Common Bone Diseases in Dogs That You Must Know

Puppies of large-breed dogs are routinely affected by bone ailments like growing pains and elbow dysplasia. This Buzzle article will inform you about the common bone diseases in dogs, and also what you can do about it.

Did You Know?
It's a common myth that dogs will let you know when they are sick. On the contrary, they are good at hiding their disease, as a primitive survival instinct. By the time you notice you notice the illness, it may be in an advanced stage.

Dogs are affected by a range of bone diseases. Most of these will cause lameness from a slight to severe degree, while some may even be degenerative in nature, causing permanent debilitation. These diseases are also specific to a particular age group, generally in the infant stage, though some affect only middle-aged or older animals. Large-breed dogs like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Basset Hounds are the most susceptible, owing to their large-boned structures, heavy weight, and rapid-growth phases, along with a genetic predisposition to bone diseases. Fingers are also being pointed at the rampant use of pet food and lack of natural food items in the diet of pet dogs. Pet food is high in proteins, calcium, and phosphorous, which causes growth at unnaturally fast rates than the body is suited to, leading to bone abnormalities.

In this fast-paced age, where man is falling prey to a host of lifestyle diseases, pets aren't being left far behind either. One of the factors contributing to the large incidence of canine bone diseases is a sedentary lifestyle. This causes obesity, which makes the joints of the animal bear heavy loads.