Dog-walking tips for joint health from Best Friends Animal Society

Dog-walking tips are always helpful, because while the recent winter weather has kept us cooped up indoors for much of the past month, staying fit and keeping your canine companion healthy are important as well.

That’s why Best Friends Animal Society has some dog-walking tips for when it’s safe to go out again, and they even have a free Android- and iPhone-compatible app called ResQWalk that allows you not only to keep track of your progress in that area, but also can donate to their favorite animal rescue organization by doing so.

Founded in the Utah desert near Kanab (along the Arizona border and a frequent shooting site for Hollywood Westerns), they have grown since their founding in 1984 into an organization with regional offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Salt Lake City,, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in need across a variety of species.

Best Friends Animal Society has dog-walking tips for keeping our dogs’ joint health strong.

“An estimated 66 percent of dogs across America today suffer from poor joint health. Our dog’s are leading longer and more adventurous lives than ever before, so it is important to consider joint health from a young age,” veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Wenban said in a press release.

Dr. Wenban is the co-founder of a canine supplement company called Front of the Pack, which makes a variety of products to help keep our dogs in top shape.

Starting early, vary options

Starting early walks are very important for young puppies’ health and development, in addition to high-quality food to develop proper joint health. This will also increase their muscles and stamina, in addition to serving as both an important training area and bonding time.

Additionally, about 30 percent of all dogs in the US are obese, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. This could lead to additional strain on their joints, which might increase injuries like ACL tears (if that happens, having pet insurance would be handy).

Since repeated motions can often cause issues later on in life (see baseball pitchers with elbow and shoulder problems, for example), mixing up exercise options is a good plan, too – maybe playing fetch in the backyard one day, then going for a walk through your neighborhood on the sidewalk the next.

Vet visits regularly 

Veterinarians are a great resource to have to keep our puppers healthy and well-maintained, which is why at least a yearly check-up should be done (though twice per year is probably better if it’s feasible).

They also offer advice and community with other animal lovers within your area.

Supplements may be good as well

While a steady diet regimen and exercise routine will be beneficial, have you ever considered vitamins or supplements for your pup? They assist with human health, so they could do just the trick for Trixie as well.

Front of the Pack’s Move contains glucosamine and chondroitin for preserving cartilage (these are kind of like shock absorbers or brake pads for our dogs joints), and omega-3 fatty acids for keeping their immune system healthy.

Best Friends Animal Society rescues more than just dogs as well – they also rescue cats, rabbits, horses, and various other creatures. Check out their website for more information.