Joint problems in dogs: symptoms for early detection

Joint problems can appear at any age and in any dog , although large dogs and specific breeds such as the golden retriever or the German shepherd, overweight dogs, elderly dogs and those that do a lot of intense exercise or have suffered some blow or trauma are the most likely to suffer from them.

Generally These joint problems are usually due to arthritis or osteoarthritis, diseases that involve degenerative inflammation of the joints , making it difficult for our furry friend to move and causing them a lot of pain. This degeneration occurs over the years and is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that connects the joints. This wear and tear increases friction between the bones, and that's what causes the pain.

It's very important to detect this disease in its earliest stages so we can act as soon as possible and minimize its effects , allowing your furry friend to continue living as normally as possible. Pay attention to your pet's behavior and movements!

SYMPTOMS THAT MAY HIDE A JOINT PROBLEM

  • Difficulty getting up or for to lie down , to going up and down the stairs, the sofa, the bed, the car, and to jump after having been at rest or relaxing for a few hours.
  • Stiffness in the limbs after intense or prolonged exercise.
  • Reduced ability to perform the exercise or the usual walks and movements are slower and more clumsy.
  • Inflammation and stiffness in the joints , and even a slight deformity may be observed.
  • Signs of pain or irritability by palpating certain joints.

We can also observe that The skin looks worse in the affected joints, there is a reduction in appetite, crying or whining When performing movements that cause pain, our furry friend avoids physical contact with us or other animals…

If we observe any of these symptoms, we should take our furry friend to the vet to start appropriate treatment, which generally includes a proper and nutrient-rich diet to maintain the condition of the joints, in addition to weight reduction and control.

HELP YOUR FURRY FRIEND PREVENT JOINT PROBLEMS

On our part We can include certain nutrients or supplements in our furry friend's diet to help maintain the proper condition of the joints.

  • Collagen. It is a protein that acts as natural anti-inflammatory It also lubricates the joints, giving them greater flexibility and elasticity. It prevents muscle injuries and improves ligament strength, a very important quality for furry friends who are very active and engage in regular, intense exercise.
  • Glucosamine and chondrotinine. These two chondroprotective agents They help reduce cartilage wear, increase its elasticity, and reduce the likelihood of inflammation. Furthermore, regular consumption of chondroprotective agents promotes the natural regeneration of joints and the optimal maintenance of the joint capsule, preventing cartilage destruction.
  • Fatty acids. The acids Omega 3 and Omega 6 They have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and slow down the degenerative process of cartilage destruction. Including them in your furry friend's regular diet is essential to reduce the risk of joint problems.

All These nutrients can be found in high concentrations directly in natural snacks , such as dehydrated pig ears, trotters or snouts, chicken skin (including chicken feet), tracheas from beef, pork, lamb… and also in fish snacks, such as salmon, shark, mollusks, Or you can simply add a small amount of salmon oil, rich in fatty acids, to your pet's daily food ration to meet this need.

Also in snacks and treats that have been formulated to protect joint health , such as Gosbits Objective Movement, the natural snacks from Woolf Earth.

Finally, you can You can choose to feed your furry friend a specific food that contains high amounts of these nutrients , which you can discuss with your veterinarian.

As you can see, you have many options to prevent this problem. Start taking care of your furry friend's diet now and keep joint problems at bay!

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