The beach can often be a fun routine for you and your dog.
As dogs start to get older and arthritic, however, the beach can often flare up arthritic pain.
The unstable surface is hard on joints and especially if you have been used to playing fetch, the stop, start and twist of the beach can take a toll.
So do I have to stop going to the beach?
Certainly, if the beach has been your happy place, the thought of not going can be heartbreaking.
But I think there are ways you can still enjoy the beach without being crippled with pain the next day.
Try to find locations where the water is within reach, rather than a hike over soft sandy dunes. Better still, if it’s the water that your dog loves, try finding still water, like a lake to enjoy without the sand dunes to contend with.
Maybe you can continue to go the beach, but if you’re going to play fetch, start in the water, that way your dog isn’t stopping and propping and putting strain on joints and ligaments.
It’s also important to be realistic with what your dog can manage. Most dogs, in their minds at least…are elite athletes. But are they? You need to control their activity levels if they have been off their game for a while or recovering from an injury or pain flare up. Building back to what they love SLOWLY is the goal.
For more tips and tricks on how to manage hip dysplasia and hip arthritis check out our webpage…www.hiphealthproject.com.au.
If you would like to know more about veterinary rehabilitation for any muscular, orthopaedic or physical concern that you have for your dog, please feel free to contact us at New Life Vet
