Pets are part of the family and a true joy to have around. However, animals can also develop health issues that require medical attention. Some common pet illnesses are easy to spot, such as the common cold or allergies. Other conditions may go undetected for a while, causing symptoms to develop over time. As your dog ages, it will become more susceptible to illnesses and accidents, and the amount of care it needs will increase. Pet insurance companies like Bivvy help you cover the expenses of diagnostic treatment, hereditary conditions, and even prescription medication. Like humans, dogs go through a series of changes as they age. For example, the cartilage on the surface of its joints gets thinner, which makes it prone to arthritis.
It’s estimated that more than 20% of dogs suffer from arthritis, making it the most common cause of disability in older pets. Most pet owners don’t realize their dog is suffering until they can no longer walk or even move around. But research has shown there are steps you can take to help your dog maintain healthy joints and stay mobile for years to come.
We are all guilty of giving our dogs too many treats. We love spoiling them with food and cuddles, but the next time you’re tempted to give your pup a treat, consider what they’re doing on their own time. Dogs spend most of their day walking around or running outside! The more weight they carry in their joints, the less likely they’ll be able to move well when it’s time for exercise.
How To Keep Your Dog’s Joints Healthy
Here are five tips to keep your dog’s joints healthy so that your dog can continue being active with you!
Exercise together
Exercise is important for dogs to keep their joints healthy. Joints are the connective tissues that allow your dog’s legs, shoulders, hips, and other parts of the body to move smoothly. These joints help them go upstairs or jump into a car. Exercise also helps keep muscles strong by providing resistance exercise that can be difficult on some days due to weather or lack of time but is still really important!
There are many ways you can get your dog moving: take them on long walks, do some trick training with treats as rewards and even try playing fetch with an old tennis ball in the backyard! Your pup will thank you for it!
Keep them off concrete
A dog’s joints can be damaged by the constant pressure of standing on concrete. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, it is important to ensure they are not spending too much time standing or laying on hard surfaces like cement. You should consider purchasing an area rug for their favourite hangout spot and provide lots of softer bedding options inside the house. This way, you and your pup will have more comfortable living spaces!
Try different types of food
There are so many different types of food out there. Depending on the size of your dog, the required food will differ. For example, small breed dog food is going to contain slightly different ingredients to large breed dog food. However, not all foods are good for your dog joints, especially if they have arthritis or any other joint problems. There’s a lot you can do to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, but it starts with choosing right diet for your pet. Here are some things to try!
- Switching from dry kibble to canned food
- Adding Omega 3s like salmon oil or flaxseed oil
- Choosing treats without wheat gluten or soy protein
- Give your dog a diet with high levels of natural glucosamine, a building block of cartilage, and bone health.
Give the dog plenty of water to drink
Dogs need more than just food to stay healthy- they also need water. And the best way to ensure that your pet is getting enough hydration is by making sure he has access to clean drinking water at all times.
Always ensure your dog has plenty of water to drink and exercise with a consistent routine of walks and playtime. This helps maintain their weight, avoid injury from getting too heavy for their joints, and stimulate circulation in the body, reducing swelling in the joints.
Be sure they have a good place to sleep
As a pet parent, you know how important it is to ensure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep. And while they may choose their favourite spot on the floor or couch, when your pup’s joints are feeling stiff and sore, they’ll appreciate having an orthopaedic bed that provides them with more support. They deserve to have all of their needs met by us- even if they can’t speak for themselves!
Conclusion
In the end, there are several ways to keep your dog’s joints healthy. You can opt for a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, provide them with plenty of exercises, or medicate their joint pain if it becomes too much. However, you decide to tackle this issue, make sure you do what you need to do to ensure they have a happy life no matter how long they may live!
