Monday 9 December 2013

How Does Diet Affect Dogs With Hip Dysplasia?

Dog hip dysplasia is a condition characterized by a looseness of the hip-joint, which is usually accompanied by weak muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue. The joint then scrapes and grinds during movement, leading to painful wear and tear. The condition is inherited, and certain breeds are more likely to get it. The breeds that are more likely to develop it include Golden Retriever, Saint Bernard, Old English Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. Even though the condition is genetic, there are certain environmental factors that affect its severity, and one of these is diet.

Diet plays a crucial role on whether dogs that are predisposed to have hip dysplasia are going to develop the condition or not. When their diet is high in calorie and carbohydrates, especially when they are three to ten months of age, their risk of developing the condition increases. Moreover, a study of Labrador Retriever puppies found that puppies who were free-fed had higher risk of developing the condition than those that were fed with the same food but in controlled portions.
Furthermore, overweight or obesity can aggravate the condition because excess weight puts more stress on dogs' hip joints. Thus, it is very important for dog parents to give their dogs a healthy and balanced diet. Dog parents can also make use of dietary supplements for dogs to help reduce the severity of hip dysplasia and relieve them of pain caused by the condition. Specifically, hip and joint supplements for dogs, which usually contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, can help reduce the severity of the condition. They can also be given to dogs to prevent them from developing the condition and getting other joint-related conditions.

Another important factor that affects hip dysplasia in dogs is exercise. If hip dysplastic dogs get improper exercise, the condition can be aggravated. The recommended forms of exercise for them include leash walking for thirty minutes a day and swimming.

Give your dogs only the best quality of life they deserve. Get the high quality hip and joint supplements they need from Choice Nutrition Supplements.

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