Your pet's mobility, and regular movement, is important to their joint health but to their overall health as well. Regular movement helps keep your pet's muscles and joints healthy, warding off arthritis and joint degeneration. But what is mobility?
And how can you make sure your pet is moving the way they should?
What is mobility?
Mobility is the ability to move a joint fully and effectively. Some joints are very complex (like our hands and wrists - there are so many small joints and bones), and some are a little simpler. But the ability to flex, roll and move these joints the way they should is essential. Injury and age can cause the cartilage in these joints to deteriorate, making movement hard. But that's not the only cause of arthritis and joint disease.
Why is it important?
Stagnation, or lack of movement, is one of the leading causes of pet arthritis and joint disease. When a dog or cat spends too much time lying down or sitting idly, their muscles begin to atrophy. When their muscles become weak, too much strain is put on the joints. Even simple acts like standing up or walking down some steps can be a lot of work on joints, especially aging ones.
Obesity brings a similar peril to your pet, and puts them at high risk for arthritis and joint damage. Lots of extra pounds put undue strain on a dog or cat's joints, causing them to deteriorate more quickly, and risks injury.
Of course, the leading cause of chronic disease like pet arthritis, is chronic inflammation. A poor diet, such as one fueled by commercial pet food (dry kibble is the worst culprit) creates and feeds inflammation within the body.
Keep your pet mobile and ward of pet arthritis
As you may guess, my first word of advice for reducing your pet's risk of arthritis is to reduce inflammation, starting with their diet. Begin cooking an anti-inflammatory diet for your pet at home using The Original CrockPet Diet. Adding a fish oil supplement and Turmeric will provide inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids.
After you begin the fight against inflammation, get moving. Literally. Help your pet to move a little every single day. Even if your dog or cat is advanced in age, or already struggling with arthritis pain, regular movement will help their joints and muscles. Keep the blood flowing to these areas helps cell repair, and will encourage muscle building (taking some pressure off of those joints).
Regular massage and passive stretching will also help keep your pet flexible, and provide relief from stiff joints and tired muscles. Stay tuned into this series for more information on helping your pet fight arthritis and joint disease!