Adult dogs require a healthy dosage of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus and healthy lifestyles to maintain bone health. Due to the advancements in the pet food industry and vet sciences, pet owners can now make sensible choices concerning their pet’s nutritional requirements. However, many neglect their pet’s bone health and only react when they develop joint issues.
So how do you keep your dog’s bones healthy to keep them physically active and minimize their risk of arthritis?
How to keep your dog’s bones strong
A dog’s bone health must be a pet owner’s concern and focus. This includes small to large dog breeds usually susceptible to osteoarthritis and developmental bone conditions, which can be incapacitating. So we’ve detailed five important tips to keep their bones in shape and prevent joint-related diseases they might run across in the future.
1. Exercise them daily
Physical exercises work wonders for pets that are bone-troubled. Pet owners who reside in an urban setting struggle with physical exhaustion from work and lack time to exercise their furry buddies. Pets usually suffer earlier repercussions than their parents, who’re already overstressed. This is why it’s essential to regularly exercise your pet to keep them physically active and avoid conditions that might occur from inactivity.
2. Keep their weight in check
Overweight or obese canines are at risk of major health problems. Additional and excessive weight can put too much pressure on their bones and joints, making them uncomfortable moving and even weakening their bones. Moreover, overweight pets are the most prone to heart conditions, diabetes, hypertension, and urinary bladder stones.
If you’re worried about your pet’s health and suspect several conditions with the symptoms you’ve been observing, take them to facilities that offer diagnostic services. Pet ultrasound can detect early signs of pancreatitis, kidney disease, or conditions affecting the small intestines, liver, colon, and stomach.
3. Don’t overfeed/underfeed them
Overfed canines are more vulnerable to joint problems, says numerous vet experts. Excessively feeding your dog puts them at risk of obesity and joint issues because they grow faster than the desired timeframe of their appropriate development. But being too cautious may lead to numerous concerns as well. When your furry buddy does not eat enough, they will lack the necessary bone-building minerals and vitamins.
Notice any indications of fractured bone when your pet is moving? Delaying its treatment can make the condition even worse. Take them to facilities that offer surgical services immediately to relieve them from discomfort and restricted motions.
4. Maintain regular vet visits
Yearly examinations can decrease your furry companion’s risk of expensive reactive practices and surgeries to address major bone issues or badly progressed joints. This is also why it’s ideal to proactively treat your pet for bone and joint problems. This can be achieved by consistent routine visits and observing small changes to your canine’s movement and general health.
Regularly taking your furry baby to this animal hospital can also help address your inquiries, as it can be a one-on-one session with them. Furthermore, you’re also helping your furry friend prevent or slow down inevitable conditions that may develop in time.
5. Provide a balanced diet
Diets and supplements endorsed by veterinarians can help keep your furry companion’s weight and bones healthy to minimize joint stress. They might also fight nutritional deficiencies and stop inflammatory conditions.
