Joint care through the ages
Our vets are passionate about joint comfort and good mobility for all pets! So, we’ve compiled a list of veterinary recommendations for keeping your pet’s joints in top form throughout their life.
Puppies and kittens
The best way to help your pet’s bones and joints to grow and develop healthily is to ensure they’re fed a balanced, complete diet appropriate for their age, with the correct levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. It’s recommended that large and giant breed puppies are fed a specific large breed puppy diet, designed to support the slower, steadier growth that is healthiest for them.
Our vets can provide personalised advice on the healthiest diet for your pet at their initial puppy and kitten vaccination appointments.
Keeping all pups and kittens in a lean, healthy body condition during growth will reduce excessive strain on their joints, and can reduce the likelihood of future joint problems.
For certain large breed puppies or any pet showing signs of joint discomfort, we may also recommend the option of hip x-rays to screen for potential joint conditions.
Adult pets
Even when your pet is fully grown, it’s recommended to keep them at a slim, healthy body weight to help maintain their healthiest joint condition.
If your pet has suffered a significant joint injury (such as a cruciate ligament tear), or has been diagnosed with a developmental joint condition (such as hip dysplasia), our vets will discuss options for joint support supplements, also known as chondroprotective agents. For a pet with an affected joint or joints, these supplements can reduce inflammation and cartilage damage, and help them to remain more mobile and comfortable in the long-term. Although they will generally benefit any pet with joint issues, for the best results, it’s recommended to start these supplements before your pet starts to show significant symptoms.
All content © PetPack 2022. The content in this document cannot be not be reused in part or full without the written authorisation of PetPack Pty Ltd.