Joint problems are a common problem of aging dogs. Just like
their owners, the wear and tear of a lifetime of use can injure
and put strain on the joints. This can develop into
arthritis. When the cartilage begins to degrade due to strain
or injury, pain results and can make dogs reluctant to move.
Big dogs are more prone to developing arthritis because extra
weight places more stress on the joints, but all dogs are at
risk. Problems like hip dysplasia, even though present earlier,
may not be obvious until dogs reach the age of six or seven.
The hips, elbows and knees are the most common problem spots,
but dogs are so stoic they almost never show signs until a lot
of damage has been done. Typical signs are reluctance to climb
stairs, trouble getting up after sleeping, and reluctance to
exercise.
You canโt reverse joint disease but you can slow down the
progression and often prevent some of the worst problems. Here
are five ways to help keep your dogโs joints healthy.
Prevent Joint Injury
Arthritis almost always develops as a result of injury much
earlier in life, even when your dog is a puppy. Over exercise,
jumping too high, and running too hard before a puppyโs bones
and joints are mature can injure the joints so supervise your
young dogโs exercise routine.
Make Environmental Accommodations
Even adult dogs can hurt themselves by jumping on and off the
sofa, for instance. Make it easier for your dogs to do what
they love without risking injury. For example, provide a dog
ramp so they can easily get into and out of the car without
jumping, or offer them a footstool so they donโt have to risk
the leap.
Treat Injuries Promptly
Veterinarians say itโs vital to treat any suspected injury as
soon as possible to reduce or prevent joint problems as your
dog ages. Dogs that suffer fractures from being hit by cars,
for example, may need special treatment, forced rest or even
surgical repair to help them properly heal.
Feed Appropriate Food
Large breed puppies can grow too fast and become too heavy for
their immature joints. Adult dogs put on too much weight when
overfed, and obesity adds strain to the joints and makes it
painful to exercise. Choosing the correct diet or adding
joint-supporting dietary supplements like Dasuquin, Cosequin, or Glyco-Flex (or any chondroitin and
glucosamine for dogs supplement)
can slow down the progression of arthritis or even prevent
joint problems in your pets.
Keep Dogs Moving
Arthritis and joint problems develop into a vicious cycle. When
it hurts to move, dogs stop exercising and so they gain more
weight which puts increased stress on the joints. Exercise also
โfeedsโ the joint by pumping natural lubrication into the area.
Gentle exercise keeps joints limber and healthy, helps slim
down pudgy dogs, and just helps them feel better. Joints
stiffen after naps, so it can help to provide a heated bed or
gentle massage each morning to get your dog limber before a
walk.
Joint Health for Dogs - Starting an Exercise Routine
Exercise combined with joint support supplements such
as Dasuquin
Advanced chews are the is the single most
importantโand easiestโthing owners can do to help maintain good
joint health for dogs. Exercise does several things. Movement
helps pump synovial fluidโthink of that as biological
greaseโinto the joint to lubricate and help keep the cartilage
healthy. That has some pain-reduction properties, too, so dogs
will be more willing to exercise. Regular exercise also helps
keep dogs at a healthy weight, or even
better, slightly under the ideal which takes
the pressure off the joints.
Exercise for Senior Dogs
Aged athletes may not be able to run as fast, jump as high, or
play as long as in their youth, but they still enjoy these
activities in a modified version. Instead of a marathon walk,
stroll for ten minutes at the dogโs pace. Roll the ball or drag
the tug toy so the older animal can chase without needing to
leap. Some dogs enjoy playing a type of canine soccer with
exercise balls created just for that purpose.
Swimming Exercise
Swimming is an ideal exercise for joint-challenged canines. The
waterโs buoyancy relieves stress on the joints so dogs can
still exercise their muscles and joints without doing further
damage. Body temperature waterโabout 102 degreesโhelps loosen
the body and relieves pain, too. Many retriever-type dogs adore
the water, so a hot tub or swimming pool works well in good
weather. Small dogs can paddle in the bathtub. Simply fill the
tub with warm water that allows just their toes to touch and
encourage them to paddle about for 5 to 10 minutes every other
day until they build up stamina. Eventually a twenty-minute
daily session works wonders for joint issues in dogs.
Walking Works
For owners who donโt have swimming facilities or dogs that hate
the water, a gentle walk can also be helpful. Again, start slow
and encourage dogs to walk short distances at first while
slowly increasing the length and the speed of the walk. You
might start with a trek down the driveway to the mailbox and
back, and then extend it to a tour through the back yard. A
canine hike around the block also gives sniffing opportunities
that can reward reluctant dogs who like to practice couch
potato technique. Start with 5 to 10 minute outings
once or twice a day, and build up to a twenty minute walk at
least once a dayโtwice daily would be better.
Amy Shojai
is a certified animal behavior consultant, consultant to the
pet care industry and the award winning author of 23 pet care
books.
