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Questions
- How to Tell if Your Dog Has Joint Pain
- How to Keep Your Dog’s Joints Healthy
- Adequate Nutrition is Key
- Is Glucosamine Good for Dogs’ Joints?
- Is Fish Oil Good for Dogs’ Joints?
- Can I Give my Dog Turmeric for Joint Pain?
- Do Joint Supplements Work for Dogs?
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How to Tell if Your Dog Has Joint Pain
Dogs may all handle joint pain differently, but even the most stalwart pooch should be treated for joint problems and pain if they’re suffering from it.
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Common symptoms of joint pain in dogs include:
Changes in gait or movement
Swelling over the joint
Stiffness
Difficulty standing up or sitting
Lameness on one or more legs
Reluctance to move, including playing or jumping
Pain when the affected area is touched
Behavioural changes
Excessive licking of the joint
Muscle wastage
If your pet is showing signs of joint pain, the first thing to do is contact your vet, as they may need pain relief.
While you wait for your appointment, shortening walks and providing plenty of comfy resting places are some of the best things you can do to minimize your dog's discomfort.
Usually, pain is the result of wear and tear on the joint and the surrounding tissues, but luckily, it can often be prevented or improved by adopting some dog joint care routines.
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How to Keep Your Dog’s Joints Healthy
There are some physical actions you can take to ensure your dog's joints stay healthy, as well as some dietary and lifestyle changes that can offer a holistic approach to helping them stay in tip-top condition.
Keep an Eye on Their Weight
Keeping your dog in good shape is one of the most important factors when it comes to keeping their joints healthy in the long-term
A yummy treat is just the thing to let your pet know what a good dog they’ve been, but everything should be in moderation to avoid unwanted weight gain.
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Dogs that are overweight - even by just a small amount - have a significantly higher chance of experiencing joint problems and pain than those who are trim. This is because excess pounds can create pressure on their joints, leading to degradation and swelling.
So if your pup is a little bit rounder than you'd like, putting them on a strict weight loss regime might just be the kindest thing you can do!
Regular Exercise is Vital
All canines need regular walks to keep them fit and stimulated, but getting enough exercise is good for their overall health, not just for their waistlines.
Exercising your pooch every day will not only help to protect their joints and help to keep them mobile, but will also promote muscle growth to support them.
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If your dog is older or has an existing joint problem, it’s advisable to take them out for shorter walks throughout the day, rather than one or two long ones. This can help them to build muscle strength and keep the joints supple, without overdoing it.
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Additionally, swimming and hydrotherapy are also gentle, yet effective exercises that can help to keep your dog’s joints healthy. Swimming, in particular, is good for joint pain, as it is low-impact and the water helps to support their weight, allowing for a larger range of movement.
Invest in Comfy Bedding
A comfy dog bed that suits your pooch is one of the best gifts you can give them if they suffer from joint pain, as one that is too small or that doesn't have enough padding can exacerbate joint problems.
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Make sure your pup has a bed that's big enough for them to comfortably stretch out in, as some dogs with joint pain may have trouble bending limbs into a curled position, or may need extra padding to help cushion the joints and prevent extra swelling.
Beds should be changed around once a year to ensure your pooch is getting all the comfort and support they need.
Ramp it Up
Ramps are a great investment for dogs large and small, considering the amount of stress certain situations place on their joints.
Small dogs have to jump down from high places a lot of the time, such as steps, cars and even from their owner's laps. Ramps can also benefit older or less mobile dogs, making their life easier whilst protecting their joints!
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Adequate Nutrition is Key
When researching what food is good for dog joints, looking out for specific ingredients is key.
Joint care dog food and ones that are rich in omega 3 oils, present in ingredients like green lipped mussel, glucosamine, and turmeric, such as K9 Maxi, can help to lubricate the joints, repair cartilage and reduce inflammation.
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Calcium is also a vital ingredient in dog food, particularly for puppies. Puppy food should be calcium-rich to provide adequate nutrition for their bones and teeth and joints. When they’re growing, your pup’s joints rely heavily on calcium, as it helps muscles lengthen and contract, allowing joints to move smoothly.
Large breed puppies will need more calcium than smaller breeds, so getting the right puppy food will help to ensure they get all the nutrients needed to support healthy bone and joint growth and maintenance.
Is Glucosamine Good for Dogs’ Joints?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar which is used by the body to help grow tendons, ligaments, joints and surrounding fluid (synovial fluid). It has been shown to increase any cartilage or synovial fluid that has been worn down or damaged, helping to protect and prevent further joint degradation.
Glucosamine can be added to the diet in the form of tablets, oils or even powders.
Alternatively, good joint care dog food, such as the K9 range of complete dog foods, will often contain glucosamine, along with other ingredients that work in tandem to improve joint health.
Is Fish Oil Good for Dogs’ Joints?
Fish oil has long been known to be greatly beneficial for dogs’ joints.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EHA & DHA, work to combat inflammation and improve overall manoeuvrability, and are often included in many types of joint care supplements.
Supplementation with fish oil, such as the Lifestage Salmon Oil for Dogs, has shown to improve symptoms of joint pain in dogs, such as weight bearing and joint functionality.
Fish oil like the Brilliant Salmon Oil is the most potent form of EHA & DHA, and is also a cost-effective way to introduce these Omega-3’s into your dog’s diet. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and introduce it slowly, either adding to food or giving it as a treat.
Can I Give my Dog Turmeric for Joint Pain?
Tumeric is safe for dogs to consume in small quantities, and is a powerful, natural ingredient that fights joint pain caused by inflammation.
Turmeric in its whole form is best, due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-killing) properties. Joint care dog food often has turmeric as an active ingredient, such as the K9 Maxi, as it works in harmony with other ingredients that support and protect the joints.
Do Joint Supplements Work for Dogs?
Joint supplements are another way to ensure your dog's joints are protected. They usually a whole host of ingredients that target the problem and help to improve their health and function.
Joint supplements, such as VetIQ Arthriti-UM Advanced, contain ingredients like methyl sulfonyl methane, glucosamine and chondroitin, that work together to reduce swelling, pain and stiffness.
Some products, like the YuMOVE joint supplements also contain hyaluronic acid and manganese, which provide lubrication and cushioning to the joints, as well as supporting collagen formation in tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
Most joint supplements contain combinations of all the ingredients mentioned and are cost-effective and easy to administer, so they can quickly become part of your dog's daily routine.
When Should I Give my Dog Joint Supplement?
When it comes to joint supplements, most owners only think of adding them to their dog's diet when they first notice the signs of pain.
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However, joint supplements, such as the Beaphar Tablets, can be added to a dog's diet when they reach adulthood, as this can be a good way to prevent wear and tear and protect the joints from damage as your pooch ages.
Knowing what you can do to protect your canine companions joints as they age can help to keep a spring in their step.
Deciding to add supplements to your dog's food, buying specialist food or making adjustments to your home are all forms of joint care for dogs, and can make a world of difference to them if they suffer from joint pain.
Considering buying food for your dog that will care of their joints? Then explore the K9 range of tailored, perfectly balanced dog food to keep your pet in tip-top shape from head to tail!