He takes dog swimming to relieve its pain

LUDHIANA: There is one thing that businessman Lakhwinder Singh does not miss doing everyday - take his dog for a swim. He was informed that swimming can relieve joint pain for pet dogs and has ever since been faithfully escorting his 5-month-old labrador, Dodo, for a dip. His pet is suffering from rickets in its limbs.
Singh, a resident of Kitchlu Nagar, said he had got very worried when Dodo began to slow down and developed health problems."When I took it to the doctor it was diagnosed that my dog had rickets. I felt very sorry for my dear pet and wanted to do everything I could to help it recover. Then I was told that the disease could be cured if Dodo starts swimming so I have been making it a point to squeeze out time from my schedule and take it out for a swim almost every day,'' he said.
Veterinary doctor Ajay Pal Singh Mangat, who is treating the labrador, said swimming is the best exercise for pets suffering from rickets as it prevents from any pressure being laid on the legs. "Exercise is necessary for the pet to heal and swimming is much better than walking in cases where the limbs are already hurting,'' he explained.
Vet R M Hardwar said every week he receives around 15 patients suffering from rickets. "The most common reason for joint pain is muscular weakness,'' he added.
Another vet Aman Kaur said less movement and malnutrition could lead to muscle weakness which further causes joint and knee pain among dogs. "Pet lovers should be careful about the diet and daily routine of their pet dogs,'' she said.