How to Care For Your Dog If It Suffers From Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is hereditary and dogs who have it will walk with a slight waddle and bunny hop when they run.
You may also hear a clicking sound when your dog walks.
If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia seek veterinary advice to get a diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, your dogs weight will need to be controlled to help ease pressure on painful joints.
A low calorie, low calcium and low protein diet is best for pets with hip dysplasia.
My dog is currently on hills prescription j/d diet which we have to soak as she doesn't like dry food.
So its soaked and then mashed.
To ease any pain the vet prescribed metacam, an anti-inflammatory or NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
However, I found that after long term use it can cause stomach problems in pets, so I have switched to a more natural product called Devils Claw or No Bute which is given with food whenever there are signs of pain along with Synoquin which is a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin which maintains healthy cartilage around your dogs hip joints.
With regards to exercise I tend to let my dog tell me when shes had enough, although the vet advised 2-3 small walks a day each about 10-15 minutes.
Swimming pool hydrotherapy has become very popular with pet owners as a low impact exercise that will build muscles.
Not all pets enjoy it and whether your pet will take to it depends on each individual animal.
Comfortable bedding is also a good idea for painful joints and my dog has a memory foam pet bed which helps relieve pressure points when shes sleeping or resting.
You may also hear a clicking sound when your dog walks.
If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia seek veterinary advice to get a diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, your dogs weight will need to be controlled to help ease pressure on painful joints.
A low calorie, low calcium and low protein diet is best for pets with hip dysplasia.
My dog is currently on hills prescription j/d diet which we have to soak as she doesn't like dry food.
So its soaked and then mashed.
To ease any pain the vet prescribed metacam, an anti-inflammatory or NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
However, I found that after long term use it can cause stomach problems in pets, so I have switched to a more natural product called Devils Claw or No Bute which is given with food whenever there are signs of pain along with Synoquin which is a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin which maintains healthy cartilage around your dogs hip joints.
With regards to exercise I tend to let my dog tell me when shes had enough, although the vet advised 2-3 small walks a day each about 10-15 minutes.
Swimming pool hydrotherapy has become very popular with pet owners as a low impact exercise that will build muscles.
Not all pets enjoy it and whether your pet will take to it depends on each individual animal.
Comfortable bedding is also a good idea for painful joints and my dog has a memory foam pet bed which helps relieve pressure points when shes sleeping or resting.
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