Kenneth Glad
Small, often overlooked choices can influence how comfortably dogs move later in life. Veterinary advice is increasingly focusing on what happens years before problems appear.
A report by the Daily Express draws attention to comments from veterinarian Amir Anwary, who is urging dog owners to think about joint health well before their furry friends reaches the age of old.
Arthritis, a condition that gradually limits mobility, is among the most common long-term issues seen in dogs.
Data from Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE) suggests about one in five dogs will develop the condition. The organization states:
“Unfortunately, most dogs aren’t diagnosed with arthritis until they are 8-10 years old, at which point it may actually be harder to control the symptoms of arthritis compared to recognising and treating it early.”
Hidden early signs
One challenge, vets say, is that arthritis develops slowly and can go unnoticed. Subtle changes, such as reduced enthusiasm for walks or stiffness after rest, are easy to dismiss.
Anwary warns that by the time the symptoms are obvious, damage may already be well underway.
He indicates that many owners only respond once mobility declines, rather than anticipating the issue earlier.
This delay can limit how effective later interventions are, making early awareness a critical factor in care.
Everyday strain builds
Long-term joint health is closely tied to routine habits. Weight and movement patterns both influence how joints wear over time, particularly in medium and large breeds.
“The first step is to keep them lean,” Anwary said, highlighting the role of body weight in reducing stress on joints.
He also pointed to exercise patterns, suggesting that inconsistency may be more harmful than helpful.
Sudden bursts of intense activity, especially after periods of inactivity, can place avoidable strain on aging joints.
Meanwhile, the home itself can contribute to gradual wear. Hard or slippery flooring may lead to repeated minor slips, while frequent jumping onto furniture adds impact over time.
“If you have a dog that loves jumping on couches, use a ramp instead because any jump is going to put more stress on their joints,” he said.
Preventive approach
Nutrition and timing are often underestimated, yet they form part of a broader preventive strategy.
“I use a combination of an Omega-3 supplement and a joint-support supplement,” he said.
He added: “Most owners will start treating their dogs when they are already showing symptoms – but at this point the joint degeneration has already been going on for maybe even up to a year.”
Rather than reacting to visible problems, owners may need to act earlier, adjusting daily routines and environments to reduce long-term risk.
Sources: Daily Express, CARE
