Ahhhh, summer adventures with your dog – beach days, BBQs, hikes, and sea swims – this is what memories are made of! But with all that extra activity comes added strain on your dog’s joints, especially for older or larger breeds. That’s why summer is the ideal time to focus on joint care for dogs!
While summertime outings bring joy, they can also reveal early signs of joint discomfort, like stiffness, hesitation on stairs, or a drop in playfulness. Thankfully, catching these signs early means you have a chance to help your dog stay active, comfortable, and happy. With the right care and supplements, you can keep those tails wagging all summer long.
In this article, we explore how to support your dog’s joint health during the season they love most!
Why summer is the perfect time to focus on joint care for dogs
Long summer days mean more walks, playtime, and outdoor adventures with your dog, but all that extra activity can put strain on their joints. The warmth of the season may even mask early signs of stiffness, allowing joint issues to worsen unnoticed. Travel, holidays, and changes to routine can also impact joint health, especially in older, larger, or already vulnerable dogs.
This is why summer is a crucial time to prioritise joint care, as proactive support can make all the difference. Early intervention helps prevent discomfort, boosts mobility, and ensures your dog can keep up with the fun and stay active and pain-free!
Signs your dog might need extra joint support this summer
Summer is all about outdoor fun, but it’s also when signs of joint discomfort in dogs can become more obvious. Look out for small changes like:
- Slower rising from rest
- Hesitation on stairs
- Less interest in play or long walks
- Stiffness after a walk
These subtle shifts often signal that your dog’s joints are under strain, especially with increased seasonal activity. Catching them early allows you to act before minor aches turn into chronic pain, while supporting your dog’s joints now means more comfort, more energy, and more summer adventures!
Everyday routines that support joint care for dogs
Supporting your dog’s joint health doesn’t have to be complicated; small, consistent habits can make a big difference. Start by easing your dog into activity with a gentle warm-up to prepare their muscles and joints, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
Low-impact exercises like swimming or short walks on soft surfaces are ideal for keeping joints moving without putting them under too much pressure. You can also work in stretches, gentle massages, and fun mobility games to promote flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Routine is everything when it comes to joint care. Use ramps or non-slip mats indoors to help your dog avoid unnecessary strain on stairs or slippery floors. A steady cycle of walking, playtime, and rest (especially during hot summer days!) keeps them active without overdoing it.
By weaving these simple practices into your dog’s daily life, you’ll help protect their joints, support mobility, and ensure they stay active, comfortable, and ready for every summer adventure.
Food, hydration, and environment: joint-friendly summer habits
Joint health isn’t just about exercise; nutrition and hydration play an equally vital role. Proper hydration helps maintain healthy cartilage and joint fluid, keeping your dog’s joints cushioned and mobile, and a balanced diet rich in quality protein and omega oils can reduce inflammation and support joint repair.
Don’t overlook comfort either. Elevated bowls can ease pressure on the neck and spine during mealtimes, and avoiding hot pavements helps protect your dog’s paws and joints from unnecessary stress. Make sure they have access to cool, shaded areas to rest and recover, especially on warm days.
Together, these everyday habits, based on good nutrition, smart hydration, and a joint-friendly environment, can keep your dog active and comfortable all summer long.
Joint care for dogs this summer starts with VETIQ Joint Care
Summer is all about play, adventure, and making memories – and your dog deserves to enjoy it all without sore joints holding them back! By recognising early signs of stiffness and incorporating simple, supportive routines, you can help keep your dog mobile, energetic, and pain-free.
That’s where VETIQ Joint Care Supplement Chews come in!
These tasty, bite-sized chews are a powerhouse of joint-supporting ingredients all working together to reduce stiffness, ease inflammation, and support healthy joint function. With no artificial colours, preservatives, or flavourings, and a roasted meat flavour even fussy eaters love, Joint Care Supplement Chews make it easy to take care of your pet’s joints.
Whether your dog is slowing down on walks or bounding ahead on summer hikes, these chews help maintain flexibility, cushion their joints, and promote strong, healthy cartilage. As a bonus, you can save up to 20% if you set a recurring order on our shop!
So make this summer unforgettable, for all the right reasons. Support your dog’s joint health today with VETIQ Joint Care Supplement Chews and help them stay active, agile, and ready for every sun-drenched adventure!
