By Paula Fitzsimmons, PetMD

I really like the articles from PetMD. The articles are helpful to what we face with our fur babies.

Arthritis in dogs may be common, but that doesn’t mean your pup has to be resigned to a life of pain and discomfort. While genetics plays a role in dog arthritis, so does good preventative care.

“There are various habits pet owners can develop earlier rather than later to help delay onset of—even if it is not possible to entirely prevent—arthritis in dogs,” says Dr. Jo Ann Morrison, a board-certified veterinary internist with Banfield Pet Hospital in the Portland, Oregon area.

From proper diet and exercise to fish oil and glucosamine for dogs, learn how to prevent arthritis in your pup.

Keep in mind, however, that any conversation involving diagnosis, treatment and how to prevent arthritis in your dog should, of course, begin with your veterinarian.

1. Start a Nutritionally Sound Diet Early

A puppy’s joints and skeletal system benefit from a slower rate of growth through nutritionally complete diets, says Dr. Morrison. “Some developmental orthopedic diseases may be exacerbated by growth that happens too rapidly, so a slow, steady growth rate is recommended.”

According to Dr. Elizabeth Knabe, a veterinarian with Wildwood Animal Hospital and Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin, “Owners that feed too much or feed too rich a diet can make the puppy gain weight faster than the bones can handle,” which can lead to orthopedic problems that can result in arthritis.

By feeding your puppy a dog food specifically designed for him, you can help keep your puppy’s development on the right track. For example, Hill’s Science Diet puppy healthy development dry dog food is a complete and balanced diet that is formulated for supporting proper puppy growth.