5 Tips To Treat The Joint Pain in Dogs
Introduction
Disabling pain in the joints can severely limit a dog’s mobility and negatively impact their quality of life. Joint pain in our animal friends is a typical problem as they grow older and can have many different causes, such as arthritis, injury, or disease.
The good news is that dog joint pain can be treated in a variety of methods. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons canine paws hurt and the many ways you may help your dog feel better, from medication to a change in routine.
It’s possible that your dog is developing arthritis if his or her joints aren’t looking too great. If you want to help your dog and learn how to treat its joint pain, now is the time to start.
Causes of Joint Issues in Canine Health
A number of causes can contribute to joint problems in dogs, including:
Aging: As dogs become older, their joints break down naturally, resulting in disorders like osteoarthritis.
Genetics: Some breeds are vulnerable to joint problems due to genetic causes.
Obesity: Excess weight places excessive pressure on a dog’s joints, eventually leading to joint disorders.
Accidents: falls, and other stressful occurrences can result in joint injuries that lead to long-term joint problems.
Infections: Infections with bacteria, fungus, or viruses can lead to painful swelling and damage to the joints.
Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation and damage to a dog’s joints, as shown in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Developmental Diseases: Degenerative joint disease in dogs is often caused by developmental illnesses, wherein abnormalities in bone and joint growth are manifested.
It is crucial to remember that a number of these factors might work together to cause joint problems. If you think your dog is having joint difficulties, you should see a vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs
Dogs with joint pain may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Limping, or preferring the use of one leg over the other
- Possibility of moving around less or avoiding physical activity
- A lack of flexibility, especially after rest; trouble getting out of bed, climbing stairs, or leaping
- Muscle wasting in the afflicted limb
- Licking at the hurt area, agitation and irritability, and changes in appetite.
- The Age When Joint Problems Begin for Dogs
The Age When Joint Problems Begin for Dogs
Constraints in performing routine tasks are the most widely reported indicator of impairment. The dog can’t get into the backseat of the car, up the stairs, or onto the furniture anymore thanks to the barriers that have been installed.
During dog park trips or runs with their owners, dogs with greater athletic prowess may tyre out sooner.
Open lameness, such as propping up or contorting limbs, is the next stage. That’s the bulk of what we run into regularly. However, pain is not typically the first symptom reported. In most cases, you can expect a delay.
The Link Between Breed and Joint Injuries in Dogs
There is a connection between having a larger than average body size and the onset of joint problems. As a result, researchers will be able to study developmental and degenerative disorders using larger dogs as models.
There are, however, some problems that only affect certain kinds of dogs. When it comes to canine breeds, cruciate ligament disease is most common in Newfoundland.
Rottweilers are predisposed to developing joint problems in the knees and ankles. Because of their genetic predisposition, Bernese Mountain Dogs often suffer from elbow dysplasia.
Five miraculous things can help your dog feel better and provide much-needed mobility and lubrication.
5 Ways To Support Your Dog’s Joint Health
1. Feed your pet properly
The best way to maintain your dog’s joint health is with a diet rich in glucosamine. Your neighborhood pet store likely carries specialist dog foods that are high in glucosamine.
Usually, they will have “joint health formula” or a label that sounds similar on them. Although a little more expensive, this type of food will ultimately save you a lot of money on vet bills. Your dog will appreciate it!
2. Put your dog to work
Working a painful joint may seem a little counterintuitive, but doing so will keep it lubricated. We do not require strenuous activity. A leisurely stroll or light jog will do.
This has the additional benefit of preventing your dog from gaining too much weight. Nothing is more detrimental to your dog’s joints than being overweight.
3. Give your dog a bit of acupressure
You may relieve a lot of tension discomfort by lying your dog down and massaging the muscles surrounding the joint rather than ON the joint.
A few minutes twice a day will make a significant effect. Keep your dog lying down after each massage and perform the following…
4. Using Acupressure to Relieve Joint Pain in Dogs
Acupressure is a therapeutic approach in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body to ease pain and promote healing. As well as helping with physical and emotional issues, it can be used to aid dogs with joint pain.
Find the right acupressure points on your dog by reading a chart or talking to your doctor or an experienced acupressure practitioner. Then, push gently for a few seconds using your fingertips or a soft-tipped instrument.
Use your thumb and middle finger to firmly compress your dog’s heel, which is closest to the injured joint. Spend 30 to 60 minutes doing this. Your dog will be in complete happiness!
Do this as many times as necessary and keep an eye on your dog to make sure they’re feeling comfortable the whole time.
If your dog’s joint pain is severe, for example if it’s the result of an injury or sickness, acupressure should not replace veterinarian care. You should talk to your vet before trying acupressure on your dog to be sure it’s safe and effective for their needs.
5. Benefits of Natural Supplements for Joint Health in Dogs
Find a homoeopathic remedy that will reduce your dog’s discomfort while lubricating the affected joint or joints, encouraging flexibility, and accelerating your dog’s natural healing process.
Giving your dog these five thoughtful gifts will not only improve their joint health but also ensure that they have a wonderful companionship for many months or perhaps years to come.
Nutritionist and dog lover Lee Murray is dedicated to assisting you in providing the best possible health and happiness for your canine companion.
The five tips above will help your dog’s joints stay healthy throughout his or her life, from puppyhood to old age, so that you may spend as much time as possible with your four-legged friend taking him or her on brisk runs, long walks, and exciting new experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing dog joint pain calls for a multi-pronged strategy that may involve pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, physical therapy, and behavioral modifications.
The best way to treat your dog’s joint pain is to work together with your vet to create a tailor-made strategy that takes into account your dog’s unique circumstances and the root causes of his discomfort. Many dogs with joint problems can live a happy, active life with the right care and attention.