Mary Allen
If your dog has trouble getting up, moves more slowly, and is obviously in pain when he walks, then he may be suffering from joint pain.
Joint diseases such as arthritis are as well known in dogs as in humans and are the most common cause of joint pain in dogs.
What to do if your dog has joint pain?
Osteoarthritis is a serious orthopedic problem that now affects every fifth dog. Unfortunately, the disease is far too often only diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Mostly old dogs are affected by joint disease. But even young dogs can suffer from joint disease. The right diet can help not only to make life easier for the dog but even prevent joint problems.
Wear of the joints
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. It is the wear and tear of the cartilage layer of a joint and changes in the bones.
The joint capsule is often reduced and bone formation can occur. The result is that the joint becomes stiff. Arthritis usually develops over a long period and can affect any joint.
The most common cases are hip, elbow, or ankle joints that are painfully altered.
The reasons for this disease are varied. On the one hand, the wear and tear of the joints can be caused by age. This is then referred to as primary arthrosis. Secondary arthrosis is caused by growth disorders or injuries.
For young and old dogs
Arthritis is often a sign of aging, but it can also occur in young dogs if their joints have been overused for a long time.
The disease is favored by obesity, physical overload, joint misalignments such as hip dysplasia, injuries, or previous joint diseases. Poorly healed injuries can also cause inflammation of the joints.
Not all dogs are equally prone to joint problems. Osteoarthritis is diagnosed more frequently in large breeds such as Rottweilers, Labradors, German Shepherds, or Retrievers than in small dogs.
Diseases can already be promoted in puppyhood through malnutrition with food that is too high in energy or low in minerals.
Exercise and medications such as painkillers
Therapy is adapted to the dog. Overweight dogs need to lose weight as quickly as possible.
The activities that the dog can or should do are prescribed by the vet according to the degree of joint problems. For example, a movement that would put particular strain on the affected joint is reduced to a minimum.
If the ankle is diseased, your four-legged friend should therefore refrain from excessive jumping or romping around.
Long walks are taboo with arthrosis. Several short trips are better. It would be ideal to swim a lot with the dog.
In addition, anti-inflammatory and painkilling medications are usually administered by the veterinarian. Physiotherapy treatment can be of great help.
Role of diet in joint pain
As a dog owner, you can do a lot to ensure that your darling stays healthy if there is joint wear and tear with the right food. Already in puppyhood and during growth you have to feed all nutrients in the right ratio.
For adult dogs, seniors, and neutered dogs, the diet is adjusted accordingly. You should avoid being overweight. Today there are already types of food on the market whose ingredients can prevent arthrosis.
Green-lipped mussel or nettle as a natural remedy
The ingredient green-lipped mussel extract is popular here. Maori people of New Zealand have used the conch for thousands of years to relieve joint pain and cure diseases.
The contained glucosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate help with cartilage formation and its lubrication. They can contribute to regeneration and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis progressing. The omega-3 fatty acids it contains alleviate symptoms.
The green-lipped mussel extract is therefore already useful as a preventive measure, but can also be given to support an illness. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, or selenium have an anti-inflammatory effect and slow down arthritis in dogs.
Another medicinal plant is the nettle. It has also proven itself for joint problems.
How do I know if my dog has osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly over a long period. It is precisely this fact that is responsible for the fact that many dog owners only recognize the symptoms very late.
Typical are stiff joints and joint pain, which leads to lameness after getting up. It usually improves with exercise. The joint may swell and the dog will bite and pull at the affected area.
The dog often lies very restless and constantly changes its position.
Joint diseases are difficult to recognize in the early stages, so as a dog owner you should always pay attention to the general condition of your fur nose.
Food refusal, listlessness, and fatigue over some time can already be the first signs. In these cases, a visit to the vet helps to rule out joint pain in the dog.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I recognize joint pain in dogs?
Pain in the joints of the dog can be recognized quite quickly by its changed movement sequences. The animal tries to avoid pain by evasive movements. The affected dog changes its posture, becomes lame, refuses to walk and stand up, or often bites its painful joints.
What can I give my dog for the joints?
You can support your dog’s joint health with food containing certain ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate, and nettle, which can have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
What should a dog with osteoarthritis not eat?
Cereals, sugar, salt, and fatty meat should be avoided. And not only when the dog suffers from arthrosis. However, with arthrosis, it is all the more important to give high-quality dog food that contains important nutrients.
