{"id":127,"date":"2024-06-26T20:47:02","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T20:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clc.nxb.mybluehost.me\/?p=127"},"modified":"2024-06-26T20:47:05","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T20:47:05","slug":"joint-health-at-any-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/labmom.ca\/home\/joint-health-at-any-age\/","title":{"rendered":"Joint health at any age"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Joint health is a topic often discussed because of it’s prevalence in many breeds. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects one in five dogs.1<\/a> This disease is progressive, and can cause significant pain and limit your dog\u2019s mobility. The condition is most common in senior dogs, but dogs can be affected at any age, especially if they have a joint issue that predisposes them to arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis diagnosed in dogs. This inflammatory condition causes an affected dog\u2019s cartilage to degenerate, resulting in friction between the joint bones. As a concerned and conscientious dog parent, you want to prevent your furry family member from suffering joint pain. Keep reading to learn if your pup is predisposed to arthritis, and how to help manage this condition and to keep your dog\u2019s joints healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Puppy Joint Health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppies are basically little bags of bones until their joints have fully grown and fused. If you over-exercise a growing puppy, or allow big jumps and a lot of stair climbing, you can damage their developing joints\/bones and cause early arthritis or even hip\/elbow dysplasia. When the joint is constantly over-extended, the cartilage doesn’t form properly – and the result can be hip\/joint issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an x-ray showing how much growing and developing a puppy’s bone\/joint structure requires. It’s a great visual & I think it really helps families to understand the importance of monitoring activity in a young dogs’ life. Each joint fuses\/matures at a different age; the hips\/pelvis is actually mature at 18 months! Below is a graphic showing the age at which each different joint is fused, which is the biggest reason why we recommend spay\/neuter at 1.5-2 years old. The dog is still growing until that time frame, and there is a lot of research indicating hormones aid in joint development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At what age should I start my dog on a joint supplement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joint supplements should be started as early as possible in dogs predisposed to arthritis. You can safely give joint supplements<\/u><\/a> to puppies as young as 8 weeks of age. Talk to your veterinarian to determine whether your dog is a good candidate for joint supplements, and they will recommend the best product for your furry companion. Is my dog at risk for arthritis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All dogs are susceptible to arthritis. However, certain factors can predispose your dog to the condition, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n