Few things are as heartbreaking for pet parents as noticing the dog arthritis signs. You know it’s only a matter of time before your four-legged friend is no longer able to do the things they used to love doing, like jumping in your lap, running around the yard, or even getting up to eat.
The sooner you take action to treat dog arthritis, the longer you can prolong your pup’s lifespan, all while keeping them comfortable. There are so many misconceptions and uncertainties about managing canine arthritis, though.
Should you walk a dog with arthritis? If so, how long should you walk a dog with arthritis? We’ve put together this guide to walking a dog with arthritis to show you how movement can be the best form of medicine for your pet. You know what they say - motion is lotion!
But even a dog with arthritis walking regularly needs additional support to stay comfortable for as long as possible. Give your furry friend the care they deserve at Mighty Munch with our dog supplements for arthritis today!
Should You Walk a Dog With Arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the most common joint conditions dogs are vulnerable to. While it’s especially common in older dogs, it can quickly take any healthy, happy canine and leave them lifeless and miserable within a few short years.
You probably have all sorts of questions about how to best care for your going forward if they’ve been diagnosed with arthritis. So, should you walk a dog with arthritis? Definitely - but there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
The Importance of Exercise for Dogs With Arthritis
The key takeaway from this guide to walking a dog with arthritis is that there’s a fine line between encouraging regular activity to maintain joint health and overdoing it, leading to extra strain on already painful joints.
That being said, some level of movement is absolutely necessary for arthritic dogs. Here’s why:
- Maintain Joint Mobility: Keeping your dog moving prevents stiffness from worsening, so joints don’t become overly rigid.
- Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Stronger muscles help stabilise joints, in turn alleviating pressure on problem areas your pet has.
- Promote Healthy Circulation: Good blood flow helps bring essential nutrients to the joints to help them work better. It also helps support a healthier inflammatory response.
- Manage Weight: Excess weight puts more strain on already inflamed joints, so maintaining a healthy weight is a non-negotiable aspect of managing arthritis.
So, yes - you should probably walk a dog with arthritis. Keep in mind that there are some risks to doing so, though…
Risks of Walking a Dog With Arthritis
Pushing your pet beyond their current limits is never recommended. This can cause more harm than good, increasing inflammation and swelling in problem joints and making it more difficult for your pup to move comfortably.
Weak or sore muscles can make it harder for your dog to support themselves properly as well. This instability puts your dog at an increased risk of injury or strain. They’re more likely to fall and develop another injury.
So where does that leave you - should you walk a dog with arthritis or not?
How to Determine If Walking Is Right for Your Dog
Every dog is different, and their current state dictates whether regular walks will be a help or a hindrance. You should take the following into consideration:
- Observe Their Mobility Levels: If your dog struggles to get up, limps, or hesitates when walking, they may not be ready for walks - or, they at least need shorter walks.
- Monitor Their Comfort During and After Walks: Excessive panting, stopping frequently, or appearing stiff after a walk are all signs it did more harm than good.
- Consider Your Dog’s Energy Levels: If your dog seems eager to go outside and move, they likely still enjoy walks. Any sort of reluctance is a telltale sign they need a break.
The best way to know for sure if your dog could benefit from more exercise is to have a conversation with your vet. They’ll be able to professionally assess your dog and determine the best level of activity for them.
How Long to Walk a Dog With Arthritis
The duration of your dog’s walks are one the biggest factors determining whether it will help them live a more comfortable, active lifestyle or if it will speed up the joint deterioration process and cause more harm than good.
Figuring out how long to walk a dog with arthritis isn’t an exact science by any means. Here’s an overview of the recommended walking duration based on sensitivity:
- Mild Arthritis: 20 to 30 minutes per day, broken into two shorter walks. Be careful, as your dog may not know their limits yet. It’s up to you to set the right pace and keep them on the ideal surface (grass over pavement).
- Moderate Arthritis: 10 to 20 minutes is plenty. Keep the pace slower, avoid steep inclines, and give your dog plenty of rest breaks.
- Severe Arthritis: 5 to 10 minutes per walk with gentle movement as the goal rather than total distance. A short walk in the backyard may be all your dog needs some days.
As we touched on already, there will probably be some trial and error at first. You might even find that daily walks are out of the question as your dog’s condition advances, and you’ll have to settle for walks every other day.
Always listen to your dog. It would certainly be easier if they could just tell you how they feel, but since they can’t, watch out for the warning signs you’re overdoing it. They’re probably in pain if they start favoring one leg, slow down, or struggle to keep up.
Frequent stopping or hesitation is another sign they need a break or should take a shorter route. Heavy panting, especially on cooler days, is also an indication something is off. You can monitor their activity post-walk too - it may have been too long if they seem stiff or uncomfortable.
Other Tips on Walking a Dog With Arthritis
Aside from finding the sweet spot for how long to walk a dog with arthritis there are a few other things to keep in mind as you start pushing them to move a bit more. Follow these tips to keep your walks safe and effective.
Warming Up and Cooling Down
Dogs with arthritis benefit from a proper warm-up before exercise and a cooldown afterward, just like humans! Don’t make the mistake of jumping straight into a walk. Instead, get your dog moving around the house for a few minutes before heading outside.
Give your dog a chance to cool down by walking at an even slower pace for the last few minutes of the walk rather than stopping abruptly. This will go a long way in preventing some of the stiffness that could set in post-walk.
Give your dog a warm compress on affected joints or at the very least set them up with a comfortable, padded space to rest when it’s all said and done. Reward them with a treat, ideally, one of our world-renowned dog supplements in Australia!
Choosing the Right Walking Surface
Where your dog walks matters more than most pet parents realise. Hard surfaces take a greater toll on arthritic joints, while softer, more forgiving surfaces reduce impact.
It’s not always an option, but try to stick to grass, dirt trails, rubberised paths, or sand as these absorb shock better than hard pavements, rocky terrain, and slippery tiles.
Take the weather into account as well. Icy or frozen ground can be painful for arthritic dogs. Even if you have a perfectly healthy pup, you should never walk them in the summer on scorching hot pavement either.
Using Mobility Aids and Supportive Gear
Dogs that are having a really hard time with arthritis might need a little more help gearing up for a walk. A mobility harness with a handle is a great investment in your pet’s health and happiness, as you can assist your dog if they struggle with stairs or inclines.
Some dogs benefit from leg braces that stabilise weak or painful joints, while others need orthopaedic boots for better grip and cushion on hard surfaces.
Talk to your vet about these modalities, and ask about alternative options like hydrotherapy if your dog with arthritis can't walk without pain or discomfort.
Timing Your Walks for Comfort
Arthritis symptoms tend to flare up in the cold, so try walking your dog in the middle of the day rather than first thing in the morning if their condition has progressed. Do the opposite in the dead of summer - walk early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground is cooler.
Keeping Walks Engaging Without Overexertion
Remember, the goal in walking a dog with arthritis is to get them moving, not to wear them out. Find other ways to keep them mentally stimulated while walking so their short time outdoors is more fulfilling:
- Let Them Sniff: Instead of focusing on distance, give your dog time to explore their surroundings at their own pace. Sniffing is mentally enriching and keeps them engaged.
- Be Patient With Slow Play: Let your dog carry a ball or toy for the walk if they want. Give them the freedom to head off-trail and grab that stick if they’re interested. This time is for them, not you.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Short stops to sit and observe the environment give your dog a chance to recover without cutting the walk short.
Time with your furry companion is limited at this point, so enjoy every second.
More Advice on Canine Arthritis Management and Treatment
Aside from walking a dog with arthritis there are some other strategies we want to share for how to help a dog with arthritis naturally. One of the best things you can do is invest in your pup’s health and longevity with our joint supplements at Mighty Munch.
The Role of Joint Supplements in Supporting Mobility
The right supplements can slow arthritis progression and make your pet more comfortable during the remainder of their time here on this earth.
They won’t cure or reverse arthritis, but they can go a long way in improving quality of life.So, what can I give my dog for joint health? Here are some great options:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin support cartilage repair and help cushion joints to keep pain and stiffness at bay.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that minimises joint pain and improves flexibility.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have anti-inflammatory properties to ease arthritis-related swelling and discomfort.
- Collagen supports joint structure to keep your pup flexible and prevent additional cartilage breakdown.
Whether you’re looking for collagen for dogs or fish oil for dogs, quality comes first. Only purchase vet-recommended formulas with high-quality, research-backed ingredients. We’ve got some excellent choices for you here at Mighty Munch, so shop today!
Home Adjustments to Make Moving Easier
Simple changes at home can prevent unnecessary strain on your dog’s joints so daily movement is more comfortable. For instance, a calming dog bed reduces pressure on sore joints and improves sleep quality.
You could also look into raising food and water bowls to shoulder height so your dog doesn’t have to strain their neck and joints while eating. Adding rugs or anti-slip mats over hardwood floors provides traction and stability to decrease the risks of falls or further strain.
If you have stairs in your home, you’ll probably need to look into bringing in ramps to help. This will also make it easier for your pet to get up onto furniture or into the car.
Veterinary Treatments for Managing Arthritis Pain
There’s only so much you can do on your own. It’s always best to defer to the professionals, whether you have questions about walking a dog with arthritis or are looking for other strategies to provide natural joint pain relief for dogs. Here are some options your vet might recommend:
- Pain Medications (NSAIDs): Carprofen or meloxicam are commonly used to manage swelling and pain under veterinary supervision.
- Hyaluronic Acid or PRP Therapy: These injections lubricate joints and support cartilage repair for longer-term relief.
- Laser Therapy and Acupuncture: These alternative therapies can help support a better inflammatory response while improving circulation to arthritic joints.
- Weight Management Programs: Overweight dogs deal with more stress on their joints, so a vet-supervised diet plan can really reduce arthritis symptoms.
Our blog has additional insights on how to keep dogs joints healthy, including home remedy for dog joint pain and how long can a dog live with arthritis. It’s time to wrap this guide up with a few parting thoughts on dog with arthritis walking below.
Final Words on Dog With Arthritis Walking
Arthritis doesn’t mean the end of an active life for your dog - it just means things are going to look a bit different going forward. So should you walk a dog with arthritis? Most of the time, walking a dog with arthritis can be really helpful in improving comfort and prolonging life.
Still, you need to be aware of how long to walk a dog with arthritis and other best practices to avoid causing more harm than good. More importantly, you need to provide support beyond exercise with proven solutions from Mighty Munch.
Give your dog the joint care they’re desperate for and enjoy more active years with them. Less pain, more play is just a few clicks away at Mighty Munch!
