How to Prevent Hip Problems in Dogs

Do you have concerns about your pet baby getting hip problems? Hip problems affect dogs of all sizes. Read on to learn more about how to help your fur baby, including steps you can follow to potentially prevent hip problems in dogs.

Signs of Hip Problems in Dogs

Dogs with hip and joint problems often experience a rapid deterioration in quality of life. Sadly, once serious joint problems begin, they may cause decreased activity and further decline.

So here are some signs to look for, to determine if your pet has started to experience hip or joint problems:

• Limping or stiffness
• Favoring one side
• Less range of motion
• Less interest in favorite physical activities
• Visibly or audibly straining in response to certain motions
• Reluctance to rise, run, jump or climb stairs
• Increased muscle mass in another area (compensation), and/or decreased muscle mass in the area which bothers your pup (such as rear hindquarters)

If you suspect that your dog has hip or joint problems, it’s good to see your veterinarian and get a diagnosis.

What type of hip problem is common in dogs?

While your vet will make the determination and diagnosis, the most common hip problem for dogs is canine hip dysplasia (CHD). CHD develops young and often results in a “loose fit” of the ball and socket joint of one or both rear hips in dogs. 

Often, the bones will rub together. In other cases, the ligaments around the joint will be too lax. Either way, these problems result in deterioration as your dog ages (meaning the problem can get worse over time).

What Causes Hip Problems in Dogs?

CHD is more common in certain breeds, and slightly more common in females than males. Other hip problem causes may include a hip injury (such as a hip dislocation), or osteoarthritis. 

A dog’s overall health also has a major impact on joint health. Obesity, for example, can cause or exacerbate (make worse) joint problems.

In general, larger breeds are more prone to joint problems, like Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Rottweilers. However, even miniature dachshunds may get joint problems (most likely in their spines or hips as a result of stress on their longer torsos). 

How to Prevent Hip Problems in Dogs

So what are some steps you can take to prevent hip or other joint problems in your dog?

Fortunately, several things can make a big difference:

1. Familiarize yourself with your breed’s health risk factors - If you know your dog’s breed, you can find out what health issues to look out for and prevent. If you don’t know your dog’s breed, a DNA test can help.
2. Avoid high-impact exercise, especially during development - Dog’s can get the exercise they need to maintain a healthy weight and a joyful life with lower-impact exercises. Especially in the first year of life, jumping, high excursion, or repetitive motions may cause undue joint stress.
3. Maintain a healthy weight and activity level - Exercise is vital to your dog’s mental and physical health, but you can achieve that with leashed walking, supervised off-leash time, or even swimming (a very low-impact activity). Your dog should also eat well, and not too much, to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Supplement your dog’s diet with joint supplements - Ongoing research suggests that specific vitamins and supplements may reduce inflammation, boost bone health, and otherwise prevent and/or treat joint problems in dogs.

That’s it! Just those four simple things may help prevent your fur baby from developing hip or joint problems. Fortunately, even if such problems have begun, you may be able to help slow or reverse hip pain by following the same advice.

Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs

So what are the best hip and joint supplements for dogs?

Many good things for dogs are found in quality food, like enough calcium and good fats. However, they may need joint-specific formulas plus supplements, such as:

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• CBD
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Do joint supplements for dogs really work?

As mentioned above, research into veterinary use of supplements is ongoing. But so far, the results are promising. Many pet owners report greater quality of life for their pets by following the guidelines above. 

Your vet can help you determine if surgery or other more invasive measurements are necessary for your dog.

Bad Dog CBD for Hips and Joints

At Bad Dog CBD we have two specialty formulas just for your dog’s hip and joint health. Our best-selling Hip & Joint CBD Tincture provides the most-researched ingredients for joint health, plus some newly emerging safe and effective inflammation-reducers. 

Also, our CBD Natural Hip & Joint Bites contain bite-sized health-boosters, for a treat your pet will love.

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