Special Food that Reduces the Effects of Dysplasia

Not only components in food influence the delay of dysplasia from appearing, but obviously it’s just as important to ensure that the animal has an overall healthy lifestyle.

Hip or elbow dysplasia is a common health condition that affects many pets. You may be asking yourself if there is any way to prevent it or reduce its symptoms? If so, continue reading to become more informed about this disease and learn about a special food that reduces the effects of dysplasia.

What is dysplasia?

Hip or elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease that passes from generation to generation. It is caused by the bones that form a joint — either it being the hip or the elbow — that are not placed or aligned correctly. This causes them to rub against each other and make improper movements. This causes an accelerated wear down which causes other problems that lead to the joints malfunctioning. The problem with this disease is that it is silent.

This means the problem could have existed for a long time, even since birth, but the animal will not feel any pain until the later stages of life. You will notice it because your pet will go from eating and jumping to almost being unable to move at all.

There are certain breeds that are more likely to have this disease because of their genetic makeup. These are mostly large dogs because their joints have to support a lot of weight. Also, this medical condition affects dogs that grow at fast rates, because they do not have time to strengthen their joints.

The following breeds are most likely to have this condition:

• German Shepherds
• Labradors
• Rottweilers
• Mastiffs
• Newfoundlands
• Golden Retrievers
• Great Danes
• Saint Bernards
• Other large or gigantic breeds

How to reduce pain from dysplasia

There are several things to take into consideration, not only when the animal has this condition but as soon as your dogs starts feeling dysplasia pain. You can do this by:

• Swimming: Just like humans, swimming is also the most complete sport for pets. It will help strengthen their joints, develop their muscles, and they will have fun while doing it.
• Exercise: All dogs need a certain level of physical activity, but this is even more important for large dogs. You should take your dog out for a walk or run, depending on what he can manage, at least twice a day for 20 minutes.
• Temperature: You must makes sure the indoor temperature of your home is warm because cold temperatures are not good for your pet’s bones and joints. If it’s cold and you don’t have a way to heat the house, give your pet an electric blanket or a hot water bottle.
• Massages: Therapeutic massages will help regulate the pain an animal with dysplasia experiences.

Special food for dysplasia

Food is one of the most important factors for reducing and preventing pain caused by this disease. Therefore, it’s important practice good nutrition in your dog as of young age.  It is necessary to give him a balanced diet to prevent obesity. An obese animal will have joint problems due to the extra weight the joints have to carry.

However, foods that are made to protect joints are exceptional for reducing pain. These are low-calorie foods that have specific components to care for and strengthen the joints.

If you adopt a dog from a breed that’s prone to having dysplasia, it’s better to avoid these problems by feeding your dog this type of food as of being a puppy. You can’t avoid the disease, but it is very likely that you will postpone its appearance.

Likewise, as a supplement, you can combine this type of food with a nutritional supplement called a chondoprotector. It’s composed of hyaluronic acid, collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. All these components are exceptional for the proper functioning of joints. Whether or not the animal has developed the disease yet, chondoprotectors will be very useful.

Remember that having an animal is a responsibility that consists of taking care of every one of his needs. In this case: exercise, good nutrition, a comfortable temperature at home and a nutritional supplement. If you follow these tips, you will improve your pet’s quality of life.