CARE ADVICE FOR CANINE HEALTH & FITNESS

  • Keep your pet at an appropriate weight. This is probably the single most important thing you can do to help your pet. Just as extra weight can lead to increased risks for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and many other conditions in humans, so too can it affect your pet. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs fairly easily as you run your hands along the side of its body. The dog should also have an “hourglass” figure, with a tuck in at the waist, behind the ribcage, as you look at the dog from the top (aerial view).  A nice visul reference with more detailed information can be found at https://www.purina.co.uk/dogs/health-and-nutrition/exercise-and-weight-management/dog-body-condition-tool.

 

  • Keep your dog moderately active.  A consistent amount of moderate exercise will help your pet maintain muscle mass and keep the joints moving freely.  Avoice the “weekend warrior” syndrome where the pet only gets very short leash walks during the week then goes out for a much longer hike, swim or ball play session only a day or two a week.  This can lead to unnecessary joint pain and possible injury as the dog is not properly conditioned for the sudden increase in activity.

 

  • Have your pet see a veterinarian on a regular basis. In addition to checking the pet’s organs and making sure the pet has the necessary vaccines, your vet will also provide a hands-on exam, lookign for tight muscles, limited range of motion and areas of pain. He/she can assist you in choosing supplements and prescribe medications as necessary to promote pet health and vitality.

 

  • Feed a high-quality pet food.  Look for foods with minimal wheat, corn, soy and by-products in them. These ingredients have a higher incidence of allergic reactions, which can lead to itching and hair loss. The premium brand foods are more expensive, but you can usually also feed a small amount since they include fewer “filler” ingredients.

 

  • Consider support hardware for aging pets.  For senior dogs, use a good quality orthopedic-type dog bed that is both supportive and soft to cushion the dog’s joints.  Also be aware that as your pet ages, it may have trouble gaining traction on hardwood, tile, or slick floors. You can place rug runners or area rugs in areas where your pet walks the most to prevent slips and falls. There are also products such as booties, rubberized socks and rubberized toe grips to give the dog more traction.

 

  • Consult with a rehab therapist or vet. If you have a veterinary rehabilitation therapist or rehabilitation-trained veterinarian near you, it is well worth getting an appointment to have them evaluate your dog, especially if you are seeing signs of slowing down or mobility issues in your pet. These clinicians are experienced in palpating (feeling) for tight and/or weak muscles, stiffness in joints, and in assessing what is causing the mobility issues. They will recommend treatments and provide you with exercise/activity programs that can be done outside of the clinic. Practitioners can also be a great resource for more information on assistive devices (harnesses, booties, carts, etc.) that can help both the pet and its owner. To find a certified rehabilitation therapist/practitioner, visit Canine Rehab Systems – Find-A-Pro.
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