Maintaining Joint Health in Aging Boston Terriers: A Comprehensive Guide
As a Boston Terrier ages, it's not uncommon that he will be vulnerable to joint pain, arthritis, damaged cartilage and similar health concerns. And unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, it's not just pain relief that you can provide for your senior dog, too.
There are actually ways that you can maintain healthy joints in an older Boston Terrier using natural means. In this article, I will walk you through some helpful tips that won't just help curb sore joints and inflammation, but also keep your canine pal's overall health in tiptop shape through his golden years.
Understanding Senior Boston Terrier Joint Care
Contrary to popular belief, it's not just working dogs and certain breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher and the Giant Schnauzer that develop stiffness in the joints as well as joint disease. These health issues targeting affected joints are quite common among older dogs regardless of pedigree.
It's not just senior dogs that are prone to joint issues.
Moreover, dog joint damage can also occur at an early age, such as in the case of hip dysplasia. This condition primarily involves the incorrect growth and development of joint cartilage and may be tricky to notice without the help of a veterinarian. There are even dogs that only exhibit adverse signs during their senior years!
Proper joint care can help extend the Boston Terrier lifespan.
You'll discover in this article that knowing how to maintain the overall health of your older dog's joints is not just about preventing swelling and stiffness. It also has to do with boosting the immune system of your pet, which will help add more meaningful years to his life. Your Boston Terrier won't definitely have a great time if he's always afflicted with arthritis and joint disease, right?
Common Problems with an Aging Boston Terrier's Joints
Like most senior dogs, Boston Terriers can also be troubled with joint health issues. And no matter how healthy you think your fur baby is, chances are he's going to be at risk of this problem at some point of his life. Below are the common joint issues that your dog will possibly go through when he reaches his senior years:
1. Hip dysplasia
Although this condition is genetic in nature, its adverse effects can worsen over time, especially among Boston Terriers in their golden years. It is usually characterized by recurring bouts of swelling, stiffness and inflammation. These indicators can already be observed in a pup. Always keep in mind that extreme cases already require an urgent visit to the vet.
2. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in dogs. The cartilage of the joints can progressively wear down as a Boston Terrier ages. This leads to unwanted friction in around the joints and can be rather painful. Natural joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are often used to alleviate the effects of this disease, which can be integrated in Boston Terrier's diet.
3. Rupturing of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL)
A CCL rupture occurs when the knee of your dog undergoes extreme twisting or hyperextension. This health issue is often caused by excessive activity levels or when your pet engages in games and sports not appropriate for his age. The most common indicator that you will notice as regards this condition is a pronounced limp and swelling in the affected areas.
4. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
This health problem takes place when the spinal cord unexpectedly compresses and causes a spinal disc (or a group of discs) to bulge, slip or tear. While this condition is common among older dogs, it can also afflict younger ones, particularly those that are prone to cartilage issues hereditary-wise. Moreover, immediate treatments plus the use of joint supplements often lead to full recovery among affected dogs.
5. Elbow dysplasia
Deemed as one of the most prevalent causes of limb lameness in dogs, this condition results from the abnormal or defective formation of the elbow joint. Its adverse effects are often likened to the pain and discomfort caused by canine arthritis. While this health issue cannot be healed, it can be managed by the help of a veterinarian and through the use of chondroitin, glucosamine, green-lipped mussel extract and similar supplements.
6. Patellar luxation
This joint heath issue occurs when the kneecap shifts from its normal position and causes inflammation in dogs. Although considered as hereditary, it is also believed that a pup prematurely engaged in intense activities and games at a very early age can also be at risk of this condition.
A Few Tips on Joint Care for Aging Boston Terriers
Providing the right joint support for your older Boston Terrier so he can have the best quality of life even during his golden years is not as complicated as you think. Whether you're looking to reduce inflammation or decrease pain, you just have to remember the few simple and practical tips in this article to pull the whole thing off:
Regular exercise is essential.
While this may sound surprising, your aging pet will still need regular exercise—particularly low-impact exercise—despite having problems with arthritis and similar joint issues. According to veterinarians, not having a regular workout in an older Boston Terrier's checklist will only lead to more problems like obesity, heart disease and even infections in some cases.
However, it is crucial to keep your low-impact exercise routine as age-appropriate for your older dog as you can. It has to be brisk but not too intense. Be more careful if your fur baby is already suffering from arthritis or showing signs of similar health problems.
Food plays a crucial role.
A senior Boston Terrier's food intake has two key functions. First, it provides nutrition and support to the body, which has a significant effect on the overall health of your dog. Second, it helps boost the immune system so your pet won't develop any health concerns easily. As a bonus, having access to the right food will also give your pet healthy skin.
Keep in mind that providing your dog with proper nutrition and diet is best started when he's still just a pup. If you're looking to really take your Boston Terrier's nutrition up a notch, here is your ultimate guide to the foods dogs can and cannot eat.
Sleep does wonders for the joints.
Although sleep does not have a direct effect on the joints like chondroitin, glucosamine and similar supplements, the right amount of shut-eye helps the body of a senior dog to repair and rejuvenate. These include tired muscles, damaged tissues, as well as getting rid of pain brought about by arthritis. Making it a point to have an ideal sleeping schedule for your aging Boston Terrier will do wonders for his health.
Treat joint issues as soon as you notice them.
Joint health issues in dogs tend to have distinct indicators, just the like the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Make sure you contact your vet as soon as you observe that your senior Boston Terrier may be going through a joint problem.
Besides easing the pain and possibly correction, dealing with these health issues as early as possible can also prevent more serious complications.
Drop by the vet routinely.
Although we advocate for natural pet support products to help give your Boston Terrier the quality of life he truly deserves, we'd also like to emphasize that your vet is your ally in keeping your dog healthy and happy. A senior Boston Terrier typically requires a visit to the veterinarian every six (6) months.
Joint Support Ideas for Older Boston Terriers
In this part of our article, we'll go over some age-appropriate exercise ideas that will help support your older Boston Terrier's joint health. These will also work best if combined with proper diet and nutrition. Make sure you also get in touch with your veterinarian if your senior dog displays pain and discomfort during these workouts:
Swimming
Boston Terriers are typically water-loving dogs. You can use this attribute to your advantage in giving your pet a workout while keeping joint health issues like arthritis in check. Just remember to keep your swimming sessions short and relaxed to avoid over-exercising your canine friend. Using an inflatable dog pool will already do the trick.
Supervised obstacle courses
Setting up an indoor obstacle course will not just encourage your dog to exercise, but also stimulate him mentally. You can use everyday items like pillows, towels and blankets for your pet to negotiate. You can also integrate puzzle toys to really give him a challenge.
Short but brisk walks
If we're being honest, a Boston Terrier will never say no to a walk. The most straightforward way to do this is by taking your fur baby on a stroll around the neighborhood. A quick trip to the dog park also works, too.
Balance and coordination exercises
This is highly recommended if your aging dog is suffering from arthritis. The simplest method to pull this off is by gently stretching and massaging your Boston Terrier's limbs for a few minutes. Keep an eye on his reaction as you go along. Stop when he shows any sign of pain or discomfort.
Modified tug of war
For this one, you just need to get your hands a short cotton rope and you're good to go! Encourage your dog to bite on the rope and tug on it lightly for twenty (20) seconds or so. Rest for a couple of minutes and repeat the process. Be careful not to make the whole thing too intense or else your Boston Terrier's arthritis will get in the picture unexpectedly.
A Natural Option for Joint Problems in Aging Boston Terriers
Quick Recap
There are simple ways to keep the joint health of your aging Boston Terrier in tiptop shape. Apart from having regular exercise in your checklist, making sure that your dog has the right diet and nutrition is also a priority. Always remember that ideal joint health is essential to giving your golden-aged Boston Terriers the quality of life he truly deserves.
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