The little puppies are growing up.

Growth pains in puppies.

Consider, for example, growth pains. Growth pains, or otherwise known as osteochondrosis, are caused by the enormous growth of long bones. The nutritional channel of the bone marrow cannot keep up with the growth rate, and as a result, it narrows. The blood vessels passing through it also narrow. This causes congestion in the bone marrow and fluid accumulation in the periosteum. This is very painful, and it is evident that the puppy is not moving well.

How to recognize growth pains in puppies?

But how can you recognize it as a dog owner? It is often seen when the puppy limps, first on one leg and then on the other. The puppy is also a bit more apathetic and makes sounds of pain. It really doesn’t feel well. The veterinarian will examine and palpate the puppy. This provides the best indications. Due to the congestion, there may be palpable swelling in the bone, and the bone is also very sensitive to pressure in certain areas. This can also be seen in an X-ray.

Nature lends a hand

The good news is that growth pains will disappear on their own. Eventually, the bone marrow growth will catch up, and the congestion, and thus the pain, will subside. But fortunately, we can alleviate the pain naturally. For example, you can support the skeletal structure with pine (Pinus) and horsetail (Equisetum) extracts, precisely because of their strengthening effect on the skeleton and connective tissue. Thyme (Thymus) has a relaxing effect, which is very useful for growth pains. Frankincense (Boswellia) and mistletoe (Viscum) have a beneficial effect on circulation. And for building bone structure, Calcium Carbonicum and Calcium Phosphoricum.

Rest is important for puppies

But support is not enough. The very word says it all – it supports. During growth, it is important to spare the puppy. Rest and movement should be in balance. The body needs rest to process the stimuli arising from stress. The puppy should sleep most of the day. Up to six months, puppies sleep about 20 hours a day. Some puppies really need to be forced to rest because it is this rest that ensures balanced growth. Therefore, provide a quiet place to sleep, free from stimuli.

Focus, coordination, and balance

It is important to understand that rest is vital for growth. But does this mean you can't do anything with your puppy? Of course, you can. In terms of exercise, you can increase walks by 5 minutes for each month the puppy grows. This way, you gradually increase the load.

There are many dog schools that conduct training with puppies, focused on concentration, focus, and, not least, balance and coordination. Here, the emphasis is much less on physical exertion.

Because it is physical exertion that should be taken into account. A walk on the beach, a nice walk through the dunes, running after sticks and balls, or rough play can quickly become excessive for the growth and development of the skeleton. Overloading or injury during growth can have significant consequences for the rest of the dog's life. For example, overloading can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. Larger breeds are generally more sensitive to this, but overloading can also cause problems in smaller breeds.

Growth plates ensure bone length

Growth plates provide the possibility for bones to grow in length. After puberty, these plates disappear, and the skeleton is fully developed. If an injury occurs during skeletal growth, where the growth plates of the long bones are damaged, the length growth of that bone may stop. This causes growth abnormalities that can be noticed by the improper structure of the body. If this happens to the front legs, sometimes crooked growth of the front legs is visible. This improper structure causes more wear on the joints, which can lead to other problems later in life.

Growth with building materials

You want to support the structure of the bones and joints as much as possible. Substances such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and silica ensure the production of bones, fibers, joint fluid, and ligaments. You want to ensure adequate synovial fluid and cartilage because they ensure smooth movement. You also want a good and strong structure of the ligaments and tendons, which absorb the impact of jumps and physical exertion. It is crucial to provide the right support, especially during the skeletal building phase. You can only do this right once.

Pay attention to the diet

Nutrition and growth are, of course, closely related. But during growth, it is extremely important to handle this wisely. Three things to pay attention to are, for example, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.

These three components are interconnected. Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. And calcium and phosphorus provide the optimal structure of the skeleton and good bone density. Calcium and phosphorus should always be in a ratio of 1:1 or at most 2:1. Calcium should not fall below 1 in this ratio. Too little calcium causes weak bones, while too much calcium can cause bone deformities. If you feed with pellets, you can trust that the manufacturer has added enough of them. But if you feed fresh food and prepare it yourself, you have influence over this. A nutrition consultant can provide clarity on this. They can check the food to see if the puppy is receiving all the nutrients in the correct proportions and whether corrections are needed in the existing food.

The most important thing is to enjoy your little friend. Before you know it, he or she will be grown.

Source:
https://www.nmlhealth.com/blog/Kleine-puppy%E2%80%99s-groeien-groot