CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) tears and damages are quite common in pet dogs and can even badly affect their health. Like humans, ACL tears typically happen when we’re doing regular activities and workouts. There are plenty of reasons canines rupture their ACL, but repetitive stress is the frequent cause of this.
Many pet parents like throwing tennis balls for their dogs to chase because it is a natural reaction in many canine breeds. However, repetitive movements and abrupt changes in direction can cause injuries in their stifle joints as time passes. Fortunately, this injury can be prevented with the simple prevention guidelines we will discuss as we continue.
Four Tips to Prevent Canine CCL Injury
The stress and pressure a pet dog puts on their joints in their lifetime can cause damage that will ultimately cause the ligament to break or give out. However, there are several helpful tips pet owners can take to keep their canines from this injury. Here are four of them.
1. Always feed a balanced diet
Make sure the food you’ll feed your dog has good amounts of protein, which is crucial and responsible for their hair growth and tissue repair. You might also include healthy oils like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in their diet, as these can support bone and joint care.
Struggling to find the best balance of diet for your dog’s breed? You might ask the veterinarian for your dog’s tailored diet plans and supplement recommendations. When seeing a vet, you may also consider buying veterinary wellness plans to get a discount on your dog’s vet care each time you take them in for checkups.
Regular wellness examinations, vaccinations, annual blood testing, and parasite prevention are essential to ensure your furry companion’s health is always in tiptop condition. You may check the website of animal professionals to learn more about the importance of parasite prevention and vaccinations. Getting a wellness plan for your pet can help you save on cash from the mentioned routine vet care.
2. Exercise daily
You must ensure your canine’s muscles stay flexible and strong to enhance and support their joint health. Taking your dog for two sets of walks each day is great. Bear in mind that larger breeds might require more exercise than smaller ones.
Always practice moderation and caution when working out with your canine to avoid injuries. Should you spot unusual movements or fractures in your pet, have them checked by a veterinary surgeon for prompt treatment. You may click here to see their rates and range of services.
3. Maintain a healthy weight
Obese or overweight dogs are in danger of cruciate ligament injuries due to the increased pressure on their bones and joints when moving. The ideal way to decrease the risk of this injury to your pet is to be careful about what you feed them and how much food they eat. The amount of food you will provide to your dog will depend on their breed. Larger or bigger breeds will require more and the smaller breeds lesser.
4. Avoid “weekend warrior syndrome”
If you did not exercise your canine the whole week but then go for runs, strenuous walks, and exhausting activities on the weekend, then you may have “weekend warrior syndrome.” Unfortunately, this practice can frequently do more harm than good. Your dog must always get the right amount of exercise regularly on weekdays or weekends. Otherwise, their body will be exhausted with the extra stress, resulting in joint or muscle damage.