As they get older, dogs can have issues with their joints just like humans. For dogs, however, these can be even worse. That’s because they develop so rapidly from puppy to adult dog and are extremely active from a very young age. A dog’s joints are in almost constant use - acting as shock absorbers as he walks and runs, taking the pressure off his bones and cushioning them to prevent wear - and it’s not unusual for even a young adult to show signs of joint stiffness.
There are various reasons why this happens. Ligaments can weaken with age, putting extra strain on the rest of the joint. If a healthy layer of cartilage isn’t maintained, bones can start to grate against each other. Synovial fluid, designed to lubricate joints, tends to grow thicker with age and is subject to attack by free radicals and that can also contribute to joint stiffness.
Most owners will know immediately when their dog is experiencing joint stiffness. The first sign is that he will probably be a little slow in getting up in the morning and could struggle to keep up with you when you take him for a walk. You may even be able to hear the sound of his bones as they grate against each other. These are all signs that he could probably benefit from Pedigree® Joint Care+ treats.