Bones connect our bodies together, and the same applies to our canines. Canines are often the picture of durability, but they, too, can get weak, just like us. They require the same things humans do to keep their bone health in top condition. And for this, their pet parents are the only ones who can help them. So if you wish to help your pets have the best days in their younger and senior years, keep reading to find out how to keep their joint health in optimal condition.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Bones in Optimum Condition
Senior canines commonly experience loss of mobility, deteriorated bones, and joint stiffness. While this will really occur to dogs as they age, you can slow down these signs from happening and even help them have intact joints and mobility even in their golden years. So we’ve compiled five helpful pointers to promote stronger and healthier bones for your four-legged baby.
1. Maintain proper weight
Like people, being obese can cause significant problems for your canine in the future. Excess weight can strain their joints, impairing their mobility and even weakening their bones over time. Overweight dogs are also at risk of massive adverse impacts on their health, especially their heart. Keeping their weight healthy is good for their bone health and general well-being.
If you’re an owner of an overweight pet and a condition starts to develop at an unanticipated event that’s causing them to struggle, quickly take them to an emergency veterinary center to be inspected. You may click here to learn more about the commonly treated conditions at emergency vet facilities.
2. Try alternative therapies
Many available alternative therapies for canines can help boost and improve their joint health. Chiropractic, acupuncture, laser therapy, massage, electro-acupuncture, and canine sports medicine offer reliable solutions for treating and preventing joint problems. These treatments can be effective for canines of any age and breed.
3. Exercise them routinely
Regardless of age, size, and breed, dogs need exercise. However, some activities might do more harm than good when they reach a certain age. While your puppy can race up and down the stairs or play catch and fetch easily, this will only strain the joints of middle-aged or senior dogs.
Exercises like swimming, walking, or playing with other canines can help manage your dog’s bone health. Should your pet fracture their bones while doing any activity, rush them to a veterinary surgery professional for immediate treatment. You can check this page to see the common emergency pet surgeries.
4. Feed a high-quality diet
Some people usually compromise on the quality due to the cost. However, dogs need a healthier and stronger diet plan to build robust bones. Choose a pet food that contains equal portions of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and other vital micronutrients. Many commercial dog foods today are developed to satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs, so you won’t need to stress about picking what to feed your pet.
But when in doubt, you may inquire from an emergency pet clinic for the recommended options for your peace of mind.
5. Buy a dog bed
Pets that sleep on hard, cold floors are vulnerable to joint problems in the future, so buying the right bed is necessary early on. Getting a dog bed that appropriately supports bone structure at every age can slow down or even avoid bone problems that might impair or compromise their mobility throughout their senior years.