Lifestyle Tips for Maintaining Joint Health in Active Dogs
For active dogs, movement is a huge part of their life. Whether it’s sprinting across a field, zooming around outside, or joining you on your morning run, movement helps keep them happy, fit, and full of energy. It brings us joy too – there’s nothing better than seeing your dog bouncing around, full of happiness.
Sadly, the same activities that make them happy can also place extra stress on their joints. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, sore joints and reduced mobility.
The good news is that you can take steps to support your dog’s joint health, helping them stay active and comfortable well into their senior years. From managing their weight to choosing the right exercise and nutrition, a few consistent lifestyle habits can make all the difference.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
One of the most effective ways to protect your dog’s joints is to keep them at a healthy weight. Extra pounds mean extra strain on their hips, knees, and elbows, which can speed up joint wear and tear. A balanced diet tailored to their breed, age, and activity level is essential, and even small weight reductions can make a noticeable difference in joint comfort.
Exercise for Strength and Mobility
Exercise is vital for keeping muscles strong - and strong muscles help support healthy joints. But not all exercise is the same. High-impact activities, like repeated jumping or running on hard surfaces, can increase stress on your dog’s joints, particularly as they get older. If possible, try to focus on a mix of activities including daily walks, gentle jogging, and low-impact options like swimming, which builds muscle without excess strain. You can even try out physical therapy if your dog’s joints are already suffering to help maintain mobility and rebuild muscle. Consistency is key here - regular, moderate exercise is far more beneficial than occasional bursts of intense activity.
Create Joint-Friendly Environments
The surfaces your dog moves on every day can affect joint health more than you might think. Grass, sand, and other softer terrains are gentler on their joints than concrete or tile. Inside the home, rugs and runners can prevent slips that could lead to injuries, particularly for older dogs or those already showing signs of stiffness. Even small changes like these can help protect your dog’s joints over the long term.
Rest and Recovery Matter
Active dogs need time to rest and recover just as much as they need exercise. Providing a comfortable, supportive sleeping area can help them recharge and reduce joint stiffness. Orthopedic beds can cushion their joints and promote better sleep. Scheduling slightly more restful days after vigorous play or training sessions allows their muscles and joints to recover fully.
Start Nutritional and Supplemental Support Early
Alongside a balanced diet, certain nutrients and supplements can offer extra joint protection. Joint-supporting foods like oily fish and leafy greens are great to include in your dog’s diet, and supplements can be a huge help too. Look out for ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which help support cartilage structure, MSM to aid muscle recovery, and omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. Another powerful natural option is Boswellia serrata, a plant extract known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce stiffness and improve mobility in active and senior dogs.
How We Support Joint Health
At The Wolf Society, we’re on a mission to help dogs stay active, mobile, and pain-free for as long as possible. That’s why our Hip & Joint Soft Chews contain a powerful blend of proven ingredients - including 100 mg of Boswellia serrata per chew - alongside others like glucosamine, green-lipped mussel and turmeric, to name a few. These chews are designed to help reduce inflammation, protect cartilage, and keep your dog moving comfortably, whether they’re bounding through fields or enjoying a gentle stroll.