Protecting Your Puppy’s Growing Joints

It’s important to have a safe exercise program in place while raising a healthy, sociable puppy. 

Too much exercise results in muscle fatigue, creating instability in a puppy’s immature joints. This can lead to inflammation, and the early onset of arthritis and joint disease. 

Although exercise plans differ according to your puppy’s breed, genetics and diet, it’s a given that the plan will change as your best mate grows. We recommend limiting a very young pup’s exercise to short walks and multiple play sessions throughout the day, allowing plenty of time to rest. 

Older puppies require more exercise – a six-month-old dog might be capable of taking longer walks or even short jogs. 

An easy rule of thumb to remember is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown. 

If they struggle, bring the exercise back a little. Avoid long hikes, rough terrain, sharp or slippery surfaces, agility classes and jumping up and down from objects. 

We’d be more than happy to discuss a personalised exercise plan for your puppy at your routine health check.