Common Causes of Mobility Loss in Dogs

12/13/18

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It’s no secret that our favorite canine friends love to run, jump and play, especially when they’re still young and packed to the brim with energy. Mobility loss is defined as any marked limitation in an animal’s capacity to move and can be caused by a number of things. When dogs suffer from mobility loss, they often struggle with simple actions that used to be effortless, including jumping up on beds or inside of cars, making it challenging for them to get around their home and to their favorite outdoor activities comfortably. In more severe cases, mobility loss can be so impactful and debilitating that it prevents dogs from almost all forms of movement, harshly decreasing their quality of life.

At Canna Companion, it’s our goal to provide pet parents across the nation with all of the resources and counsel they need to help their four-legged companions achieve optimal health and comfort. That’s why we’ve developed Canna Companion, a hemp-based pet supplement that contains a unique combination of phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids designed to enhance the benefits of the cannabis plant without making animals feel high or “stoned.” In this blog, we’ll be discussing a few common symptoms and causes of canine mobility loss and what you can do to mitigate its effects in your dog.

The Symptoms and Causes of Mobility Loss

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to spot symptoms of mobility loss in dogs, especially if your pup is usually a ball of energy and movement. A canine experiencing mobility loss may struggle with the process of jumping and running, causing them to lose their balance and stumble or avoid these actions entirely. Moreover, many pets suffering from mobility loss will put on weight or begin to lose strength because they aren’t utilizing their muscles as much as they used to, making it difficult to even get up from a nap. Considering the pain, discomfort and potential health risks associated with these symptoms, it’s very important to seek veterinary care for your dog if he or she shows any signs. Even if their condition is temporary, taking your dog to the veterinarian will allow you to confirm what they’re suffering from and why, arming you with the knowledge and support you need to prevent future occurrences.

In most cases, it’s better to allow your veterinarian to diagnose the cause of your dog’s loss of mobility, especially considering the wide range of conditions and factors that can inhibit an animal’s muscles and freedom of movement. For example, mobility loss is associated with both general fatigue (caused by normal exercise) and severe degenerative diseases that cause hind limb weakness in dogs. The treatment for such conditions differs drastically, which is why it’s imperative to understand the cause of your pet’s mobility issues before taking further action. Here are a few common conditions that affect a dog’s mobility to get you started. Just remember to have your veterinarian confirm this diagnosis before moving forward with treatment.

  1. Strenuous Activity/Exercise

We put this cause at the top of the list because it’s likely the most common, though not necessarily the most commonly seen at the veterinary hospital. When dogs participate in a long day of hunting, swimming, sprinting or playing, they often put too much strain on their muscles and joints, resulting in soreness and discomfort during the next few days. In most cases, these symptoms will abate relatively quickly as the body recovers naturally. To combat this cause and keep their dogs in peak condition, some pet parents will make use of special pet supplements that are specifically designed to reduce the joint discomfort associated with normal daily exercise. Veterinary experts also advise pet parents with older dogs to cut down the length of their pup’s exercise routine. For example, if your geriatric canine feels sore after his or her daily three-mile walk, try reducing it to 1.5 miles to see if things improve. Remember, consistent low-mileage workouts are much better for your four-legged friend than intense, infrequent exercise sessions.

  1. Old Age

Just like humans, aging dogs begin to slow down over time, often experiencing decreased mobility as their muscles and joints weaken. This is a perfectly natural event all dog owners should expect to occur as their canines near seniority. Of course, there’s no medical treatment to prevent the effects of old age, but pet parents can utilize mobility supplements to support general joint health and reduce the discomfort associated with strained, weakened joints.  

  1. Injuries

As you might expect, certain injuries affecting the paws or legs can result in sharply decreased mobility, often due to pain. Even something as small as a minor cut or sprain can make dogs reluctant to run, jump and play. One common paw condition that commonly inhibits a canine’s mobility is overgrown toenails. This is frequently found in older dogs because their painful joints cause them to put up a huge fuss when their paws are touched, causing pet parents to avoid nail trims. The best way to identify and treat these injuries is to take your dog to a veterinarian, where pain medications can assist the professionals in trimming your dog’s nails.

Helping Dogs With Mobility Issues

Once you take your canine in for a checkup, your veterinarian will fill you in on the specific cause of their mobility issues and discuss potential treatment options. Depending on the exact cause of your pet’s mobility loss, your veterinarian may recommend anything from a few days of rest to surgery. If your dog is experiencing mobility loss due to aging or joint soreness from exercise, then be sure to ask your veterinarian about utilizing cannabis-based pet supplements. Our Canna Companion pet supplements are incredibly effective at helping with the joint discomfort associated with normal daily activity while supporting general joint health, making them a great tool for pet parents who want to keep their canines fully mobile regardless of age.

Contact Canna Companion Today

Be sure to call or message us today if you have any questions about our high-quality hemp supplements or want more information on the causes of mobility loss in dogs. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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