We all want what’s best for our pets, but it can become challenging to care for them as health issues arise. It can be heartbreaking to realize that your pup isn’t as spry as he used to be, and very often this issue can be attributed to a health concern, such as diminished joint function. Joint problems in dogs are highly common, and even more common in certain breeds or sizes of dogs. In this article, we’ll go over some basic information about your dog’s joint health and what you can do to keep them feeling young for years to come.
Since it can be tough to try to figure out what your pet may be feeling or experiencing, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that they may have some joint pain or discomfort. These are the most common signs to look out for in your pet if he or she begins to experience diminished joint health.
It’s important to note that many of these symptoms could be related to other issues, like depression, torn ligaments, or other health concerns. However, if you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it is essential to bring them to your veterinarian for a check-up right away.
There are a number of reasons why our dogs experience diminished joint health, and many of them are out of our control, unfortunately. However, it is good to know if your pet is at a heightened risk of running into orthopedic problems.
Certain genetic markers are correlated to joint health issues, as can be found in certain breeds of dogs like Rottweilers and other bully breeds. Furthermore, larger, heavier dogs are at a higher risk for joint issues, as there is more weight and therefore pressure and strain on the joints than in smaller dogs.
It’s important to take the time to consider your options for treating your dog’s joint health problems, as the longer the problem persists the more at risk they are for tearing ligaments or experiencing other joint-related injuries. These are some of the most common treatment methods for joint pain or attempting to reverse diminished joint health:
Of course, surgery is a last-resort option for most pet owners; however, it may be the best solution for your pet. It’s important to get a few opinions from veterinarians you trust near you so that you can make the most informed decision regarding your pet’s health. In other cases, changes to diet, adding pain-management medications to your pet’s daily regimen, or giving your dog supplements such as fish oil have shown to be helpful in improving joint health in pets.
We all want our pets to be happy, healthy, and full of energy. It helps to know more about your dog’s breed and predispositions they may have to joint issues later on. In these cases, preventive measures are important to put in place. Here are some other guidelines to help you get your pet’s health back on track:
Here at Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency, treating orthopedic issues like diminished joint function is a common practice. Families and pet owners from all over the areas of Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and other cities nearby Ventura County, CA, have been bringing their pets to us to help treat joint problems, as we provide our clients with highly individualized treatment plans, including preventive care to keep joint issues at bay for as long as possible. If you’ve noticed that your pet is experiencing symptoms of joint pain, please contact us to schedule a check-up and help you come up with a treatment plan that works for both you and your pet.