Orthopedic problems, meaning issues that affect the bones, joints, or muscles, can range from a minor inconvenience to debilitating and can strike any animal at any age. Orthopedic conditions that are frequently seen in canines include cruciate ligament tears, dysplasia of the hips or elbow, and arthritis. Below are a list for puppies and a list for adult dogs with vet recommendations to help prevent orthopedic injuries in your pets.
Puppy Protection Tips:
- Keep them lean – it’s ok to feel ribs on puppies!
- Keep play session short and on flooring that has excellent traction.
- Keep “4 on the floor” – restrict jumping to avoid injury to fragile growth plates.
- Do more frequent short walks rather than one or two longer walks – 10-15 minutes is perfect 3-4 times per day until 5-6 months of age.
- Wait to take your puppy on “runs” until they are 12 months of age.
- FULL physical maturity/strength and coordination doesn’t really happen until 18 -24 months of age for most medium to large breeds.
- Teach them how to use their bodies by enrolling in suitable training classes.
- Choose mental games over physical activity to help them settle. Wearing them out with physical activity will increase the likelihood of orthopedic disease.
- Use a tick preventative to reduce the likelihood of tick-born disease.
- Start your puppies on joint supplements as recommended by your veterinarian.
Adult Protection Tips:
- Keep them lean.
- Avoid weekend warrior activity.
- Avoid the “tired dog is a good dog” mentality.
- Put the ‘chuck-it’ away for good. Hard stops and turns are a sure way to increase the likelihood shoulder and knee injury.
- Keep them from skidding out on slick surfaces.
- Select appropriate activity for your breed. Mountain biking is probably reasonable if you have a German Shorthair and not a Bernese Mountain Dog.
- Use top quality joint health supplements such as Dasuquin and Fish Oil like Welactin.
- Allow for recovery/rest time after intense activity.
- Have them evaluated annually by a veterinarian who can check for orthopedic pain/discomfort.
- If you see your dog limping after rest you should consider a visit to an orthopedic specialist or a physical rehabilitation practitioner.
Have questions about your particular dog or situation. Great! We’re here to help. Click here to contact us at Stride Canine Rehabilitation.