Following guidelines on joint health for dogs can keep your dog strong and prevent certain costly and painful illnesses. As dogs begin to approach older age, the body requires certain food and exercise to maintain good quality of life. Consider the following exercise programs to assist your dog in staying healthy and strong for as long as possible.
Preventative Exercise
In order to help prevent the loss of joint health for dogs, daily exercise is crucial. Depending upon the age and overall general health of your dog, normal running and playing may be sufficient. Encourage your dog to play outside for extended periods of time by throwing a ball or Frisbee. Increase your own health as well by walking your dog around your neighborhood each evening, or driving to a nearby park for a jog. Sufficient (but not excessive) exercise helps to achieve a balance, not only for joint and bone health, but for heart and lung function as well.
Physical Therapy Exercises
To promote joint health for dogs in the aging and senior population, there are a number of physically therapeutic exercises that can be performed. Dogs that may already be experiencing joint problems that cause pain or limit mobility may not be able to participate in running, jumping or extended walks. In these cases, an alternate exercise plan may benefit. You may cringe at the thought of coaxing your dog to move around when he is in so much pain, but movement and flexibility actually may have the opposite effect on aching bones and joints. Walking is still one of the best solutions, but you'll want to keep the walks shorter and plan to stay on flat and soft ground. Allow your dog to rest when necessary and encourage a bit of a run if he feels up to it. If your dog is at a point of complete immobility, research physical therapy plans and massage therapy to encourage movement of the limbs, and then slowly encourage a bit of steady walking exercise.
Additional Considerations for Promoting Joint Health for Dogs
Exercise is number one when it comes to good joint health for dogs. Additionally, there are other considerations which may prove very beneficial for dogs with joint problems or pain. An overweight or obese dog will likely experience greater amounts of unnecessary pain and less mobility than a dog that is physically fit. Carefully research an appropriate diet plan to encourage weight loss and increase health. Avoid foods that are grain-based, even those that are considered to be well-balanced or diet foods. Check dog food ingredients labels, if you are unsure, and look for the first several ingredients listed to be meat-based. Adding natural supplements or vitamins that encourage joint health may also work to increase fitness levels by replenishing lost levels of glucosamine or other important minerals. Research is required when choosing supplements as well, since dogs have a unique physical and physiological response to medication and supplements.