3 1 2From Day One, Five5Steps 4 STORY AT-A-GLANCE
• Arthritis in dogs is common today and has several causes; the good news is there are many things pet parents can do to help their canine companions avoid this debilitating condition • In puppies, it’s important to prevent injuries and trauma that can lead to joint disease in the future; it’s also important to control growth in large and giant breed puppies
• Feeding an anti-inflammatory diet, keeping your dog lean and well-exercised, and offering beneficial joint support supplements are also crucial steps in arthritis prevention
Prevention Tip #1 Avoiding Injuries and Trauma
Many cases of arthritis in middle-aged or older dogs develop as the result of an earlier (sometimes years earlier), often seemingly minor injury or trauma. For example, most puppies are clumsy, prone to falling downstairs and jumping from high surfaces, which can set the stage for future arthritis.
Another type of injury I see frequently in dogs is cervical damage from leaping or jerking against a leash attached to a collar. A pet parent or dog trainer who jerks a dog’s neck when he’s leashed can also cause this type of injury.
That’s why I recommend trying your best to get your dog through the awkward puppy stage with minimal stumbles, tumbles, and falls. Cover slick floors with runners or area
Yanking a dog by a leash attached to a collar is absolutely the wrong thing to do, because it very often results in cervical trauma, which then results in joint damage. I recommend
Arthritis is unfortunately a very common condition in dogs today, and genetics can play a role — especially for certain breeds. Other causes of arthritis include abnormal wear and tear on joints and cartilage, abnormal development of the hip or elbow, excessive laxity of the joints, trauma, dislocation of the kneecap or subluxation of the kneecap or shoulder, osteochondrosis dissecans, prolonged steroid therapy, and certain drugs.1 While there are many triggers for canine arthritis, some of which are outside our control, in my experience, lifestyle and inadequate proactive prevention are bigger contributing factors for many dogs than any other cause. The good news is there are many things you can do, starting the first day you bring your pet home, to significantly reduce the risk your four-legged family member will develop arthritis down the road. The following tips are excellent not only for preventing arthritis in your pet, but also for helping manage the condition in dogs who have been diagnosed with the disease.
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rugs. In my experience, puppies who slip, trip, and fall regularly are much more inclined to develop bone growth problems, which lead to joint problems.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
