Should you walk a dog with joint pain?
Dina DuBuque
2025-08-01 13:29:20
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Walking has many benefits for people living with arthritis. Consistency, such as sticking to daily walks, is key when it comes to gaining the benefits of exercise. Numerous studies have shown benefits of increased physical activity from dog walking, from potentially reducing anxiety to easing the impacts of COPD to an association with lower rates of cardiovascular disease. When it comes to selecting a furry friend, you may want to avoid very large or active breeds unless they are properly trained not to pull, jump or otherwise put your joints at risk. Consider adopting a calm, middle-aged or senior dog from a shelter, where staff have already vetted its temperament. And look for leashes and other devices that help deter your pup from pulling or lunging. That is particularly good news for people with arthritis, because research also has shown that for every one pound lost reduces pressure on weight-bearing joints by four pounds.
Russ Leuschke
2025-08-01 12:47:23
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Exercise increases circulation to the muscles and joints, decreases stiffness in the joint capsule and soft tissues, reduces pain, maintains strength, and benefits the cardiovascular system. When starting to exercise a dog who isn’t in a regular exercise program, it is best to walk them frequently but for short periods of time, which reduces the rest time between walks, during which their joints will stiffen. A good start is 10 minutes of walking, three times a day. If your pet doesn’t experience increased stiffness, it can be increased on a weekly basis. Controlled, regular physical exercise is one of the core treatments for canine osteoarthritis, along with weight control, physical rehabilitation, and pain management. If your dog’s condition is worsening, consult with your veterinarian to determine if there is a different reason for their symptoms or their pain therapy plan needs to be reassessed.
Edwina Thiel
2025-08-01 11:53:03
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Regular exercise is an absolute must for any arthritic dog – it’s just a matter of finding that perfect balance. Movement and activity are important to keep your dog’s muscles strong and improve circulation, which brings healing blood flow, oxygen, and increased range of motion to those achy joints. Do: Go Low Impact Think swimming, walking, and gentle play. Low impact activities are great for the cardiovascular system, increasing muscle strength and girth, improving range of motion, helping with weight loss, and circulating blood to stiff joints. Do: Warm Up and Cool Down Many arthritic pets will be stiff right when they get up, but a warm-up that’s as simple as a minute or two of gentle walking around the house will do the trick. Let your dog be your barometer, watch them closely for signs of overexertion such as heavy panting, pain, or discomfort, and adjust your activity level accordingly. Something is always better than nothing, on days when you can’t imagine mustering the energy to take your dog out for some exercise, remember, simply 5 to 10 minutes of walking or playing, even just around the house, adds up and makes a huge difference day after day.
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