CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) tears and damages are very common in pet dogs and can even significantly impact their health. Like humans, ACL tears generally occur when we are doing routine activities and workouts. There are plenty of reasons canines fracture their ACL, but repetitive tension is the frequent cause of this.
Many pet owners enjoy throwing tennis balls for their pets to go after since it’s a natural reaction in most canine breeds. However, repetitive motions and sudden changes in direction can cause injuries in their stifle joints as time passes. Thankfully, this injury can be avoided with the simple prevention guidelines we’ll discuss as we keep going.
How to Protect Your Dog From CCL Injury
The strains and pressure canines put on their joints in their lifetime can cause damage that will ultimately cause the ligament to snap or give out. However, there are several simple approaches pet parents can follow to keep their dogs from this injury. Here are four of them.
1. Always feed a balanced diet
Ensure the foods you feed your dog include good amounts of protein, which is important and responsible for their hair growth and tissue repair. You may also add healthy oils like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to their diet, as these can help with bone and joint care.
Struggling to find the ideal balance of diet for your dog’s breed? You might ask the vet for your canine’s tailored diet plans and supplements suggestions. When visiting a veterinarian, you may also take this opportunity to get a wellness plan to get a discount rate on your dog’s vet care. You may check the website of animal professionals near you to see the importance of pet wellness plans.
Regular wellness checkups, annual blood testing, dog vaccinations, and parasite prevention are important to ensure your pet’s health is always in tiptop condition. So getting a wellness plan for your pet can help you save money from the routine vet care mentioned.
2. Exercise daily
You should ensure your dog’s muscles stay flexible and strong to enhance and maintain joint health. Taking your pet for two sets of walks every day is ideal. Keep in mind that bigger breeds might need more exercise than smaller ones.
Always practice moderation and caution when working out with your dog to prevent injuries. Should you notice strange movements or fractures in your dog, have them examined by a pet surgery professional for immediate treatment.
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 lessen the possibility of this injury to your pet is to be cautious about what you feed them and how much food they eat. The amount of food you’ll provide to your canine 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 pet the entire week but then go for runs, strenuous strolls, and rigorous activities on the weekend, then you might have “weekend warrior syndrome.” Unfortunately, this practice can sometimes do more danger than good. Your dog must always get the right amount of exercise regularly during weekdays or weekends. Otherwise, their body will be exhausted with the extra stress, leading to joint or muscle damage.
