Supporting Your Aging Companion – Natural Care for Hips & Joints
Aging is a natural part of life. Rather than being anxious about our companion’s declining abilities, we can be proactive in preventing or delaying the onset of age related disease. Weight management, dental health, joint care, attention to food and a comfortable and well padded bed are of utmost importance in determining how well your companion will age.
We all dread the time when the inevitable signs of aging begin to appear in our companion animals. In supporting your aging dog or cat, however, YOUR attitude and expectations are important. Becoming stressed and upset at each new issue that arises as your companion ages will not help them or you. Aging is a natural part of life, and if we expect it, accept it, and prepare for it, it will be easier on you and your best friend.
Geriatric animals will sleep more, be generally less aware of their surroundings, and are less tolerable of cold than when they were younger. It is common for aging pets to have increasing difficulty hearing and seeing. Older dogs are not able to go for long hikes or run with their guardians as they are accustomed to. It can be quite a dilemma when deciding that it may be time to leave a beloved hiking or running companion at home.
When is your companion considered “geriatric” with Labradors? and other large dogs?
- Large Dogs – 8-10 years
- Giant Breed Dogs – 7-8 years
Rather than becoming anxious about our companion’s declining abilities, we can become proactive in preventing or delaying the onset of age- related disease. We can also adjust our interactions with them rather than becoming frustrated by their lack of hearing, poor eyesight or other disabilities. Adjusting our expectations reduces stress for both guardian and companion.
Weight Management is of utmost importance in determining how well your companion will age. Overweight dogs and cats are much more susceptible to a variety of degenerative diseases at an earlier onset, such as joint stiffness and arthritis, diabetes, heart and respiratory problems. While your friend may not be able to play with as much vigor or endurance, or go on those long hikes or runs, exercise is still VERY important to their health.
Joint Stiffness and Arthritis are almost inevitable for our aging companions. You can assist in a variety of ways, such as elevating water & food bowls and providing a comfortable and well padded bed – but one that is not so soft that it is difficult for them to get out of. Create steps or ramps to furniture or other favorite resting places that your cat or dog can no longer reach on their own.
For Joint Care for your Labrador, back legs arthritis, and hip care check out these posts:
http://labradorhipdysplasiatreatment.com/arthrix-review
http://labradorhipdysplasiatreatment.com/doc-ackermans-herbal-hip-builder-formula-review
http://labradorhipdysplasiatreatment.com/duralactin-review
There are a wide variety of supplements to help treat problems in aging companions. It is often quite difficult to know which remedy will work for each companion. The process of trial and error is frequently the only way to determine the best combination for your animal. It is best to use a product for at least two weeks before deciding about its effectiveness (unless of course there are side effects, which means any supplement should be stopped and a veterinarian consulted).
Again, there is no way to know which will work best for your individual dog or cat. Start with one and if you do not see signs of improvement in two to three weeks, then try a different one.
Remember to adjust your expectations and keep stress levels low for your geriatric friend. Lots of attention is still needed even if he or she shows less interest than before. You will notice changes in his or her condition sooner if you are interacting closely on a daily basis. You may find visits to your veterinarian become more frequent as new issues arise during the twilight years. Working along with your veterinarian you can keep your companion as comfortable and healthy as possible as he or she ages.
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Labrador Hip Dysplasia Info
Hip Dysplasia is a widespread condition that primarily affects large breeds of dogs. There is a strong genetic link between parents that have hip dysplasia and the incidence in their offspring.
Most dysplastic Labradors are born with normal hips but due to genetic and possibly other factors, the soft tissues that surround the joint start to develop abnormally as the puppy grows.
Labradors of all ages are subject to the symptoms of hip dysplasia and the resultant osteoarthritis. In severe cases, puppies as young as five months will begin to show pain and discomfort during and after vigorous exercise. The condition will worsen until even normal daily activities are painful. Without intervention, these dogs may be unable to walk at all by a couple years of age. In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to show until the middle or later years in the dog’s life. Osteoarthritis is the result of degeneration of the joint due to hip dysplasia. Surgical and medical treatments such as Pet Bounce or Arthix are targeted to prevent and treat the resulting osteoarthritis. Canine Hip Dysplasia SymptomsA dysplastic Labrador will show discomfort and pain while running and walking. Some Labradors will limp and many will decrease their level of activity. As the condition progresses, the Labradors will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up. It is primarily a disease of purebreds although it can happen in mixed breeds, particularly if it is a cross of two dogs that are prone to developing the disease. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards appear to have a higher incidence.Dog Hip Dysplasia – Nutrition
Carrying around extra weight will exacerbate degeneration of the joint in a dog with a loose hip. Overweight labs are therefore at a much higher risk. Weight management is the first thing that must be addressed. All surgical and medical procedures will be more beneficial if the animal is not overweight. You, as the owner, have control over what your Labrador eats. If you feed an appropriate food at an appropriate level and keep treats to a minimum, your lab will lose weight. There are a few recommended supplements that could help prevent and ease the hip dysplasia sympthoms.Exercise For Dogs With Hip DysplasiaWe know that dogs with large and prominent leg muscle mass are less likely to contract the disease than dogs with small muscle mass. So exercising and maintaining good muscle mass may actually decrease the incidence of the disease. Exercise that provides for good range of motion and muscle building and limits wear and tear on the joints is the best.Learn more about exercise for Labradors with hip dysplasia.Surgical treatment For Canine Hip DysplasiaThere are several surgical procedures available depending on the age and the severity of the joint degeneration. Total Hip Replacement: may be the best surgical option for dogs that have degenerative joint disease as a result of chronic hip dysplasia.Before you make a decision read about the surgical proceedures for canine hip dysplasia
Warmth and good sleeping areas Are Important For Labradors with Hip Dysplasia
Most people with arthritis find that the signs tend to worsen in cold, damp weather. Keeping your pet warm, may help him be more comfortable. A pet sweater will help keep joints warmer. Providing a firm, orthopedic foam bed helps many dogs with arthritis. Beds with dome-shaped, orthopedic foam distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. They are also much easier for the pet to get out of. Place the bed in a warm spot away from drafts.
Medical Treatment for Canine Hip Dysplasia
Medical treatment of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis has greatly improved in the last several years thanks to the introduction and approval of several new supplements and drugs. Through proper diet, exercise, supplements, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief, you may be able to decrease the progression of degenerative joint disease. Because of the high cost involved with many surgeries, medical management is many times the only realistic option for many pet owners.
Agents such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin proved overwhelming success in treating patients with osteoarthritis, these products have come to the forefront of therapy and are becoming the most popular products for managing arthritis today. Glucosamine and chondroitin give the cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) the building blocks they need to synthesize new cartilage and to repair the existing damaged cartilage. Some tetracyclines such as doxycycline and minocycline have been shown to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. Natural supplements such as Vitamin C, Creatine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and others are important in improving dogs well being too. The most effective treatment known to date for dog hip dysplasia is Duralactin that I have personnaly used for my beloved Max (a 10 year old Lab), with overwhelming results.
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