5 Natural Ways to Prevent Arthritis in Dogs

Genetics play a big role in whether your pup gets arthritis. But, if you put a few preventative measures in place, you may be able to prevent or at least minimise his symptoms. Just like with humans, if you feed him well, give regular exercise and quality supplements, this will keep him strong and healthy.

And when your dog’s fully fit, this helps to maintain the structures of his body. If your pup has already started to show signs of arthritis, a little bit of preventative care can also have a good effect. But like with any adverse health symptoms, always check him out at the vet first.

Nutrition Rich Diet

If you feed your pup low quality dog food, it’s likely he’ll put on weight which will stress his skeletal system. If this is allowed to go on as the dog develops, the joints can take way too much stress. This may lead to problems later on in life, which can develop into arthritis. Choose a reputable dog food brand that is nutrition rich, to keep your pup developing correctly.

Consider Where You Exercise

All dogs need exercise, but do you consider where your pup is exercising? If your dog runs a lot on hard surfaces like concrete, this can impact bone growth. Introducing your puppy to water early on is a great idea, so in his senior years he can do some swimming which is easier on the joints. Also, allow your pup to exercise a little every day instead of him going mad at the weekend and potentially over exerting the joints.

Regular Vet Checkups

Getting specific advice from your vet during his development is invaluable. Getting your pup examined at least twice year allows any early signs of arthritis to be detected and treated. If your dog shows subtle signs of pain in the joints, you can work with your vet to put preventative measures in place.

Quality Joint Supplements

Joint supplements may support his cartilage growth and function. Great joint supplements to look out for are ones containing fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin. It’s a good idea to talk to your vet before starting a supplement regime. They can discuss with you the best supplement for your dog.

Keep Your Pup at a Healthy Weight

If your dog is carrying around excess weight, it’s likely there will be more strain on his joints. This can speed up the process of wear on the joints, maybe leading to arthritis. If your dog already has arthritis, lowering his weight will reduce the strain on his joints and reduce his discomfort.