Dogs
Joint Health
It is an awful thing to watch your dog suffer from limited mobility and joint pain. There are things we can do to help alleviate any discomfort, inclusive of exercise and nutrition.
Nutrition is one of the key factors in dealing with joint pain and arthritis. Inflammation around the joint occurs when cartilage that is designed to protect it wears down – many ingredients can help ease this process and reduce the pain.
Look for a food that contains:
- Fatty acids such as those found in fish oils. With anti-inflammatory properties, omegas 3 and 6 can reduce the pain and swelling.
- Glucosamine – found in the shells of shellfish as well as animal bones, glucosamine has been found to help to repair the damaged cartilage.
- Chondroitin – found in shark and fish cartilage, chondroitin can slow the degradation of the joint, as well as providing the building blocks to help repair the damage.
Many dogs are more susceptible to hip and joints problems, in particular giant or large sized breeds. Specially formulated large breed foods can help prevent the onset of these problems. Breeds to look out for are:
- Great Danes
- Mastiffs
- German Shepherds
- Labradors and Golden Retrievers
- Rottweilers and Dobermans.
Smaller dogs often suffer from Luxating Patella. It is a fairly serious health issue in dogs, often causing them pain and discomfort. Although larger dogs like Labradors are also prone, it is primarily a smaller dog issue. This is a genetic disorder, causing the knee cap to “pop” off the knee. This condition can be helped with protein and omegas, just as for other joint problems. Dogs prone to this disorder are:
- Mini & Toy Poodles,
- Maltese,
- Jack Russell Terriers,
- Yorkshire Terriers,
- Pomeranians,
- Pekingese,
- Australian Terrier & Australian Silky Terrier,
- Chihuahuas,
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels,
- Papillons,
- Boston Terriers