1. Warm your dogs up before exercising them.
This will also help prevent strains, sprains and tears of the muscles. Warming them up by walking them briskly for 10-15 minutes before play time will help keep their joints flexible and their muscles ready for action.
2. Avoid Concrete and Asphalt when possible.
Avoid hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Doctors advise people to do the same. Run on dirt, grass, or some other softer surface to lighten the impact on the joints.
3. Stretch them out.
This helps keep the muscles flexible which helps the joint as well. If the muscles are flexible and not stiff they will be able to support the joint better during exercise.
4. Avoid over exercising
While exercise is important. To much can be damaging to the joints. Keep exercise/play sessions light and remember to warm your dog up and cool them down afterwards to avoid any muscle cramps or sprains as well.
5. Watch their weight
Obesity in dogs is a major cause of joint problems. All that extra weight bearing down on your dogs joints puts a lot of strain on them and an otherwise healthy joint becomes a candidate for future problems.
Put your dog on a strict diet. And when I say “diet” I’m not talking about weight watchers for dogs. I’m talking about a regular meal plan that will maintain a healthy weight.
Even if your dog is currently at their perfect weight, consulting your vet and building a diet maintenance program to maintain that healthy wet is always a good idea.
In the end a lot of love, a little common sense, and using preventive measures like stretching and supplements will help your dogs joints stay stronger.
