Most dog parents are very busy working 5 to 6 days a week. On top of that, they also have a lot of other responsibilities to face.
They have families to spend time with, they have demanding jobs that require working even at home, and they have other social duties. This leaves our dogs physically inactive most of the week as they just lounge all day.
Although there are some dog parents who manage to find time to walk their dog early in the morning or after dinner, many are just too exhausted and would prefer to just head to bed. For most of us, it is only on the weekends that we got to have some fun, and go outside and play with our dogs.
If you live this way, your dog is likely to be a “weekend warrior”.
Physical activity can be good for dogs. Activities like running, hiking, playing fetch, etc. are good forms of exercise for your dog.
However, these infrequent vigorous exercises can pose a risk on your dog’s joint health especially when they aren’t prepared for that weekend of activity.
Below are 5 ways you can do to keep your dog’s joints healthy even if they are weekend warriors.
1. Conditioning is the Key
As stated above, most dog owners can’t possibly commit on a daily exercise routine given their hectic schedules. However, it is still important that your dog has at least once or twice a week of intense physical activity.
It doesn’t need to be long – 10 minutes of running or walking in the morning or at night can make a difference. You don’t even need to go out of the house for you can just throw a ball around the lawn or inside the house for your dog to fetch.
What is important is that they get their muscles and bones stretched and prepared for that strenuous weekend.
2. Always start with a Warm Up
Your dogs are like humans too, you cannot just expect someone to get up and hike a mountain or race the track for an hour.
Always warm them up before engaging in an intensive activity. This not only beneficial for them but for you as well since you cannot just go there and run like a maniac or else you’re sure to get cramps.
Walk around or jog slowly for some time, let your dog’s and your muscles prepare for the actual exercise.
3. Invest in Supplements
Supplements to help maintain and improve joint health in dogs are widely available in the market today. Veterinarians also recommend giving joint supplements to dogs as young as 1 year old.
When looking for a good supplement, check for ingredients like MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin as these are known to strengthen cartilages and reduce joint inflammations.
However, make sure to let your vet know before giving your dog any of these supplements.
4. Maintain Healthy Weight
A fat and fluffy dog can be a real fun, however, his extra pounds put a lot of strain in his joints.
The skeletal system of a dog can only support up to a certain weight. Overweight and obesity are one of the main causes of early arthritis.
5. Regular Vet Check-ups
All dogs, whether a weekend warrior or not, need to see their vet for a check up on a regular basis.
Check-ups are important to catch on potential health problems earlier making the treatment generally easier.
Weekend warrior dogs are more at risk with health problems due to their frequent inactivity so it is only important to never skip a vet visit.
