Wellness Wednesday: Looking After Your Dog's Joints

Sponsored by YuMOVE

We are experiencing head-spinning lifestyle changes — and our dogs are experiencing them right along with us! Chances are we are moving less and snacking more, which can be hard on the waistline and our joints. 

The silver lining is that we’re spending more time with our dogs and can do more than ever to help get them into top shape during this downtime. Fifty percent of dogs across America already are overweight (at least 10 to 20% over their ideal weight), and 80% of dogs over age 7 have joint and mobility conditions.

This week’s Wellness Wednesday sponsor, YuMOVE Hip & Joint supplement, has teamed up with Veterinarian Chad Dodd DVM to offer the following tips on how to keep an eye on your dog’s health and how to reduce the stress on their joints.

Signs of stiff joints

Our dogs give us lots of little tips on how they’re feeling. We just need to look out for the right things! Now that you may be spending more time with your dog, can you recognize any of these changes? 

• Slowing down or lagging behind on their daily walk
• A change in the way your dog walks, runs or even stands. A change in posture can happen if your dog is avoiding an uncomfortable joint.
• Reluctance to jump up or down onto the sofa — or somewhere they’re allowed to jump!
• Slow or struggling to get up after rest
• Avoiding or nervous on slippery surfaces such as laminate or tiled floors
• Licking at their joints, often the same joints repeatedly
• Unexplained “pacing,” often at night

 

Mobility tips — how you can help

There are some easy ways to help support your dog’s joints no matter their age and keep them feeling their best!

• Consider making changes to your home environment to make it easier for your dog to move about. Non-slip mats and ramps on the stairs can make a real difference!
• Think about their joint supplement options. Is your dog getting the right level of joint support for their age? Look out for high Omega 3 levels, such as ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel.
• Make sure they are at the right weight for their breed: 52% of dogs with joint problems are also overweight 
• Keep them active! Staying active is a big part of being able to stay active – and we all know how Fido loves to run, jump and play.
• Talk to your veterinarian for advice on a suitable management plan including the above and alternatives such as hydrotherapy.

 

 

Diet tips

Just like us, dogs feel better all round when they have more healthy options than the alternative. 

• Slice up some fresh carrots and other veggies like green beans, peas, celery and cucumbers. (Skip the onions because they’re toxic for dogs.)
• Try feeding your dog half a banana, apple or pear instead of part of your steak or fries.
• Toss some blueberries in a bowl – a superfood rich in antioxidants.
• Chop up some cantaloupe.
• Reduce your pet’s kibble by about 10 or 20 pieces. You’ll be helping them keep trim, and they won’t notice the difference.

YuMOVE is the #1 Hip & Joint supplement in the United Kingdom with their clinically proven* joint supplement, and they are obsessed with keeping dogs active for life. For more helpful pet care tips visit www.yumove.com. 

*Study conducted by The Royal Veterinary College, London, 2016