Which dogs are affected by growing pains?

Growing pains are most common in:

• Medium to large breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers
• Fast-growing puppies
• Male dogs more often than female dogs

At what age do growing pains develop?

Symptoms usually develop between 4 and 12 months of age, but in some cases they may persist until the age of 18 months. Growing pains mainly occur during growth spurts. Once a dog is fully grown, the growing pains usually disappear completely. This is generally around the age of 18 months.

Symptoms of growing pains in dogs

The most common symptoms are:

• Sudden limping, often alternating between different legs
• Lameness that appears without any obvious cause and then disappears again
• Pain when the long bones are touched, for example the upper or lower leg
• Sometimes a mild fever or reduced appetite

How can you recognise growing pains in your dog?

Typical signs of growing pains include:

• The symptoms appear suddenly
• One time the left leg is painful and another time the right leg
• Your dog may still want to play, but sometimes suddenly stops or starts limping

Always have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out other causes of lameness, such as an injury or joint problem.

What role does nutrition play in the development of growing pains?

Nutrition plays an important role in the development of a young dog’s skeleton. Overfeeding, food that is too high in energy or an incorrect calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can lead to excessively rapid growth and therefore to growing pains or other orthopaedic problems, such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia.

For puppies of large breeds in particular, it is important to provide suitable puppy food that is specifically adapted to their growth rate. It is therefore preferable to choose a special puppy food for large breeds, such as Royal Canin Maxi Puppy, or another food with controlled energy levels and a balanced mineral content.

What is the treatment for growing pains?

Growing pains are self-limiting, which means they will eventually disappear on their own. Treatment consists of:

• Rest and limiting vigorous movement
• Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication, in consultation with your veterinarian
• Adjusting the diet if necessary

If the symptoms persist, your veterinarian may take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

How can nutrition help in the treatment of growing pains?

The right nutrition helps the skeleton to continue developing in a stable way. Choose:

• Puppy food with adjusted calcium and phosphorus levels
• Food without excessive amounts of protein or calories
• A feeding amount based on your dog’s expected adult weight

Ask your veterinarian whether the food you currently give is suitable for your puppy’s growth.

Which supplements can support dogs with growing pains?

Sometimes supplements may provide relief or support recovery, for example:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: these have an anti-inflammatory effect, for example Dr. Ann’s Salmon Oil
• Glucosamine and chondroitin: these support the growth and development of the joints, for example PrimeVal Puppy Gelatinate
• Vitamin D and calcium: only in consultation with your veterinarian! An overdose can be harmful.

It is preferable to choose supplements that have been specially developed for growing dogs.

What can you do to prevent growing pains in your puppy?

It is not always possible to prevent growing pains, but you can reduce the risk by:

• Providing suitable puppy food for your dog’s breed and size
• Avoiding overfeeding or food that is too high in energy
• Limiting vigorous play and stair climbing during the first few months
• Checking your dog’s weight regularly and preventing them from becoming overweight
• Encouraging gentle exercise, such as walking at a relaxed pace

Still have questions?

Are you unsure whether your dog has growing pains, or would you like advice about suitable food or supplements? Please feel free to contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.