All Dog Breeds: Early Dog Arthritis Prevention Early Dog Arthritis Prevention ================================================================================ admin on 01 November, 2009 09:22:00 Do you look at your new puppy, remembering how painful it was for his predecessor, your long time best friend and companion from the time you were a kid, to move around, even to get out of bed, as he became older? Arthritis is a symptom of old age, in dogs as well as humans, but it isn't inevitable. Even when it can't be avoided, sensible care and feeding, as well as simple precautions taken from puppyhood can put off the onset of joint pains, if not avoid them altogether. One of the foundations for a long, active life, free from chronic joint pain is to give that puppy's growing bones and developing joints a chance to fully develop without being compressed and jolted, worn down before they've even had a chance to achieve their growth and hardened up. Don't encourage your pup to jump. As a matter of fact, the less jumping he does the better, especially on hard surfaces, although injuries can occur even if your puppy is jumping on the bed. It is difficult to convince a puppy, especially some of the breeds, like Terriers, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, not to jump up and down when they're excited. A simple way to teach your pup not to jump (and this is handy, too, when he's learning not to jump up on people), is to put him in a sit or a down when he starts getting airborne. Of course, to do that he has to have a good, solid sit, so get out your clicker or treat bag and go to work. Another important activity to avoid with your puppy is walking on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. When he's little, keep your walks to grassy areas whenever possible. A third important start is to maintain a healthy weight. Start when he's a puppy. Get him used to a good, nutritious diet, not overeating, and don't over indulge him in treats. If he gets a lot of treats in training (or just because he's cute) on any given day, adjust his calorie intake accordingly, keeping in mind how much activity he's had and how many of those extra calories he might have burned. As he gets older, staying lean is going to be even more important. Joints don't need extra weight! Every extra pound is that much more pressure, that much more wear and tear on those hips, elbows, ankles, even the spine and neck. The jury is still out on whether or not puppies benefit from joint supplements. Honestly, it's a question that will probably never be answered definitively, but is going to be subject to many variables, beginning with the your puppy's potential size and including his genetic background and how his overall nutritional needs are met. If you do decide to supplement, read up on the ingredients and make sure you're using one with safe, natural ingredients. Know what you're giving your pup! Part of meeting a puppy's nutritional needs is taking into account that large breed pups have different dietary requirements than small or even medium breeds. A diet too high in calcium or phosphorus, or even simple overfeeding, can result in orthopedic problems later on in life. Large breed puppies need slow, controlled growth from a balance of nutrients and calories; choose a high quality large breed puppy food or one designed for all life stages. Never feed your large breed puppy regular puppy food. Healthy, low impact and moderate resistance exercise will help your puppy grow a strong musculo-skeletal system and sturdy joints and connective tissues. Gentle games of tug, letting your pup use his feet to push against your hands while he's laying on his back getting his belly tickled, any type of play where you can simulate light weight bearing exercise will help strengthen growing bones and muscles, and that can help guard against the onset of arthritis -- and give you more years to play. Brought to you by www.discount-pet-mall.com. Come to their site for massive discounts on dog kennels and pet crates.