Dogs with Joint Pain: Are Small Breeds Prone to Joint Issues?

While larger breeds of canines are known to be prone to joint issues, dogs with joint pain come in all sizes. Some breeds that are bred for shorter leg lengths, which are generally small dogs, actually have more joint issues than the average breed.

Dogs with joint pain can often be identified at very youthful stages in their lives. Some veterinarians say they’ve witnessed joint issues in puppies as young as four months of age. One hip problem that joint pain sufferers have is called avascular necrosis and it occurs on the head of the femoral bone. Avascular necrosis is when blood supply fails to reach that area. One way you can detect this in your puppy is if you notice that he/she has a difficult time standing up or has difficulty walking.

Smaller dogs can also exhibit problems rooting from their knees. It’s called patellar luxation; patellar after the floating knee bone and luxation, which is the process by which the patellar comes out of alignment. Dogs with this ailment will often hop as their knee will lock up.

Small dogs with joint pain might also have a condition that is brought on over time whereby the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. This ligament is located around the knees and can be a long-term issue in a dog that is injured through rough play. Veterinarians will refer to this as a disease in dogs that show symptoms after gradual wear and tear on the ligament.

Since most small breeds are genetically predisposed to these joint issues, there isn’t much you can do for your dog, whether it’s a puppy or full-grown to eliminate their joint issues. However, there are some supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine that are widely available and are proven to be effective in addressing some joint issues. Some owners will also try to limit exposure to situations that cause stress on the joints, such as keeping them off slippery floor surfaces or letting them jump down from tall structures.

Some dogs will exhibit a slower pace or stiffness after vigorous exercise, which can mimic joint issues. But dogs that suffer from joint pain which is brought on by more serious issues should be taken to the veterinarian for recommendations on treatment.

Small dog owners are also turning to ProLabs for their veterinarian-quality joint health supplements that are proving to be effective. FLEX Rx is engineered to help small breeds, large breeds and every breed in between with their joint health. It’s actually the first product of its kind that is capable of managing joint health at the metabolic level. ProLabs solution involves using ingredients that are up to five times more effective than vitamin E in treating joint issues, and has been shown to be more effective than glucosamine.

Caring for German Shepherd Hip Problems

In some areas of the world it’s known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog or the Alsatian. To Americans, we simply call it the German Shepherd.

It didn’t take long for this breed to develop an intense popularity after it was established around 1900. It’s an intelligent breed, dominant, protective and one of the most efficient working dogs in its class. But it also has some health problems that are common to German Shephers.

German Shepherd hip problems are notorious and unfortunate. But those who love the breed know that it’s just one of the unfortunate characteristics that piggyback on the great attributes of the breed. Hip dysplasia is far too often a problem in this breed.

While most working dogs have a fairly normal posture, the German Shepherds you see in dog shows have a lower profile in the hind legs that has led some to call the breed half frog. These show dogs are prone to German Shepherd hip problems more so than those with a more normal build. The practice of breeding them for this lower hip profile has become quite controversial.

Work dog or show dog, German Shepherd hip problems are the most consistent hereditary health issue with this breed. Dogs as young as 24 months will begin to show problems, generally those associated with pain in the hips. Some dogs will experience the same issues in their elbows. Responsible breeders are keeping their dogs with hip problems out of the breeding program in an effort to reduce the stigma associated with German Shepherd hip problems.

If you own a German Shepherd, you might try adding supplements to your dog’s diet. Omega 3 supplements, which are derived from fish oils, aid in better hip health. Flax seed and olive oils are also proving effective.

Just as important as supplements is exercise. Owners are cautioned to keep high-impact exercises out of the routine, but regular walks are definitely encouraged to help keep muscle tone at an optimum level. Conditioned muscles help take pressure off the failing joints, which reduces pain.

German Shepherd hip problems are not unique to that breed alone. Golden Retrievers and other purebred dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Dogs that weigh more than 60 pounds are also at greater risk. Otterhounds, Neapolitan Mastiffs, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Old English Sheepdogs and Newfoundlands are also breeds that see hip dysplasia issues.

Regardless of the breed or the size of the dog, ProLabs created a formula that ups the level of wellness in dogs by reducing the amount of pain they feel in their joints. FLEX Rx has performed well in clinical tests and is twice as effective as a leading competitor’s formula in relieving pain.