WEAK PASTERNS TO PUPPY:
1. Weak pasterns are primarily a genetic problem. Basically the pup inherited the gene for weak pasterns (although this doesn't mean his parents necessarily show the same trait, it can be a 'recessive' gene) and you can't 'undo' genes, there are other factors that can make this condition worse or better. The most important thing to consider is diet.
2. A diet too high in protein or minerals or a diet lacking in essential nutrients will make this condition worse.
3. Overfeeding a puppy, or encouraging him/her to put on too much weight, too quickly will also cause more problems, as will giving additional supplements such as Calcium. Avoid these.
3. The type of surfaces the pup walks on and how much exercise (and of what type) he gets also play their roles. It's important to try to prevent a growing puppy from walking on slippery surfaces, as this puts too much strain on his growing joints and ligaments. Also excessive exercise, or jumping, running on hard surfaces etc, has the same effect.
So, although a pup showing weak pasterns is genetically inclined to have them, you can help minimize the problem by...
A. Feeding a well-balanced diet with the correct ratio of protein:fat:calcium,
B.Limiting exercise, and
C. Providing walking surfaces that have good 'traction'. Also keeping the toe-nails cut short helps too.
This problem often seems to get worse in young/adolescent puppies (before the age of 6 - 8 months or so), and improves as the pup grows. Although a puppy with this problem will probably always have it to some degree.
1. Weak pasterns are primarily a genetic problem. Basically the pup inherited the gene for weak pasterns (although this doesn't mean his parents necessarily show the same trait, it can be a 'recessive' gene) and you can't 'undo' genes, there are other factors that can make this condition worse or better. The most important thing to consider is diet.
2. A diet too high in protein or minerals or a diet lacking in essential nutrients will make this condition worse.
3. Overfeeding a puppy, or encouraging him/her to put on too much weight, too quickly will also cause more problems, as will giving additional supplements such as Calcium. Avoid these.
3. The type of surfaces the pup walks on and how much exercise (and of what type) he gets also play their roles. It's important to try to prevent a growing puppy from walking on slippery surfaces, as this puts too much strain on his growing joints and ligaments. Also excessive exercise, or jumping, running on hard surfaces etc, has the same effect.
So, although a pup showing weak pasterns is genetically inclined to have them, you can help minimize the problem by...
A. Feeding a well-balanced diet with the correct ratio of protein:fat:calcium,
B.Limiting exercise, and
C. Providing walking surfaces that have good 'traction'. Also keeping the toe-nails cut short helps too.
This problem often seems to get worse in young/adolescent puppies (before the age of 6 - 8 months or so), and improves as the pup grows. Although a puppy with this problem will probably always have it to some degree.