Unfortunately, joint inflammation and arthritis are common pet diseases nowadays. On top of that, it is not only happening among older animals. Even one-year-old pets might suffer from stiff joints. Therefore, it is essential to recognize such issues on time, to talk to your vet, and stick to the diet afterward. In this article, we will show you what to do if your pet has a stiff joints problem.
How to Recognize (osteo)arthritis?
Both dogs and cats, as well as other animals, can suffer from this degenerative disease. And it is essential to recognize it on time in order to fix it as soon as possible. Some of the most obvious arthritis signs in dogs are problems with getting up, getting tired when walking, and avoiding stairs in your home. On the other hand, if you see your cat suddenly become less active, you should suspect that arthritis might have occurred. Also, they will have problems with moving and jumping.
Visit a Veterinarian
Unless you are an expert yourself, when suspecting arthritis, you should always visit a veterinarian. First of all, it is the only way to receive the right diagnosis. Vet’s examinations will tell you if your suspicion was correct, and after that, what type of arthritis your pet has, and which parts of their body are affected. In the end, always listen to your vet’s advice, whether it is about medications, supplements, food, etc. If you have your own idea about something, present it to your vet and discuss it.
Maintain Their Weight
Too many overweight animals have joint issues. It is not the only case when arthritis occurs, but unfortunately, it is usually the main cause. Therefore, you have to provide the right foods and supplements for your pet, and also, to start reducing their daily calorie consumption gradually. Don’t even think about cutting half of their meals in one day. Make a plan and slowly lower the total amount of calories. Animals also have their habits, and they will have difficulties with accepting such fast changes. Instead, try to approach changes slowly.
Food Supplements
Adding supplements to your pet’s diet is super necessary for fixing stiff joints and osteoarthritis issues. Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and other similar ingredients are vital ingredients that supplements such as Joint MAX and YuMOVE possess.
Joint MAX offers a wide variety of different joint supplements, which is excellent since animals can have different types of issues (as we mentioned). Some of the products are specialized for either cats, dogs, or horses, and some of them are universal for all animals, such as soft chews or liquid. After your vet determines what type of arthritis your pet has, it will be easy for you to choose the right Joint MAX product.
YuMove is another effective supplement for stiff joints. Its formula contains high-quality ingredients such as glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, green-lipped mussel, vitamins (C and E), manganese, etc. On top of that, this supplement is approved by licensed veterinarians.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are dangerous for the animal’s body. They can damage cells and cause degenerative diseases. Antioxidants are very good at fighting free radicals and preventing cell damage, and that’s why you should implement them in your pet’s diet. Also, antioxidants can prevent cancer, heart disease, and they are the best choice to fight arthritis. Some of the foods where you can find a lot of high-quality antioxidants are turmeric, wild blueberries, herbs, phytoplankton, etc.
Fats
Every diet designed to fight arthritis has to include fats, especially the dog’s diet. Many of the fats are either omega-6 or omega-3 fats. Both are essential in controlling the immune system and hormones, and they work well in balance. Unfortunately, nowadays we have a lot of foods that are low in these fats. To prevent arthritis from happening (or if you have to deal with it), you must include both fish and phytoplankton in your pet’s diet. Again, fats are especially great for dogs, but other animals can also benefit a lot from omega-6 and omega-3 fats.
Physical Activity
Arthritic animals have a problem with moving, and therefore, you will have to adjust the type of physical activity, depending on the diagnosis. Some experts claim that swimming in heated water might be the best type of activity. Besides that, there are different games, toys, and ramps that can help arthritic animals do particular exercises. Again, it is essential to discuss this matter with your veterinarian and listen to their advice.
A Comfortable Bed
Providing a soft and warm bed to animals with arthritis is crucial. They mustn’t expose themselves to cold and moisture. Even with proper food, supplements, and physical activity, you can still ruin their recovery by not providing an adequate bed. Furthermore, the most critical recovery process happens during sleep. Therefore, don’t overlook this step if your pet has issues with stiff joints.
It is essential to inform yourself about the symptoms of stiff joints. Otherwise, you won’t be able to recognize it until the situation becomes much worse. Also, always be in contact with your vet and stick to the recommended diet.