Preventing Dog Health Problems in a Doggy World

One of the common dog health problems that up until now has been relatively uncommon is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a common condition among the larger breed of dogs. Up till now, this condition has been thought to be inherited but with effective treatment, it no longer appears to be true. However the effect of this treatment on the overall health of the pet is a mixed picture. While hip dysplasia appears to have a detrimental effect on the overall health of the pet, it has a beneficial effect on certain health related aspects.

Hip dysplasia, according to various studies, has a detrimental effect on the overall health of the pet. Hip dysplasia causes pain in the hip-joints and can aggravate the pain and reduce the mobility of the affected animal. This affects the animal's chances of running, moving and walking. Pain and lameness are the major symptoms of the hip-joint problem. When the animal is suffering from hip dysplasia, it is likely to gain and lose pounds in the belly.

Hip dysplasia occurs in many breeds of dogs. However, large breed dogs are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, in which case the problem is referred to as dysplasia mellitus. The origin of this disease is unknown but there is speculation that perhaps the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon are the breeds that carry the risk.

A dog affected by hip dysplasia doesn't show signs of pain but will show signs of stiffness in movements. Getting around is difficult and the animal will show signs of soreness when he tries to engage his hind legs. The animal may be reluctant to go up stairs or jump into the car. And in some cases, a dog with hip dysplasia may be less active than normal.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia are usually mild in nature. The animal becomes less active and other than become overweight, he is normal or slightly underweight, depending on the scale of weight. The hind legs are swollen and the back tends to be downward in posture. The back may also become hunched and the angle between the ribs and vertebrae become less than square.

Some breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia include the Chow Chow, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, specifications breeds and wirehaired Pointing Dogs.

Therapy and medication, both medicinal and physical, may be used to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the impact on the dog. The dog himself may have to take anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or other medications and anti-inflammatory drugs are one of the most frequently used methods to deal with arthritis in humans. Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease and treatment of the disease 15 years ago often involved a lot of pain. Today, arthritis in dogs is treated with diet and exercise.

Prevention

If you have a dog with a family history of hip dysplasia, there is reason to believe that the problem may be genetic. Today, though, as With arthritis in humans, preventing arthritis is much easier than treating it.

Feed your dog a good quality natural diet. There are many diets that are balanced and provide adequate nutritional content. Avoid feeding your dog scraps from the table or any food that contains artificial colours or flavours. If you don't want to feed your dog a particular food, buy the next best variety.

Regular physical activity is an effective way to prevent such a condition. This doesn't mean that you must take your dog on its walks of a marathon every day. A couple of regular walks will provide all the needed exercise for your dog. Some dogs require less strenuous activity. If you are a fit senior or inactive adult adult canine - choose an activity that is not too strenuous.

It's also highly advised that your dog has reliable veterinary checkups at least once a year. While you will not be able to totally prevent arthritis in all dogs, you can look for the signs in your pet and get it treated.

Maintain a balanced weight for your dog. Animals that are overweight will suffer more from the effects of arthritis. If your dog is overweight, reduce his food intake and weigh him more regularly. An overweight dog will have a harder time moving around and doing household activities.

Ease joint pain and inflammation by giving your dog a good quality, high fibre diet. Vegetables and fish with Omega 3 fatty acids are a good way to increase your dog's intake of essential fatty acids and also help to relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis. If your dog has had an operation, then avoid foods with chemical preservatives, as these can cause painful inflammation.

Just like us, the build up of stiff muscles can also be a painful irritant to our joints.