Our friends from the pet world go through severe pain and trauma due to muscle and joint issues, much like us. We have adopted standard language conventions to communicate our intentions to other humans. Whereas, it isn’t the same with our pet dogs. There is no way to decode what they are trying to say. However, we may understand what they want to convey if we closely watch their expressions and gestures.
It’s a great idea to buy top rated pet insurance and not just for pain and trauma episodes. Why? Think about how often your pet needs to visit the vet or is at risk of an illness or injury.
Regular vet visits are really important – they help you detect medical conditions earlier so you stay prepared to tackle them or prevent a disease from aggravating. With most visits and medically necessary treatments, if not all, your pet insurer will reimburse much of the costs involved. Pet insurance prices vary from company to company but the value is clear to see. Read through the terms and conditions before signing up for a policy.
Now, on to some of the prevalent joint and muscle issues among dogs… Some of the most common ones are hip dysplasia, disk prolapse (slip disk) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. While, in smaller dog breeds, one may notice a luxating patella. Terriers, Dachshunds, and Pomeranians are highly vulnerable to joint injuries.
If it happens, rarely, or is a one-time incident, then it can be cured through correct exercises. If the conditions are persisting and turn adverse, then your dog may need surgery.
Stay alert and watch out for any symptoms in your pet dogs like the ones mentioned below–
- Watch your dog’s gait. If you observe anything abnormal, you need to reflect on it.
- Check whether your pet’s body weight is distributed evenly. Look if your pet is limping on any one leg or side.
- If your pet is experiencing terrible pain, it may stop walking around and eating properly.
- You may even find your doggy often curled up in a corner.
- Observe if your pet can get up on its own or needs assistance from you.
- If you check any of these on the list, then you are due for a vet visit.
Possible solutions!
1. Weight management
Care for your dog by working for its well being. Showering your pet with extra treats, cheat meals, sugar-loaded fruits, and snacks, excess food, etc., all lead to obesity, additional pressure on the spine, and legs. When your dog gains more pounds, it becomes tough to attain body balance and may contract arthritis. Plan your dog’s meals properly. It must include adequate protein, vitamins, minerals, and less fat. Obesity is a potential risk factor that leads to diabetes and many other serious diseases.
Having top rated pet insurance helps you manage such medical conditions as long as they are not pre-existing when you take out the insurance or are seen as congenital conditions.
2. Physiotherapy
Explore this option if you want to help your dog recover from joint and muscle troubles. You know how great massages improve blood circulation and relieve pain. This could be the best alternative to shoving meds down its throat. Contact your vet for further guidance.
3. Mobility exercises
Vets usually suggest dogs do a few exercises to enhance mobility post-trauma or post-surgery. These exercises may involve a lot of stretching, walking on forelegs, or walking on hind legs, etc.
4. Hydrotherapy
This technique uses water to treat traumatic joints and muscles. Remember how you feel light on entering a pool. Your dog would feel the same and its weight would no longer be a pain (as long as your dog is in water). Getting your dog to exercise in water raises joint flexibility and elevates blood circulation. Before your dog gets into the pool, let it get familiar with the new aqua environment and test the waters. Later, it may move on to do exercise routines while there.
Conclusion
Inquire into a pet insurance policy and buy one that covers the most common pet health conditions as well as treatments needed after an accident. After all, your mate deserves to live well along with you and the rest of the family.
