{"id":2010,"date":"2017-09-25T17:00:34","date_gmt":"2017-09-25T17:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=2010"},"modified":"2017-10-15T15:07:00","modified_gmt":"2017-10-15T15:07:00","slug":"protecting-your-dog-against-osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/protecting-your-dog-against-osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Dog Against Osteoarthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Protecting Your Dog Against Osteoarthritis<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>There are a few things you can do to help your dog\u2019s body protect itself against canine osteoarthritis, which occurs as a result of age, injury or obesity. The best time to start taking care of your dog\u2019s joint health is today \u2013 right now.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Find your dog\u2019s healthy weight, and maintain it<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of the most critical aspects of the prevention of arthritis is maintaining\u00a0a healthy weight\u00a0for your dog. Excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on joints. In addition, the problem is circular. Increased weight leads to increased joint pain. Increased joint pain leads to less activity, which\u00a0leads to even more weight gain. Don\u2019t let your precious pup get stuck in this vicious cycle!<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Don\u2019t over-exercise your pup<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Regular exercise can help your dog maintain a healthy weight, but don\u2019t overdo it! Too much exercise increases the wear and tear on your dog\u2019s joints, and heightens the risk for injury. Injuries, even seemingly minor injuries, can weaken and harm joints in the long term.<\/p>\n

Talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of exercise recommended for your dog\u2019s breed and age to make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Get your pup swimming\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s been proven that taking your dog for a swim can be therapeutic for her joints. Doggy patients suffering from advanced arthritis can use aquatic therapy to exercise without putting pressure on painful joints.<\/p>\n

Swimming is a form of exercise that improves cardiovascular health and burns fat, with a reduced risk of injury due to the gentle nature of the activity. So get your pup in a pool and watch her have a blast while improving her health.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Feed quality, nutrient-rich food<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

One of the most effective ways to positively impact your dog\u2019s health is to feed him nutritious, wholesome food. You should feed your pup as much all-natural food as possible. There are many different schools of thought on the proper canine diet. Your dog needs to eat a diet that is\u00a0species-appropriate and nutritionally balanced. Dogs are carnivores, so carb-based diets, even those marketed by pet food companies as \u201cweight management\u201d or\u00a0low fat, are not what your pet should be eating. Also, carbs promote inflammation and are the last thing your pet with an inflammatory joint problem needs.<\/p>\n

Remember:<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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  • The amount of food that you feed your dog will be based on its size and activity levels.<\/li>\n
  • Older dogs may not need to eat as much as younger dogs.<\/li>\n
  • Exactly how much you need to feed your dog will be unique to your specific dog. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Some dog parents find themselves considering a\u00a0raw food diet for its many benefits, or at least incorporating raw foods into their dog\u2019s diet.\u00a0Dogs\u2019 digestive systems can tolerate raw meats, unlike ours, and may cope better with, if not\u00a0extract more nutrition\u00a0from that food source, compared with cooked meats. That nutrition boost provides a dog\u2019s body with more resources for maintaining healthy joints and the right type of energy to ward off obesity and injury.<\/p>\n

    5.\u00a0 Give your dog joint supplements<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

    The easiest thing you can do to help your dog\u2019s body bolster itself against arthritis is to provide your pup with a joint supplement. A supplement provides your pooch\u2019s body with the specific nutrition it needs to build up and maintain the ligaments and cartilage that get worn away causing arthritis. Reinforcing the joints in this way can prevent injury, as well. Early injuries in a pet\u2019s life can\u00a0trigger arthritis\u00a0later down the road. That\u2019s why you need to make sure your pup\u2019s body has all the resources necessary to grow and maintain its joint function.<\/p>\n

    Adding certain\u00a0supplements\u00a0to your pet\u2019s diet can provide the raw materials for cartilage repair and maintenance, among them:<\/p>\n

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    • Glucosamine sulfate with MSM<\/li>\n
    • Ubiquinol<\/li>\n
    • Fatty acids, such as Omega-3 fatty acid<\/li>\n
    • Natural anti-inflammatory formulas (herbs, proteolytic enzymes and nutraceuticals)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      You can try a veterinarian recommended brand like\u00a0Osteo-Pet\u00ae Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplements for Dogs\u00a0that has an established reputation and a proven track record.<\/p>\n

      Also, there are many other quality brand supplements, which include Glucosamine HCI, MSM, Chondroitin, Organic Turmeric and other vital nutrients that help your dog\u2019s body rebuild cartilage, reduce inflammation and maintain overall joint health.
      \n