It's wonderful to romp with your dog or to be playful with the cat. Obviously, you want to keep doing that for as long as possible! That’s why it is important to support your pet in keeping their joints healthy. Aches and pains can increase as the years advance, making joint pain a concern for many dog owners.

Did you know that joint problems are not only common in old pets? 2in5 dogs and cats of all ages and breeds have joint problems. Maintaining healthy joints in dogs is essential for their overall well-being. Read further to discover our 10 tips to support your dog to maintain healthy joints.  

1. Maintain a healthy weight 
   Ensuring that your dog is not overweight is the first step to prevent joint problems. Excess weight puts additional stress on a dog's joints, leading to more wear and tear. Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.  

2. Balanced diet 
   Provide a well-balanced and high-quality dog food that includes essential nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. These nutrients support joint health and reduce inflammation.  

3. Joint-friendly activities 
   Engage your dog in regular, low-impact exercises and activities that are easy on the joints. Think of activities like walking and swimming. Exercise helps to keep joints flexible and to improve muscle strength and joint stability. 

4. Warm-up exercises 
   Before engaging in strenuous activities, especially for active dogs, include warm-up exercises to prepare their joints and muscles. This can include a short walk or gentle play. 

5. Avoid excessive jumping 
   Discourage your dog from jumping on and off high surfaces, as this can strain their joints. Provide ramps or stairs to help them access elevated areas.  

6. Regular grooming 
   Keep your dog well-groomed, especially if they have long fur. This prevents felting, which can contribute to discomfort and affect their mobility. 

7. Environmental modifications 
   Make necessary modifications to your home environment to accommodate your dog's needs. This may include providing ramps, non-slip surfaces, and comfortable resting areas.  

8. Comfortable sleeping area 
   Provide a comfortable bed for your dog, especially if they are older or have arthritis. Orthopedic beds can offer additional support for joints. 

9. Regular vet check-ups 
   Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's overall health, including joint health. Early detection of joint issues can lead to more effective management. 

10. Joint supplements 
    It is recommended to use joint supplements that benefit your dog. Glucosamine supplements are commonly recommended to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Beaphar Flexifit® supplements offers a multi-action formula with 3 levels of joint care. The sticks, treats and bits of level 1 will help your dog or cat to maintain flexible joints and strong bones, since they contain ingredients such as omega 3 and glucosamine.

The majority of dogs with less severe symptoms may greatly benefit from the daily addition of a good quality joint supplement. Beaphar has developed Beaphar Flexifit®. It’s a range of joint supplements tailored to your pet’s degree of mobility and needs. Whether you want to be more proactive in supporting your pet in maintaining flexible joints and strong bones, or whether your pet needs optimum support, Beaphar Flexifit® helps your pet to move with ease. 

Do you think that your dog has joint problems? Read our blog article about How to recognise joint discomfort in your pet.