Image source:
Pixabay
We all know the excruciating pain of a twisted knee and that pain
can be overwhelming for us sometimes. It goes for our canine
buddies who, just like us humans know the feeling too well. But,
the good news is that, there are an umpteen number of ways to
treat and prevent our dogs from knee injuries. Here are 7 ways to
keep your dogs knees healthy and well protected:
Identify The Symptoms:
Our dogs cannot tell us about the pain they are going through so
it is our duty to look for the signs. The most common symptom of
a knee injury is limping. The dogs usually walk in an imbalanced
manner when they have hit their knee. Sometimes they find it
difficult to get up. These are the vital symptoms of a knee
injury and should not be avoided at any cost.
Comprehending Risk Factors:
Any kind of dog irrespective of breed and age is prone to knee
injuries. Understanding the potential of risk factors leading to
a knee injury in your dog can lead to a fast recovery and less
pain to your furry friend. Being cautious and not taking chances
is a very clever approach towards your dogโs well being.
Proper Diet:
Dogs tend to become overweight very quickly if they are overfed.
Consult a vet and take a diet chart. The portions that are given
to a dog need to be controlled ensuring a healthy life for them.
Dogs being dogs will never say no to food. It is up to you to
ensure that your buddy doesnโt end up eating more than the usual
limit.
Exercise Daily:
Daily exercise is a must in order to prevent knee injuries to
happen. Dogs can get lazy and overweight very quickly making
their knees more susceptible to injuries. Taking your dog for a
brisk walk everyday is considered a very healthy habit.
Prompt Action:
Do not wait to get proper attention to your dogโs knee problem as
even one dayโs delay. You wouldnโt have waited if it were your
knee right? Taking prompt action helps your canine get rid of the
pain quickly.
Dog Proofing The House:
Sometimes too much clutter in the house also causes the dog to
get hurt or injured. Making the environment more safe and play
friendly for the dog helps in preventing knee injuries. Keeping
empty spaces for them to stroll around or play around makes them
happy and also safe.
Joint Care Medicines:
Collagen and Glucosamine are two compounds that are known to
improve joint condition. They also help in reducing the pain in
the knee and aids in controlling the swelling. They are
absolutely safe for your dog and have no side effects.
Hereโs What to do When Your Dog Suffers a Knee Injury
Image source:Pixabay.com
Prevention is the best medicine. But sometimes, itโs too late for
preventative measures and we have to treat the damage thatโs
already done. If youโve ever had a knee injury, even if it was
just a tiny twist, you can imagine how painful it is. Dogs are
really playful and energetic creatures and because of this, they
know the pain of a sprained or twisted knee a little too well.
Although these knee problems may be common in canines, there are
plenty of things that you could do to treat and even prevent them
before they happen.
-
Understand what his risk
factors are.Any dog can experience these knee problems
at some or other point in their lives. However, some dog breeds
are more prone to them than others. Understanding whether your
dog is one of the breeds that are more at risk can help you
prepare for the injury, treat it better, and in some cases,
even prevent it from happening altogether. Larger dogs could
get a cranial cruciate ligament tear more than smaller breeds.
Patellar luxations are often the concern with smaller dogs.
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Learn the signs.Dogs
canโt communicate using speech so itโs our responsibility to
try and understand our pet as much as we can using his actions
and little noises. If your dog is limping or not putting weight
on one of his limbs, chances are, he has a knee injury. They
might limp after doing exercise, have difficulty getting up
from a sitting position, or even hold one of his feet off the
ground. These are all signs that heโs in pain. Go to the vet
immediately.
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Encourage him to
exercise.As dogs age, so do their bodies. They wonโt be
able to handle a lot of strenuous exercises like they used to
in their golden days. Change their exercise routine from
strenuous activities to more lush walks in the park. Avoid
exercises with high impact.
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Add joint supplements to
their diet.Dachshunds have really disproportionate
bodies. Their legs are too tiny to support their elongated
bodies. This puts a lot of pressure on their knees and makes
them more susceptible to injury. Try adding a joint supplement
to his daily meals to strengthen and protect his weak knees.
Ask your vet for advice before starting your pet on any new
diet.
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Physical therapy.Just
like in humans, dogs with knee injuries can also benefit
greatly from physical therapy. When combined with adequate
rest, pain management, and weight management, physical therapy
is sure to get your doggo back on his feet in no time at all.
Some knee injuries can even be completely avoided with the
right physical therapy treatment plan.
