As our loyal friends age, we must ensure their comfort and well-being, especially regarding their hip and joint health. Hip and joint problems are common in dogs and cats, and recognizing the signs early will let you provide them with the needed care as they age gracefully. Learn how to offer the support required for a happy, pain-free life.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Hip Injury

Our canine companions are experts at hiding their discomfort, making it difficult to recognize signs of hip pain in dogs. Here are some common dog hip injury symptoms that may indicate issues:

• Limping or favoring a leg: One of the most apparent signs of hip problems is when your dog begins limping or favoring one leg. This is often more noticeable after periods of rest or strenuous activity.
• Bunny-hopping: One sign of hip problems in dogs includes a hopping gait. They will try to move both hind legs together, resembling a bunny's hop. This compensatory movement helps reduce hip strain.
• Stiffness and inflexibility: Dogs with hip problems often exhibit stiffness and a reduced range of motion in their hind limbs. You may notice them struggling to climb stairs or jump onto furniture.
• Personality changes: Chronic pain can also change your dog's behavior, making them irritable, anxious or withdrawn.
• Licking or chewing the hip area: Dogs may instinctively try to alleviate their discomfort by licking or chewing their hip, leading to skin irritation or hair loss.

The severity of these signs can vary across dogs. Some may exhibit only a few symptoms, while others display multiple signs.

Signs of Hip Problems in Cats

While some signs overlap with those in dogs, felines have unique differences. Common symptoms suggesting your cat is experiencing hip issues include:

• Altered grooming habits: Cats are meticulous groomers, and changes in their grooming can be telling. Cats with hip discomfort may struggle to reach certain areas, leading to a decline in their usual self-care routine.
• Reduced jumping and climbing: Cats are renowned for their agility and love of heights. If your once-athletic feline avoids jumping onto high surfaces or has trouble climbing, it could indicate hip discomfort.
• Weight shifting: Watch for weight distribution changes while your cat is standing or sitting. They may shift their weight away from the affected hip to minimize discomfort.

Purchase Supplements to Ease Hip and Joint Problems

These early indicators provide valuable insights, allowing you to take proactive measures to address any discomfort your pet experiences.

Fortunately, solutions are available to support your pet's hip and joint health — such as LuckyTail Hip & Joint Supplements. These supplements are specially formulated with key ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which stimulate cartilage growth, reduce inflammation and protect joint health.

Choose LuckyTail Hip & Joint Supplements to provide your pet with the best in joint health support. When caring for your furry friend, they deserve nothing less than the very best.