This week we are going to talk about mobility. Just like humans, mobility can decrease as we dogs age. As your four-legger ages, you may notice that they need a bit more help getting around and may not be as active as they once were.
Just because your dog may slow down a bit doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice those daily walks and play time. Let’s talk about some ways that you can help your dog improve their mobility.
Exercise
Even if your senior dog is not as active as they once were, exercise can be vital to their mobility. Knowing how much exercise and what type of activities are best for your dog can be challenging. On the one hand, you don’t want your dog to overdo it for risk injury, and, on the other, regular activity is vital to your dog’s overall health.
A good rule of thumb for senior dog exercise is to take it easy, take it slow, and take them out every day. Try moderate walks over high-intensity exercise. Even regular short walks can help senior dogs maintain endurance.
A Balanced Diet
Adjusting your dog’s diet as they age is important. You may need to adjust how much food your dog gets at mealtime. If your dog is less active than they were in years past, they may not need as much food as they did when they were younger. Your dog may also need more or different kinds of nutrients to give them energy and address mobility-related health issues. As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian to discuss a diet plan that fits your dog’s specific needs.
Mobility Supplements
When it comes to adding supplements to your dog’s diet that are focused on mobility, there are several options that can help improve their joint health and their muscle health.
Glucosamine may alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the repair of damaged cartilage. Glucosamine may also alleviate pain and joint wear caused by conditions such as hip dysplasia or other musculoskeletal changes. It has also been used in the treatment of spinal disc injuries and to help with recovery from joint surgery.
Collagen can improve mobility in dogs afflicted with conditions like arthritis. It's a natural supplement that helps to lubricate and protect connective tissues that support the hips and joints.
Fortetropin® is an all-natural supplement that has been clinically proven to help reduce muscle loss, increase lean muscle, and even reduce recovery time after surgery. Adding a supplement like MYOS Canine Muscle Formula can help improve your dog’s overall muscle health, leading to more vitality and better mobility.
Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation for dogs is very similar to physical therapy for people, it can help to reduce pain, and improve strength, flexibility, and overall mobility. Canine physical rehabilitation can help to restore function and mobility through a combination of treatments such as massage, heat treatment, electrical stimulation and acupuncture combined with hydrotherapy and exercise. This combined approach may help relieve pain, improve joint and muscle health and aid the rehabilitation of pets following an injury, disease, or surgery.
There are several paths that can lead to better mobility for your senior dog. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for an approach that meets your dog’s specific needs.
