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Your dog’s joint health

Help ease arthritis pain with a special diet

Does your dog struggle or seem to be in pain when making certain movements? It may be arthritis—an often painful condition that in some cases can interfere with a dog’s ability to lead a long and happy life. But there is hope: A specialized diet can boost your canine arthritis sufferer’s joint health and overall wellbeing.

Read on for advice from your Globalvet team on a feeding strategy that will get your pup back up and running in no time.

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Arthritis: Swelling and pain in your dog’s joints

Arthritis or osteoarthritis is a general term used to describe abnormal, progressive, and irreversible joint degeneration causing inflammation and deformation in joint structures like the:

  • Cartilage
  • Joint capsule
  • Synovial fluid that lubricates the joints
  • Bones

In North America, 20% of dogs over age 1 suffer from osteoarthritis—a figure that jumps to 80% after age 8.

Structural changes can occur in the joints even before the onset of clinical symptoms, so you may not even realize anything’s wrong. That’s why it’s so important to learn to recognize the signs and act quickly to slow the damage.

Have a large breed? Be aware that they’re more prone to arthritis than smaller dogs.

So how can you tell if your dog is suffering from joint pain? They may:

  • Be stiff, especially after a period of rest
  • Be reluctant to go up or down stairs
  • Lag behind on walks or get worn out easily
  • Prefer to lie down rather than sit or stand
  • Groan or grunt if you touch their joints

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away.

For more guidance on how to tell if your dog is suffering from joint pain, read our post (in French), Comment savoir si votre animal a mal à ses articulations.

One way to relieve your dog’s pain and encourage them to stay active is to feed them a proper diet designed to prevent and manage joint problems.

Take care of your dog’s joints with specialized food

Joint health
Improved mobility
Healthy weight
Quality of life

Give their joints a health boost

Specialty foods contain nutrients and supplements to promote joint health, including:

  • The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to:
    • Reduce inflammation in the joints
    • Slow the degeneration of cartilage
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to:
    • Repair microscopic damage
    • Slow the degeneration of cartilage

Studies show that foods containing high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA can improve the clinical symptoms of canine arthritis.

Promote movement and rely less on medication

The nutrients found in a special diet can actually alter some of the physical processes involved in osteoarthritis, including:

  • The inflammatory response
  • Cartilage repair
  • Oxidative damage

 

A targeted diet can boost your dog’s mobility and activity level—even if they suffer from osteoarthritis.

 

An effective food regimen may also mean you can cut back on your dog’s conventional medications, some of which have unpleasant side effects.

Keep your pup at a healthy weight to avoid added joint stress

If your dog has arthritis, it’s even more important to keep them at a healthy weight. Every extra pound they carry puts more pressure on their joints.

 

Carrying just a little extra weight can have a big impact on your arthritic dog’s quality of life. It may even affect your relationship if your dog:

  • Is less inclined to play
  • Is not as mobile
  • Develops other health issues as a result

Treating osteoarthritis and staving off obesity requires a holistic approach to your dog’s diet. It should include preventive measures and be part of a multi-pronged treatment plan that incorporates strategies like medication, nutrition, and exercise.

Any nutritional plan you develop with your veterinary team should take all of these factors into account.

Specialized foods to support joint health and weight management also help your dog build lean muscle mass. Getting your dog to reach and maintain a healthy weight can improve:

  • Limping or lameness
  • The impact movement has on their joints
  • Their mobility and clinical signs of arthritis

Get your dog moving for better quality of life

Arthritis causes pain and stiffening in the joints, which can make your dog lose their ability (and desire!) to move as much.

What can you do to help? Opt for a holistic approach that includes a change in diet to help your dog regain freedom of movement and to make sure their nutritional needs are being met based on their age, weight, and specific health problem(s).

Having healthier joints will make your four-legged friend more mobile, which will make them feel better in body and mind. Once it’s easier for them to move, they can get back to doing what they love—walking, running, jumping, and playing!

Joint health is fundamental to your dog’s overall physical and psychological wellbeing. If you feel like Fido’s not getting around as well as they used to, talk to your veterinarian right away so you can get started on a treatment plan.

Find special arthritis formulas for your dog in our Globalvet stores

Make vet-recommended food part of a holistic joint-health strategy for your dog. Choose the specialized formula that’s right for Rover in one of our stores or online.

Need advice on pet food?

Contact your local clinic or visit our online store.

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