How do I avoid bones problems?

Store her in a bubble and only let her play when clothed in full football padding. There’s very little you can do to prevent joint problems – dogs are dogs because they love to be active, play, and live life. This can be hard on their joints, which means that they can often become inflamed. Some dogs inherit the problems from their parents, others develop them, and all can be very painful for your buddy.

Larger and older dogs are prone to degenerative joint disease, a progressive, incurable disorder that restricts your pooch’s everyday movement and activities. At its worst stages, DJD results in permanent lameness and can really only be helped by pain management. More importantly, make sure your dog’s weight is under control. A few additional pounds can mean the difference between a little stiffness when she wakes up and unbearable pain throughout the day. While it may be difficult for her to get up and move around, try to keep her active to keep her joints strong. Your vet may be able to give you some references for hydrotherapy pools that allow animals, then take her swimming for the perfect low-impact workout!

The strain of arthritis caused by bacterial infections is septic arthritis and works its way into the joints through open wounds or even infections in internal organs. As with DJD and most forms of arthritis, you’ll notice your pooch having difficulty walking or standing after napping. Your vet will draw some fluid from the joints using a syringe, then analyze it and prescribe the appropriate antibiotics.

Joint diseases can be very common in certain breeds and nearly always cause lameness and may not be reversible. Review the chart below for some of the more common diseases and their best treatments.