How To Reduce Your Dog’s Risk of Spinal Issues and Arthritis

Like humans, most spinal issues and spinal arthritis in dogs are caused by general wear and tear over time. Because of that, older dogs are more susceptible to suffering from back pain and arthritis. Regardless of the dog’s size, more pressure is exerted on a dog’s joints when they jump in and out of vehicles than if they were walking on a surface. This increased pressure exacerbates the wear and tear of a dog’s joints, including the joints located in the spine, meaning it is never too early (or too late) to prevent this unnecessary exertion.

It can be very difficult for dog owners to detect spinal issues in their dog, as the symptoms do not initially present clearly and dogs will continue to move normally despite the pain, making it crucial to prevent the progression of joint damage.

Veterinarian recommended approach

The Vet Record journal reports that it is inadvisable for dogs to jump to and from vehicles after their study showed that dogs who repeatedly jumped from larger vehicles were at an increased risk for degenerative joint disease. Co-author of the study and Veterinary Science expert at Hartpury University Centre, Dr. Alison Wills, recommends that “people should consider using ramps stretching from their car to the ground for all dogs, [and not just] for those with existing joint problems.”

Reduce your dog’s risk of back pain and arthritis