As degenerative joint disease is a natural part of the aging process, preventing it is challenging, and these preventative measures can only be effective to a certain extent. Building and maintaining muscles, tendons and joints can be the most effective measure an owner can take. This entails regular exercise for the dog. The frequency, durations and intensity should be varied depending on the dog, but exercise will ensure the muscles and limbs are as healthy as possible for as long as possible. This measure also comes with the benefit of keeping owners fit and healthy. On top of regular exercise, massaging the dog, undertaking at-home strengthening exercises and water therapy may also help to prevent arthritis in the long term.
The next step for owners to take is to alter their dogs diet. Carbohydrates should be discouraged as they promote inflammation. Fresh foods that are unprocessed, are rich in unadulterated enzymes and can help to reduce inflammation. A healthy, balanced diet is key to the long-term health of the dogs muscles and joints.
Certain supplements can also be added to the dogs diet, to encourage muscle and joint retention and prevent degeneration. These are known as joint supportive agents, and common, effective agents are eggshell membrane, glucosamine sulfate with MSM, and cetyl myristoleate.
Both the exercise measures outlined above and the diet alterations may not prevent degeneration entirely, but they may well prevent it occurring until dogs are much older.
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