Labradors, known for their active and energetic nature, can experience back issues as they age where problems such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), hip dysplasia and arthritis can affect their back health but worry not as we got you sorted with some expert veterinary tips that can ensure that your pet leads a comfortable and active life. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Veterinarian Dr Brijeshraj shared the common problem seen and faced by Labradors and highlighted a few methods and practises to be followed by new and old pet parents.
Creating enough awareness around this highly common issue and educating pet parents will gradually decrease the number of Labradors succumbing to many other prolonged illnesses. He stated, “Due to poor breeding practices, Labradors are predisposed to hip and joint issues. The number of Labradors being diagnosed with hip and joint issues is on the rise. Later on, in life, it is common to see spondylosis/spondylitis which may be a cause of pain, paresis and paralysis. The PennHip method can help diagnose this in early stages, and in some dog’s early surgery is also quite helpful. Alternative treatments also include Tuina Anmo massage combined with acupuncture which gives good results. Bone stock given for a period of 3 months at least also helps.”
Highlighting that the growth plates of puppies are not fused completely until they are full grown, he suggested a list of do’s and don’ts to be followed, to prevent damage to hips and joints:
1. Allow access for free play on natural surfaces like mud and grass
2. No agility at all until at least 6 months of age.
3. Proprioception exercises are recommended for balance
4. These obedience position training exercises should be done on a mat.
5. Fetch should be done on a runner or carpet for traction
6. The puppy should be taught to lie down in a settle position
7. Do not encourage the pup to jump on and off sofas, bed, ledges etc
8. Stairs should be avoided
Manjula Engineer, Trainer and Behaviourist, further broke down, simple weight bearing exercises to help the pup build muscle strength in the hip and back legs -
1. Start with a step that is an inch high. Can be a hardcover book, a plastic upturned tray, etc. Lure the pup to place his front two paws on the step. Holding a treat in front of his nose, let him stand for about 5 seconds. Treat and release. Repeat 5 times. This puts weight on his hips and back legs to strengthen them
2. Place the pup in a stand position by holding a treat in front of his nose. With your other hand firmly lift one paw and hold for 5 seconds. Cycle through all four paws lifting one at a time.
3. Placing a treat in front of his nose, lure the pup’s muzzle in a curve to meet his hip. Hold 5 seconds, treat and release. Then repeat on the other side.
4. Place the pup in a sit and lure his face up stretching the neck and again putting weight on his hips.
5. Teach the pup a follow me in a figure eight configuration.
Bringing her expertise to the same, Anjali Kalachand, Co-Founder of A Petter Life, recommended nutritional and other tips to maintain and keep in check a happy and a healthy Labrador. Stressing upon the importance of feeding a meat-based-species-appropriate diet to all dogs, she pointed out why a meat-based diet is important for dogs predisposed to joint issues:
According to her, joint issues are often associated with inflammation and pain hence, she suggested feeding foods and adding herbs/spices that have natural anti-inflammatory benefits -
Other menthods that can greatly help with pain relief include:
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2024-04-28T08:22:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd