to your dogs as a part of their daily diet.
Let us have a closer look at the hip and joint pain in dogs. The need for supplements and other measures to prevent as well as cure this problem are also discussed here in detail.
Hip and Joint Pain – A Common Problem in Dogs
As mentioned above, this is a common problem in dogs and can be developed at just about any age although older dogs stand a higher chance of developing this condition. Joint pain in hips is more widespread in dogs. However, cases of joint pain in shoulders, knees, and elbows are no less common. Breeds that are more prone to joint pain include Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Dachshund, Mastiffs, Great Dane Rottweiler, Labrador, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Samoyed, and Alaskan Malamute.
Causes of Hip and Joint Pain in Dogs
Before we get to the precautions and possible cure for this condition, let us understand as to what causes this problem. One of the most common causes of hip and joint pain in dogs is osteoarthritis. This problem occurs because of the wear and tear and weakening of joints as the dogs grow older. Hip dysplasia is another common condition that causes this severe problem. This condition occurs if the hip socket of a dog is not developed properly. Consequently, the bone doesn’t fit well in the socket which causes inflammation and pain. This is often a genetic problem and is passed on from generation to generation.
Many dogs even experience disintegration of the hip which in turn causes inflammation in bones. This problem is common in young dogs mainly in small breeds. Osteochondritis dissecans, panosteitis, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy are some of the other conditions that ultimately lead to hip and joint pain in our adorable furry friends.
How to Identify Joint Pain in Dogs?
Unlike humans, dogs cannot communicate and share their pain no matter how much they are suffering. This is why it is important to be extra cautious about their behavior and needs. Any change in their behavior must be taken seriously and its root cause must be identified at the earliest so as to address the issue timely.
When it comes to hip and joint pain, it is likely that your dog is experiencing it if it has started limping or holding one leg off the ground. Some of the other symptoms of this painful condition include reluctance to move, moving with difficulty, finding it difficult to get up on feet, showing reluctance while climbing stairs or jumping and panting heavily even after walking few steps. Dogs with such a condition also develop visible swelling in joints. You can even hear cracking sounds in their joints. As the pain grows severe, your pet may even be heard whining.
Balanced Diet and Joint Supplements: To Prevent Joint Pain
A balanced diet goes a long way in maintaining joint health. It is thus necessary to feed your pets with high-quality food that includes all the essential micronutrients. In addition to this, you must add hip and joint supplements to their daily diet so as to reduce the possibility of developing hip and joint pain. These supplements mainly include ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane. Together, these ingredients keep the joints healthy and reduce the chances of joint inflammation and soreness. Thus, veterinary doctors across the world recommend joint supplements for dogs. These supplements can easily be found at the local medical stores. You can even buy them online.
As more and more people are becoming aware of the need of joint supplements, the demand for this product is increasing. Consequently, several brands have started offering hip and joint supplements for dogs. While some of these supplements prove to be highly effective others are not able to live up to their promise. Hence, it is essential to conduct thorough research and view the feedback of pet owners as well as vets before opting for this product. It is in fact, best to consult a vet before starting with this dose. He is the best person to guide you about which joint supplement you should choose and which one you must avoid. He will also provide accurate information about the dosage to be given to your dog.
Possible Treatments for Hip and Joint Pain
As mentioned above, joint supplements are effective in preventing joint pain in dogs. However, just in case, your pet develops this condition, these supplements can also be given to heal this problem. The treatment or medication your pet is undergoing can safely be coupled with joint supplements for a speedy recovery.
However, both medication, as well as supplements for your dog, must be prescribed by a qualified vet. In addition to this, you must ensure that your dog indulges in light exercises and has a healthy body weight. You can also place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the affected area to soothe the pain as your pet sleeps at night.
Moreover, you must make the surroundings more comfortable for your dog to roam around. This will help him move easily from one place to another.
In case the problem grows severe, your dog may have to undergo surgery.
We hope this information gives you an idea about how grave this medical condition is and how you can reduce the chances of developing this problem by providing joint supplements to your pet and taking care of few other things. You can check out alphadognutrition.com to get good quality hip and joint supplements for your dog.
