Move to live longer: animals need to exercise too
Avert Biolab Animal Health expert explains that physical activity is key to preventing joint problems in dogs
Providing a quality life for pets goes beyond games and treats. The combination of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and adequate supplementation can be key to ensuring a longer life with less discomfort, as happens with joints with advancing age. "Just like humans, pets can also develop joint problems that affect the cartilage, bone ends, tendons, ligaments and the synovial membrane, which lubricates the joints," warns Taís Motta Fernandes, veterinary surgeon and manager of Avert Biolab Animal Health products.
Healthy joints are essential for supporting weight and providing stability, making it easier to move around. The most affected areas are usually the knees, elbows and hips. Signs of pain can be subtle, such as behavioral changes, difficulty walking and reluctance to perform routine activities such as lifting or climbing steps. And although joint problems are more common in elderly animals due to natural wear and tear, they can also affect younger animals due to genetic predisposition, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, trauma or slippery floors.
According to Avert's veterinary surgeon, supplementation is essential to provide nutritional support for the joints, as well as weight control. "Obesity is one of the causes that aggravate joint problems, as excess weight overloads the joints. Maintaining a balanced diet and taking supplements such as chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen and omega-3 help maintain joint well-being," he adds.
Prevention is also linked to regular physical exercise, as its absence can result in sedentary lifestyles and obesity. When adapted to the animal's condition, physical exercise becomes an ally in strengthening muscles and maintaining mobility. An example of this are the pets of Ivan Quintães and Camila Tani, from Família Surf Dog, who, as well as receiving supplementation since they were puppies, exercise regularly and are world surfing champions.
"Cacau is 4 years and 5 months old and, since she was a puppy, we've been supplementing her preventively with Avert products on medical advice. Because she's an athlete, her joints are very demanding when she gets up on the board, balances and does a high volume of exercise," explains Camila Tani.
For Ivan, surfing also plays a fundamental role in the health of his animals. "A great example is Bono, her father, who is now 14 years old and in incredible health. The fact that he has practiced sports throughout his life has contributed greatly to his muscular and cardiovascular health. He's a more active senior citizen than average," she says.
"It's important to emphasize that the intensity and type of activity should be adapted to each dog's age, breed and physical condition. Larger breeds, for example, are more prone to joint problems, and veterinary supervision helps to identify possible limitations and adapt the level of exercise as necessary," Taís concludes.
About Biolab
Promoting a future with a better quality of life requires a tireless search for safe and innovative treatments. With this mission in mind, Biolab, a Brazilian pharmaceutical company founded in 1997 and with an international presence, invests in research and partnerships to overcome the growing challenges of health.
With more than 3,800 employees and the 4th largest sales force in Brazil, Biolab is among the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country, operating in various specialties, such as dermatology, gynecology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, pediatrics, clinical medicine and the central nervous system, as well as being a leader in cardiology. The Biolab Genéricos, Avert Humana and Avert Biolab Saúde Animal business units contribute to a portfolio of more than 500 products.
Biolab is constantly growing. It has three production units, as well as a modern manufacturing complex under construction. And it doesn't stop there: in Canada it is the first Brazilian pharmaceutical company with a Research Center and it acquired the company Exzell Pharma to expand its borders.
Long live evolution!
Find out more at www.biolabfarma.com.br and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
About Avert Biolab Animal Health
Biolab Farmacêutica shares the same excellence and standard of quality in products for the health of people and pets. Like their owners, we are also passionate about pets. This commitment is expressed in Avert, Biolab's animal health division, which has been on the Brazilian market for a decade and is expanding internationally.
For this demanding market, which is constantly growing, we provide health and well-being so that dogs and cats can live longer and better lives.
We are people taking care of people and their pets, meeting the needs of each stage - from puppies to elderly animals, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine, understanding the needs of pets and providing products and services that contribute to their health and nutrition.
The Avert Saúde Animal range is produced at our industrial unit in Bragança Paulista (SP), using high-quality raw materials and exclusive formulations. In total, there are more than 120 presentations including nutraceuticals, dermocosmetics and innovative medicines for dogs and cats.