Want to learn how to cure bowed legs in puppies?
It can be a frightening sight as the puppy’s legs start folding inwards making it difficult to walk. While the puppy may not show initial signs of concerns, you will know this is not “normal” and it’s time to find a solution.
Before doing anything, it’s essential to realize that bowed legs are not a concern as long as you focus on finding a valid solution and act quickly. Many puppies make full recoveries and continue on with their lives as if nothing happened!
The signs can include:
- Awkward Bending of the Legs
- Limping
- General Pain and Whining
If your puppy is starting to exhibit these symptoms, it’s time to learn how to cure bowed legs in puppies. The right approach is going to go a long way in alleviating the symptoms and making it easier for the puppy to move around freely.
This guide will shed light on how to cure bowed legs in puppies, what to look for, and the importance of taking action right away.
Best Massager For Puppies with Bowed Legs (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Soft brush,made of soft ABS. Use a skin massage machine as a skin brush to avoid direct contact with the nails on the skin...
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Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips For Puppy Toilet Training At Night
Tip #1 – Use a Good Handheld Massager
A handheld massager for bowed legs in puppies is a good option to keep in mind.
The average dog owner is going to lean on manual methods and those tend to work well. However, if you want to up the ante and continue to target the bowed legs with pressure, it’s time to focus on a brand-new handheld massager.
While learning how to cure bowed legs in puppies, you are going to come across a number of treatment options, but sometimes all it takes is a good handheld massager.
The benefits include:
- Targeted Pressure on the Legs
- Easier for Your Hands
- Soothing for the Dog
When doing this, make sure to work in small bursts. Otherwise, you are going to end up overwhelming the puppy’s legs and causing pain/discomfort.
It’s better to work in short bursts which shouldn’t extend past 10-15 minutes per session.
The idea is to loosen the muscles in the area, get the tissues used to handling pressure, and getting the blood flowing. This is the main premise behind using a good handheld massager on bowed legs.
This is an essential part of learning how to cure bowed legs in puppies. You will eventually get the technique down pat and it will become easier to keep the puppy comfortable.
Tip #2 – Shorten the Puppy’s Walks
How long are the puppy’s walks with bowed legs?
You don’t want it to extend past 15 minutes because the dog will already be uncomfortable. Putting too much pressure on the bowed legs will leave the dog in pain/discomfort while also taking away from the recovery process.
It’s recommended to shorten their activity levels and focus on keeping them indoors during this phase.
It’s essential to avoid extended walks on tough surfaces (i.e. hilly areas) because they will put a tremendous amount of stress on the legs. This is imperative as you are learning how to cure bowed legs in puppies.
A lot of dog owners will want to find good alternatives to keep the puppy happy.
This is normal and it’s generally best to keep them in an enclosed space at home. This is going to allow them to run around a bit inside the playpen without getting hurt or feeling pain.
While it’s not something you are going to like doing to the puppy at such a young age, you will have to realize it’s for their own good.
Over time, the dog’s bowed legs will get better and you can ramp up the distance they’re walking every day.
Tip #3 – Stretch the Legs
This is a critical part of the recovery phase.
You have to start getting the legs used to being stretched. If not, they are going to get stuck in that “bowed” position and that can lead to long-term concerns about the dog’s mobility.
Focus on stretching the legs with your hands for at least 10-15 minutes twice a day (morning and before sleep). The idea is to help get the blood circulating to that part of the body while also stretching out the tissues/muscles.
With time, the puppy’s legs are going to get used to be in that stretched position. It will also make it easier for the dog’s body to adjust in the long-term.
Otherwise, you are going to have a situation where the dog’s legs are getting stronger, but they have gotten used to the bowed position.
It’s essential to continue working on the bowed legs for as long as you can. It will take a bit of time, but consistency is your best friend as a dog owner!
Do this at least twice a day and continue to make this a habit.
The more you do it, the better it’s going to be for the puppy.
Tip #4 – Increase Protein Intake
It’s recommended to start making adjustments to the puppy’s diet.
Yes, a simple change to what the puppy is eating can make all the difference in the world! In fact, this is noted as being a key tip when learning how to cure bowed legs in puppies.
The idea is to focus on increasing the amount of protein your puppy is eating per 24 hours. This means you are going to want to at least increase the amount by 10-15%.
By doing this, you are going to give the puppy’s body enough nutritional value to continue developing and getting stronger. This is essential for the legs to straighten and remain strong while bearing the puppy’s weight.
The benefits include:
- Stronger Limbs
- Faster Recovery
- General Improvement in Health
Don’t assume a dog’s current dietary intake is good enough. It rarely is.
Your puppy is going to need a good amount of food and it will need the right nutrients. By taking the time to focus on the amount of protein your puppy is eating, this will help with bowed legs.
Continue to monitor how well your puppy is eating and make adjustments along the way. With time, the results are going to come as you learn how to cure bowed legs in puppies.
Final Thoughts
This is how to cure bowed legs in puppies.
The first few days will involve a learning curve that has to be kept in mind. You don’t want a situation where the bowed legs continue to worsen and you don’t have a proper strategy in place to resolve the problem.
The best part about puppies is their bodies are still developing. This is why bowed legs occur in the first place! As a result, your adjustments are going to have an impact on the dog’s legs.
Start by implementing the tips presented in this guide on how to cure bowed legs in puppies. As long as you are doing this, the results will impress and you are going to feel confident in how things unfold.
Whether it’s taking the time to massage the dog’s legs using a handheld massager or simply going through a wide array of stretching exercises, it’s essential to take action immediately.
The faster you act, the better it’s going to be for the puppy’s long-term health!
For more on how to engage and help your puppy out, take the time to go through these reads in your free time – how to avoid puppy messes at night, how to avoid getting frustrated with a puppy, how to get a puppy excited about walks outside, and tips for leaving a puppy at home when at work.