What You Need to Know About Hip and Joint Health for Dogs
Your dog’s ability to move freely and comfortably depends on the health of their hips and joints. Find out what pups are more likely to have hip and joint issues, symptoms that your dog is in pain, and what you can do to help!
There’s nothing worse for a dog parent than a pup in pain, especially if they’re having trouble moving, walking, playing, and doing the other activities they enjoy. Dogs use their hips and joints for everything, so joint health is critical for happy doggos. Learn more about common hip or joint problems, what dogs are most susceptible, signs of pain, and how you can support your dog’s hip and joint health.
Mobility Issues and Joint Pain in Dogs
Several conditions can impact a dog’s mobility, including issues that impact the bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. A few of the causes include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament problems
- Immune-mediated polyarthritis
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Intervertebral disc disease
Many risk factors can increase a dog’s chances of suffering from joint and mobility problems. For example, large and giant breeds are more prone to certain mobility conditions. So are obese dogs and seniors. Genetics and injuries can also increase the likelihood of these issues.
Symptoms That Your Pooch Is in Pain
Dogs are always up for fun and adventures. That’s what makes them such excellent companions! At the same time, this can sometimes make it difficult to know when they’re sick or in pain.
But there are signs you can watch for, including behavioral changes. For example, dogs who are in pain may be irritable or lethargic, not want to be touched, have changes in appetite, or not want to engage in some activities (like going up or down stairs). You might also notice physical symptoms, such as:
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Lower activity level
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
- Lameness
- Decreased range of motion
- Change in gait
Treating Mobility Issues and the Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
Mobility problems and joint pain in dogs can be tough to treat. The best course of action is usually a combination of treatments, including weight loss or management, medication, changing activities, exercise, massage, physiotherapy, and supplements.
The best joint supplements for dogs are ones made with ingredients that support joint and bone health while reducing inflammation. PointPet has a full line of hip, joint, and mobility supplements that contain premium natural ingredients like chondroitin, glucosamine, turmeric, MSM, yucca, and hemp. These support joint health, cartilage, and flexibility and may reduce stiffness and inflammation. What’s more, they contain no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors—just premium ingredients in a soft chew that your dog will love!
Check out PointPet’s full line of hip and joint supplements, including Hip & Joint, Advanced Hip + Joint, Hip & Joint – Peanut Butter & Pumpkin, and Hemp Hip & Joint.
