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Your pet’s genetics have a big impact on their overall health, lifestyle, and well-being. By understanding their genetic makeup, you can gain valuable insights into their unique needs, allowing you to make informed decisions that keep them happy, healthy, and thriving. It’s all about loving your furry friend in the way they need most!
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Here’s a look at common genetic health conditions in pets and some practical tips for managing and navigating them effectively. When in doubt, please consult a trusted veterinarian, and know that we are here to support with any prescription or over-the-counter medication that will help your pet!
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Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent and well-known hereditary conditions affecting pets, commonly associated with large breed dogs. Popular breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds are most commonly susceptible to hip dysplasia.
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This condition occurs as a result of the hip joints failing to develop properly, resulting in a malformation that can ultimately lead to arthritis and chronic pain. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight with gentle, age-appropriate activity is key to minimizing the symptoms of hip dysplasia and supporting their overall joint health. Adding the right supplements to their routine can make a big difference in maintaining mobility and reducing discomfort as they age. Products like Missing Link Original Hip and Joint Powder offer excellent support for stiffness, soreness, and arthritis pain. Meanwhile, Cosequin DS Double Strength for Dogs supports and protects cartilage for additional joint health benefits. It comes in various formats like chewable tablets or dosed powder capsules to sprinkle on food, making it easy to find the best formulation for your furry friend’s preferences.
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Juvenile Cataracts
Juvenile cataracts is an inherited eye condition that affects pets in their early stages of life. This condition is characterized as an opaque, shiny appearance of the eye lens, and typically affects dogs between one and five years old. Breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier and Siberian Husky are most commonly predisposed to this genetic disorder.
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Onset symptoms of juvenile cataracts include puppies bumping into objects, as well as inflammation of the eyes. Symptoms can progress quite quickly, often appearing in behaviours such as disorientation and confusion. To help manage the development of cataracts, it’s important to identify symptoms as quickly as possible and monitor changes in your pets' behaviour & health. Developing a healthy lifestyle through supplement implementation will help maintain your pets eye vision as much as possible. NaturPet Vision Care helps prevent cataracts with Bilberry leaf, a powerful antioxidant that’s effective in preventing eye damage due to free radical damage.
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Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is a genetic health condition characterized by fluid-filled cysts growing on the kidneys. This disease is commonly found in bred Terriers like Bull Terriers, Cairn Terriers and West Highland white terriers. In early stages of a pet’s life, PKD is typically asymptomatic. The earliest onset symptoms of PKD typically occurs in mature, middle-aged dogs. These include frequent urination, abdominal discomfort, lethargy and appetite loss. Maintaining healthy kidneys is important to prevent and manage conditions such as Polycystic Kidney Disease. Supplements such as Aventi Kidney Complete helps to promote healthy kidney function and antioxidant support, to combat the onset and severity of PKD symptoms.
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Understanding your pet’s genetic pre-dispositions can help you feel empowered to make better decisions about their health and their lifestyle. Identifying the health conditions associated with your pet’s genetics can enhance the care your pet receives and, importantly, support you to identify and address high-risk symptoms quickly. Pets Drug Mart is ready to provide you with the best supplements and treatments your pet deserves, so that your furry friend can live a happy life regardless of their genetic preconditions. Getting to know your pet’s genetic traits can empower you to make smarter choices about their health and lifestyle. After all, we all want our pets to live their best, healthiest life!
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