Recognising early symptoms
Joint problems often develop gradually and are initially difficult to recognise. One of the most common signs is that the dog has difficulty getting up in the morning and only ‘warms up’ after a certain amount of time. These symptoms often improve with moderate exercise, but return after periods of rest. As the disease progresses, the dog’s gait becomes stiffer and its desire to move noticeably decreases.
Common causes of joint pain
Joint problems in dogs are often caused by wear and tear, such as arthritis. This occurs when the synovial fluid is no longer produced in sufficient quantities and the bones in the joint rub against each other. This process can be exacerbated by genetic factors, obesity or incorrect posture. Particularly large breeds are more prone to such diseases, as they age more quickly and their joints are subject to greater stress.
Prevention through targeted support
A healthy upbringing and care play a decisive role in the joint health of a dog. Supplementary feeds such as Canicox®-HD from NutriLabs can help to provide optimal support for the joints. The ingredients glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts improve the synovial fluid and stabilise the function of the joint capsule. This not only relieves pain, but also improves the dog’s mobility.
When should you act?
It is important to recognise the signs of joint problems early on and to react accordingly. If you notice changes in your dog’s movement or behaviour, this may indicate the onset of joint pain. A veterinary examination and targeted support through appropriate nutritional supplements can help to slow down the progression of the disease and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Eight signs of joint pain in dogs
- Stiffness after lying down or physical activity
- lameness
- Reduced activity and limited mobility
- Difficulty jumping onto the couch, into the car or over obstacles
- Sensitivity to touch in certain parts of the body
- Loss of appetite or desire
- Avoiding playing with other dogs
- Problems with cleaning or scratching hard-to-reach areas of the body
