Energetic, active dogs are happiest when they’re on the move. These tips will help you support hip & joint health so your dog can stay happy, healthy, and pain-free doing all their favorite activities.
Active dogs live to run, play, swim, and go on adventures. Hip & joint support is critical for all dogs, and especially active ones who are always on the go. There are several things you can do to support hip & joint health for your active dog. Weight management, low-impact exercises, massage, and supplements are some of the best things you can do. These tips will help you support active dogs, pups who are prone to hip & joint problems, and any pooch who needs extra help with mobility and flexibility.
Try Low-Impact Exercises
Exercise is important for all dogs, and especially ones with hip & joint problems. Exercise reduces pain while improving function, performance, and quality of life. But not all exercise is created equal when it comes to hip & joint health. High-impact exercises like running and agility training can make mobility and pain problems worse for dogs. By contrast, low-impact exercises are great for weight management and building stronger, healthier joints. These include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cavalettis
- Balance exercises
- Nose work sessions
- Walking on an underwater treadmill
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Active dogs won’t typically be overweight, but it’s still important to keep an eye on the scale. Make sure they stay in the healthy range by feeding a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, keeping treats to a minimum, and avoiding excess calories. Excess weight is tough on the hips and joints because it places extra pressure on them. Obesity can also cause damage to soft tissue and contribute to osteoarthritis.
Use Massage and Physiotherapy
Most dogs will benefit from massage, even if it just helps them relax. And for dogs with hip & joint problems, massage and physiotherapy can:
- Bring pain relief
- Increase flexibility
- Reduce tension
- Improve mobility and range of motion
- Increase circulation
- Promote faster healing
- Improve quality of life
This is especially important for high-energy, active dogs who love being on the move.
Add the Right Supplements to Their Diet
Supplements may support mobility and hip & joint health by reducing inflammation, supporting cartilage regeneration, improving joint function, supporting connective tissues, relieving stiffness, and supporting bone health. For the best results, look for formulas that have natural ingredients, contain no fillers or allergens, and are made in the USA.
PointPet Supplements for Hip & Joint Health
PointPet’s hip & joint supplements support cartilage and bone health, mobility, and flexibility while reducing inflammation and stiffness. They’re made with premium natural ingredients like collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine, turmeric, MSM, yucca, and hemp and without corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors. Check out PointPet’s full line of hip & joint supplements in delicious soft chews dogs love: Hip & Joint + Collagen, Hip & Joint, Hemp Hip & Joint, and Advanced Hip + Joint.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Source: Animal Wellness Magazine
