That's One Big Puppy: 4 Steps To Alleviate Growing Pains
If you have a large-breed puppy, you should be prepared for growing pains. Large-breed puppies can develop a condition known as panosteitis, which can cause pain and discomfort in its legs and joints. Without proper treatment, your puppy can develop more serious symptoms including lameness, fever, and loss of appetite. If your puppy develops panosteitis, here are four steps you can take to alleviate its discomfort.
Seek Medical Care
As soon as your large-breed puppy shows signs of leg or joint pain, you need to seek medical care at a vet like Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic. Your veterinarian will be able to develop a treatment plan that will help your puppy recover. If your pup is prescribed medication, be sure to follow the dosage instructions. The medication will help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with panosteitis.
Give it Plenty of Rest
If your puppy is suffering from growing pains associated with panosteitis, it's going to be in a lot of pain. You can help it recover by providing it with plenty of rest. Place a padded doggy bed in each room where your puppy spends time. This will ensure that it doesn't have to move far to find a comfortable place to rest. For those moments when it's particularly uncomfortable, try setting up a quiet place in the house where it can rest without interruption.
Allow for Gentle Exercise
Because your puppy will be in pain, it won't feel like moving around much. Unfortunately, that can cause additional harm to its joints and muscles. Normal exercise will be out of the question due to increased pain. However, aqua therapy will do your puppy a world of good. Locate a community pool in your area that provides swim days for pets. If you can't find a pool in your area that will accommodate pets, invest in a small swimming pool for your backyard. A small kiddie pool will do fine. Let your puppy walk around in the pool for a few minutes each day. You can also fill your bathtub with warm water and let your puppy soak in there each day.
Offer Meal Choices
Panosteitis can cause loss of appetite, so you'll have to work hard to keep your puppy properly nourished. If your puppy refuses to eat its normal food, try getting creative by experimenting with flavors that it might accept. If your puppy continues to refuse food, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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