As our Bulldog's age they are at an increased risk of developing arthritis. But there are a few simple ways to reduce these risk factors. In this article, we'll discuss how to prevent and treat Bulldog arthritis and increase your dog's health.
What Causes a Bulldog's Arthritis?
The risk of French Bulldog arthritis increases in senior dogs and can be related to a number of factors;
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Your dog's food
A healthy diet begins with whole organic foods that help to promote joint health. Joint inflammation and cartilage damage can be worse if your dog is used to a bad diet.
Dogs need food that contains high amounts of fatty acids, vitamin K, and vitamin D.
Fatty acids like Omega-3 have anti-inflammatory properties which can help keep joints healthy.
Vitamin K is essential for repairing cartilage damage and sending calcium to your dog's affected joints and bones - creating a more healthy joint.
Low levels of vitamin D have been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and joint inflammation.
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Genetic disposition like hip dysplasia
Some dog breeds have a genetic disposition that makes them more vulnerable to different types of arthritis like osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Boxers for example are much more prone to developing hip dysplasia.
Take some time and speak to your vet about your dog's breed and whether they may be more at risk of certain types of arthritis.
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Your bulldog's body weight
Your dog's weight is a huge factor in dogs suffering from arthritis.
Arthritis slowly worsens as your dog gains weight and puts more pressure on their joints. If you believe your dog is overweight, take a close look at their diet and try to improve what they're eating.
Five Ways To Prevent Arthritis in bulldogs
Let's jump right into it. Here are five ways to increase the health of your dog's joints and provide relief to those swollen joints.
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Managing Your Dog's Diet
Weight management is the easiest way to help prevent degenerative joint disease like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Heavier dogs develop arthritis at much faster rates than a dog who is at a healthy weight. Your dog's joints are meant to keep up only what they were designed to carry.
A healthy weight will also increase blood flow and the general health of your dog! If you feel like your dog is overweight, you can take him to a vet or maybe even your local PetSmart to get them weighed.
If you find they are heavier than they should be, consider putting your dog on a healthy diet. We know it can be difficult to hold those treats back! But if it can provide arthritic pain relief, please consider it.
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Exercising Your Bulldog
Physical therapy can mean a number of different things. You can get professional assistance at your local veterinary medicine. You can also take your dog on short walks and set your own exercise routine. Many dog owners believe a short walk can help decrease arthritis pain.
If you choose to go on regularly scheduled walks, be aware of your bulldog's limits. A long walk can cause severe pain, and we do not want this! So, give it a try and make it part of your joint pain management toolkit!
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Massages for Your Dog
Massage therapy can help increase circulation and blood flow to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments around your French Bulldogs joints.
Since this therapy is new to our canine companions, we borrow a lot of the technique from human massage therapy.
Human Massage Therapy Techniques
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Acupuncture treatment
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Trigger-point massage
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Passive range of motion
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Craniosacral therapy
Give it a try!
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Joint Supplements
Joint supplements usually contain essential ingredients for joint health like MSM Chondroitin and Glucosamine.
Additionally, you can look into dietary supplements that also include things like fish oil, supplying much needed fatty acids to your dog's affected joint.
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Making Your Home Arthritis Friendly
This is a relatively easy task we can check off to keep your dog's joints healthy. Your dog's arthritis pain can be very intense, especially when they move too much or try to jump.
Make sure your furry friend has easily accessible food and water. Don't make them jump or reach up for it.
Additionally, make sure they have a cushioned bed to sleep on. Joint pain can increase at night, since the joints become stiff from not moving.
Conclusion: Bulldog Arthritis
Our French Bulldogs are a special part of our lives and we want what’s best for them. As your dog ages, it increases the risk of your dog developing arthritis.
But you don't have to sit back and watch your furry friend suffer. There are things you can do to ease their pain and improve their quality of life.
We hope this article has given you a few ideas on preventing your dog's osteoarthritis. And please remember, if your dog is in severe pain please go see a vet as soon as possible.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
FAQ
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What foods prevent arthritis in dogs?
Foods naturally high in omega fatty acids can help to provide essential nutrients to your dog's joints. In addition, foods that contain key vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin K can help to prevent arthritis in dogs.
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What causes dogs to have arthritis?
The breakdown in the cartilage around the joints can cause painful arthritis in your dog. This breakdown is caused by old age, weight gain, and poor diet.
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How can I slow my dog's arthritis progression?
Try taking your dog on a long walk to help with joint stiffness. In addition, going on walks can help keep off excess weight.
Walks are always a great option to keep everyone happy, healthy, and at the appropriate weight!
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How do I keep my dog's joints healthy?
To prevent your dog from developing arthritis, try giving your dog joint supplements in addition to a healthy diet and body weight.
A good joint supplement typically includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and essential vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin K.
