German Shepherds are a wonderful breed of dog. If you’re looking for a great guard dog or a big snuggly giant. They are in the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States. However, it is important to note German Shepherds are especially prone to develop joint problems as they age. Furthermore, this is a condition that should not be ignored. Generally speaking, senior German Shepards are more prone to joint pain than other dog breeds. German Shepards are more likely to develop joint-related problems than medium or small dogs. This is because size and weight are key factors in many joint-related problems.
This doesn’t mean that a medium-sized or even a small dog can’t have joint problems. Being overweight, going through physical trauma, or suffering from a disease can cause joint problems – these things can all lead to joint pain even in smaller breeds.
German Shepard dogs have an increase in risk of hip dysplasia and arthritis. Hip dysplasia is found in about 20 percent of all purebred German Shepherds. Hip dysplasia can start showing symptoms as early as four months old in some dogs.
What are some signs your German Shepard may have or be developing joint problems?
- Difficulty getting on and off the couch – you might be used to your pet jumping up and on the furniture, which, can seem especially easy. However, joint problems can make this effort painful and uncomfortable for your dog. If you notice a distinctive pattern change in the way your dog climbs on and off the couch – this is something to pay attention to.
- Troubles with stairs – Going up and down the stairs is another everyday activity that isn’t supposed to trouble your dog but can become difficult and painful if joint problems are present.
- Less running – When dogs start running and playing less we usually attribute this to them getting older and losing interest in the games and the exercise. And, while this is often the case, a part of aging is often joint pain. If your dog has lost a significant interest in running along with you, consider the possibility of joint pain being the cause.
- Less desire for play or outdoor games – It’s not abnormal for a dog to lose interest in a game as he gets older, but ceasing physical activities is a key indicator of joint troubles.
- Sitting and sleeping in unusual positions – Joint pain can make simply sleeping and sitting a painful experience. This is regardless of whether it’s on the floor or on the furniture. If your dog starts to regularly sleep in unusual positions, joint pain might be the culprit.
- Irritability – Just like us, dogs can easily get irritable when they have significant physical discomfort. Especially if we are not aware of that and try to play with them or touch their painful areas. This is especially true for breeds like German Shepards with high risks of joint problems.
- Depression – Irritability can quickly grow into depression when the problem persists and that’s not uncommon since a lot of dog owners fail to notice the previous signs in time. With depression come a loss of appetite, sleeping disorders, and many other behavioral issues that are less easy to miss.
- Limping. Occurring together with lameness, limping is another sign of joint troubles.
- Whimpering in pain. Hopefully, your dog’s joint pain will never reach a stage where the animal is actively whimpering in pain. However, this is what happens when the pain becomes unbearable. If your pet is whining out of pain, get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Joint pain is not a problem that can be ignored. Especially in bigger or more active pet breeds like the German Shepard where joint troubles are frequently seen. To make sure that your dog has as little of a risk of joint issues as possible, feed your pet an appropriate and well-balanced diet. Choose a joint supplement for those dogs at higher risk or showing early signs of joint pain. Arrange comfortable sleeping and living conditions. Ensure a comfortable home temperature. And, get regular veterinary check-ups at least twice per year.
How Flexpet Can Help Dogs with Joint Pain
Prevention is always less expensive, less painful, and less dangerous than reactive treatment. Flexpet is a safe and all-natural way to help improve your dog’s joint function and quality of life. Flexpet is the only pet product on the market to use CM8. It is designed to help joint discomfort and inflammation in pets – without the use of prescription medication. Flexpet has been on the market for nearly 20 years and is recommended by veterinarians. Flexpet has over 100 reviews on Amazon from verified purchasers. And furthermore, Flexpet is made from all-natural human-grade ingredients, and it is made in the USA.
Flexpet comes in a maximum strength soft chew product for large dogs and those in severe pain, as well as a regular strength chewable tablet (our standard formula). Both forms are tasty treats to our pets so they won’t even know they’re taking a supplement. If you have a dog who is suffering from joint discomfort, we encourage you to give Flexpet a try.
At Flexpet, we care about you and your pets. We want to help you keep them as healthy as possible. We have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer any of your questions about our joint supplement products and how they may help your dog or cat. If your dog has joint pain issues, we invite you to try Flexpet today and start your dog on the journey to playing like a pup again. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email, or by phone at 1-800-505-0575.