Healthy joints in dogs: prevention starts with rest

Joint problems are among the most common reasons dogs begin to slow down in middle age. Many of them can be prevented with a few simple measures.

Weight is the most important factor A dog in ideal condition should have ribs that can be felt without applying pressure and a visible waist when viewed from above. Excess weight puts strain on the hips and elbows with every step and every time the dog gets up.

The surfaces your dog walks on Smooth floors can lead to slipping and minor injuries. Rugs along main walkways and non-slip mats in front of the bed are an inexpensive form of prevention.

Regular exercise without extremes Daily consistency matters more than intensity. Repeatedly jumping out of the car or off the sofa, as well as stopping abruptly during a game of fetch, places the greatest strain on the joints.

Where your dog rests Dogs spend most of the day lying down. Hard floors put pressure on the elbows and cause calluses, while flattened filling no longer distributes weight effectively. From a joint-health perspective, a sufficiently thick foam core is the most important part of a dog bed.

When to see a vet Limping that lasts for more than two days, reluctance to climb stairs, stiffness after rest or changes in posture should all be assessed by a vet.