4 Tips to Maintain Your Dog’s Joint Health This Summer
Most dogs love a good hike. Your dog may be ready to hit the dusty trail this summer, but are their joints ready?
From old age to injuries or weight gain, there are a number of issues that lead to stiff, painful joints. Keep your dog’s joints in summer shape with these healthy tips.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining your dog’s weight in a healthy range is great for their joints and also has added health benefits including increased vitality and longevity.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s optimal weight and how to reduce calories if they need to lose a few pounds.
2. Know the Signs of Joint Discomfort
Moving slowly or being unable to climb stairs are common signs of joint discomfort. These signs suggest that it may be time to start joint support.
GlycoFlex Plus, an advanced joint support supplement with glucosamine, DMG, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel, is clinically tested to increase hind leg strength up to 41% in just four weeks.* For some larger breeds, vets recommend joint support at a much younger age so talk to your vet about recommendations for your dog.
3. Stay Active
Just like humans, dogs need exercise to stay fit and healthy. Swimming in the summer is an excellent form of low impact exercise that is good for their joints.
However, swimming is not an innate skill for all dogs so be sure your dog knows how to swim or outfit them with a canine life jacket for summer style and safety.
4. Make It Accessible
Make your home even more dog-friendly as your dog ages and experiences joint pain or stiffness. Consider an orthopedic bed for their comfort or a non-slip ramp for accessibility to their favorite couch or the car.
Talk to your vet if you have joint health concerns for your dog. Proactive care and early vet intervention is key to keeping your dog healthy & happy.
*Some of the products here may have been rebranded in 2024. See here for a full list of previous & new product names.
