Osteoarthritis affects up to 80% of dogs over the age of 8. However, this chronic joint condition develops much earlier in the animal's life. In many cases, the first lesions appear in adulthood, without the dog showing any pain. This is why veterinarians today emphasize the importance of prevention. anticipated and individualized — which begins in the first months of life.
So, at what age should you take action? What actions should you take to support your dog's healthy joint development? And how can you integrate these routines into your daily life?
Osteoarthritis: a silent pathology that sets in early
Clinical studies show that the first signs of osteoarthritis (chronic inflammation, cartilage damage) can appear even before the dog is 2 years old, especially in large, fast-growing breeds (CAM, 2022).
In other words, when a dog starts limping at 7 or 8 years old, joint wear is often already well established for several years.
The 6 pillars of joint prevention
1. Regular veterinary monitoring, from a young age
- When giving your first vaccinations, ask your veterinarian for a complete orthopedic assessment.
- Have your weight and body condition checked regularly by the healthcare team.
- If you practice a sporting activity (agility, canicross, flyball, etc.), consider a follow-up with a veterinary physiotherapist from adulthood to prevent any musculoskeletal imbalance.
2. Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
It is the most important lever to limit joint problems. According to the CAM, 63% of dogs are overweight — and 90% of their owners don't realize it. However:
- Being overweight can reduce life expectancy by 2 years.
- In Labradors, osteoarthritis appears up to 6 years earlier when they are overweight (Kealy et al., 2002).
- Learn to assess the body score of your dog (target: 4,5 to 5/9) or ask your veterinarian for advice.
There is no such thing as an “anti-arthritis” food, but there is diet adapted to age, race and physical activity is fundamental.
For further : Diet and osteoarthritis: 5 pillars for your dog's comfort
3. Adapt the dog's environment
Many environmental factors during growth influence joint health:
- Limit access to stairs before 3 months: increased risk of hip dysplasia.
- Avoid jumps repeated (sofa, car).
- Cover slippery floors (parquet, tiles) with non-slip mats: puppies raised on slippery floors have a 1,6 times greater risk of dysplasia.
4. Control the type of physical activity
It is not the duration but the type of movement which counts:
- Avoid violent efforts, sudden changes of direction, and sudden stops.
- Never push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
- Vary the surfaces (grass, sand, gravel) to develop proprioception, essential for joint balance.
- Beware of overly repetitive ball throwing games: they can cause microtraumas at any age.
5. Don't neglect targeted nutritional support for joints
Joints need specific nutrients to preserve their structure and modulate inflammation:
- Marine Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) are the most documented for their beneficial effect on joint health.
- Studies (Roush et al., 2010) have shown that EPA/DHA supplementation improves mobility, reduces inflammation, and decreases joint stiffness in adult dogs.
Utargeted nutritional support for joints, set up before the onset of symptoms, is the most beneficial.
6. Get advice on sterilization
Research suggests that Early neutering increases the risk of joint disorders in certain breeds, particularly large breeds and females. This is not about banning sterilization, but about choose the right time, in consultation with his veterinarian.
What we find in humans… and in dogs
Recommendations given in human medicine often apply to dogs:
- Preserve a healthy weight to reduce compressive forces on joints,
- Stimulate the gentle and regular mobility,
- Prevent joint trauma on a daily basis,
- Bring a functional food, rich in beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.
An integrated global and continuous, from a young age, is the best weapon against joint aging.
In summary: osteoarthritis can be prevented from the start
Osteoarthritis is not inevitable. It is a silent pathology, which develops in the shadows for years. Thanks to individualized prevention, focused on growth, weight, physical activity and nutritional support, it is possible to significantly slow down the onset of joint problems and preserve your companion's quality of life for a long time.
In support of everyday life
To support these routines, the SENSILIA Laboratory has developed PERNIXOL®, a liquid food supplement for dogs, rich in New Zealand green lipped mussel oil and algae oil, two natural sources of Omega-3 (EPA + DHA). Its concentrated and easy-to-administer formula fits naturally into a mobility support routine, from the first signs of discomfort.
Bibliography
- Canine Arthritis Management (caninearthritis.co.uk)
- Kealy RD et al., Effects of limited food consumption on the incidence of hip dysplasia in growing dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;220(9):1337–1343.
- Roush JK et al., Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. JAVMA. 2010;236(1):67–73.
