If you have an older dog, Dr. Chad Dodd, consulting veterinarian to YuMOVE, the UK’s #1 vet-recommended joint supplement,* says, “Mobility is essential for a good quality of life, so it’s important to check periodically to see if your dog has stiff joints or mobility issues.”
You know your dog better than anyone, so Dr. Dodd says you can help by recognizing the signs that your dog is experiencing joint stiffness so you can make positive changes to help them feel their best.
Commonly recognized signs:
- Difficulty walking or limping
- Less desire to walk or play
- Slow or reluctant to rise from resting
- Reluctance to jump
More subtle signs:
- Avoiding stairs or slippery surfaces
- Overgrown nails
- New dislike to being petted
- Postural changes
- Licking at joints
- Change in temperament
If you do spot one or more of these signs in your dog and are concerned about the health of their joints, there are a number of things you can do to help.
Consult your veterinarian– a thorough examination can determine what’s wrong and if your dog has stiff joints and mobility issues. They can than help develop a mobility “action plan” tailored to your dog.
Consider a healthier diet– if your dog is overweight, then they might be adding extra stress on joints. In short, their health, stamina, activity levels, mobility and quality of life can all suffer. Now is a good time to consider a healthy diet which can help them get back to their ideal weight, and moving again.
Consider their activity schedule– taking your dog on regular short walks, as oppose to one long walk, will ensure their joints are kept active, and not over worked.
Home environment – Is your home as dog-friendly as possible? Slipping and sliding on flooring can place unnecessary stress on your dog’s joints, so use non-slip mats, rugs or carpet to give them the firm footing they need. Other tips include: vehicle ramps for easy access; a support harness for walks; comfortable bedding; and raised drinking and feeding bowls.
Complementary Therapy – additional ways to support your furry friend include massage techniques, hydrotherapy, laser therapy and acupuncture.
Supplements - consider a joint supplement, like our YuMOVE Joint Supplement for Older Dogs with scientifically proven ingredients, like our ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel, proven to help get a more active dog in 6 weeks.**
*Kynetec VetTrak sales 2022 through UK veterinary wholesalers.
**Study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College of London, UK.
