How to Ensure Joint Health for Dogs

by Craig Elliott

Similar to a human's joints, a dog's joints are important parts of their body. A dog's joints, whether it's the ball and socket joints, the hinge joints or the gliding joints are all imperative to their mobility. Without joints a dog would be unable to move since they provide flexibility which enables their legs to bend, their hips to move, etc. If a dog owner wishes to see their pet living a healthy, mobile life, it's essential to do everything possible to ensure joint health for dogs.

Many dogs unfortunately develop arthritis. Actually there are several conditions dogs develop which are often listed under arthritis. These conditions include degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, inflammatory joint disease and osteoarthritis. These are the names pet owners will often hear regarding joint problems with their dogs. Each of these conditions can cause severe pain for a dog. Each of these conditions involves a dog's joints and so it is important for dog owners to take the necessary steps to ensure joint health for their dogs.

As a dog owner, how do you ensure joint health for your dog? First of all it's important that dogs have regular examinations by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians are trained to recognize specific signs and symptoms related to dog arthritis and joint disease. There are certain breeds that are prone to poor joint health and since a vet would be aware of this, they could monitor the dog. If problems with joint health are caught early enough they can be treated and the dog will likely enjoy a long life without much difficulty.

Because you, the owner spend the most time with your dog, it's imperative that you do your part to ensure your dog's joint health. Besides taking them to the vet you must make sure they receive regular exercise to keep their joints in good working order. Activity will make sure the dog's joints are being used. Like a piece of machinery, if unused a dog's joints may eventually stop working properly.

Your dog's diet is very important to ensure joint health. There are special diets designed specifically for aging dogs to guard against joint problems. There are foods designed for dogs with arthritis. These foods contain necessary ingredients to prevent and/or help joint problems caused by arthritis.

Dogs right from birth require plenty of TLC. They also need certain vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body. It is recommended that dog owners should add a multivitamin supplement to their dog's daily diet. Of course the amount, dose and type of multivitamin would depend on the dog's age and size. As dogs grow older they are at a greater risk of developing joint disease. For this reason special attention should be paid to the dog's diet including vitamin supplements. Chondroitin and glucosamine are believed to be beneficial in treating and relieving symptoms of dog arthritis and joint problems. These are just two of the recommended supplements for aging dogs. There are many other vitamin and multivitamin supplements on the market today which can help ensure joint health for dogs.

Although pet owner's love their dogs and assume their efforts are enough to protect their health, often they aren't. A dog owner might buy what they think is the perfect food while in fact the food may not contain anything useful to their dog. It's important that a dog owner, especially as the dog ages, research and ask questions about necessary changes required for aging dogs. Nobody wants to see their dog in anguish and pain. Since dogs aren't verbally capable of sharing their feelings, often they may be suffering silently. At times even the dog may not know there are problems with their joints. For example the cartilage that protects the joints can deteriorate. Because cartilage has little or no nerves, degeneration can take place without the dog feeling anything. This cartilage degeneration can be going on for a long time before it is actually discovered.

Learning details such as these are important for any dog owner. It puts them in a better position regarding taking preventative steps. To ensure joint health for dogs owners should always do their utmost to find preventative measures. Owning a dog is so much more than feeding them and giving them a warm place to sleep. Owning a dog is a major responsibility. These innocent pets depend on their owners to ensure they lead the best life possible. Because they are incapable of caring for themselves, they trust their owners to make the right decisions regarding their health. If you are a pet owner, this information regarding joint health for your dog may be brand new. Not everyone is aware of potential risks and risk factors for dogs. Maybe today you'll commit to learning all you about the health of a dog and begin to take steps to ensure joint health for your dog.
About the author
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Pet Medicine