While there are a number of ways that joint problems can be treated in your dog or cat, the best treatment is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Many owners do not realize the role that injuries, even minor ones, can play in the development of joint problems later on in life. Follow these five tips to help prevent arthritis and other joint issues before they occur.

Prevent joint injuries

Injuries are the most common causes of joint problems in pets, so it makes sense to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Dogs are prone to injuries during uncontrolled and energetic activities such as jumping. These are not usually as much of a problem for cats, who are built to jump carefully, but they can have the occasional accident that you should watch out for. You may also wish to cover slippery surfaces in your home with rugs, as even the most careful animal can injure themselves when they footing suddenly gives way.

Treat injuries

If an injury does occur, it is important you get it professionally treated, even if it seems like a minor one. If an injury fails to heal properly your pet may suffer long-term pain, both from the injury itself and from secondary problems that it may create. An old injury is one of the most common reasons that pets develop arthritis in a joint.

Preventative supplements

Keeping your pet’s joints in the best possible health from the outset will help prevent joint problems later on in life.  Joint supplements contain ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote healthy cartilage and joint fluid. There are also supplements targeted specifically at breeds that are susceptible to joint problems.

Regular exercise

Making sure your pet has plenty of exercises if obviously beneficial to their physical and emotional well-being, but can be particularly useful for the joints. Keeping them active with gentle exercise not only leads to more limber, flexible joints, but exercise also promotes the production of the cushioning joint fluid. Exercise will also have the added benefit of keeping your pet from becoming overweight, which can cause unwanted stress on the joints.

Healthy diet

By making sure your pet is healthy on the inside, you are giving them the best chance to deal with any joint problems that may arise. A healthy diet promotes a healthy immune system, which is responsible for healing injuries and reducing inflammation. An ideal diet for a pet should also incorporate ingredients that help them grow strong bones and cartilage. And just like exercise, a good diet will prevent your dog or cat from piling on the pounds.