5 Pointers for Preventing Dog Injuries

Many pet parents might think injury prevention is more applicable to athletic and professional working dogs. Unfortunately, all types of canine breeds are at risk of injuries. How often your dog moves like a full handbrake turn when playing fetch, tumble, chase around with their fellows, and play vigorously, can increase their injury risk. However, practicing caution can considerably enhance their safety and quality of life while doing the activities they enjoy.

As we continue, we’ll discuss a few simple guidelines to prevent injuries in your furry companion so they can continue their regular activities uncompromised.

How to Prevent Injuries in Dogs

Keeping your pet locked up in their crate or stopping them from playing is not the answer. Although it is impossible to completely prevent dog injuries, watching out for some environmental and lifestyle factors might help reduce the risk.

Here are five simple ways to reduce your pet’s injury risk.

1. Look for Signs of Weakness

Many high-energy dogs can overexert themselves beyond their physical fitness, so study your pet and know when their muscles are tired. Weakness is among the common indications of muscle fatigue and can cause the dog to pace. Pushing those muscles further will only cause injury, so give your pet sufficient time or days to rest before engaging them in regular activities.

If you suspect the sign of weakness is not caused by muscle fatigue or routine activities, take your dog to vet diagnostic centers to examine and treat their condition immediately. You may click here to see their diagnostic services.

2. Warm Up Before Exercising

Warming up is necessary before performing any exercise. The same applies to our animal companions, especially the highly energetic kinds. Giving your dog a quick warmup by walking or jogging for a few minutes before any intense exercise can relax joints and increase muscular blood circulation, decreasing their chances of muscular strains and sprains.

3. Assist With Furniture and Vehicle Exits

A carefree jump out of a vehicle can lead to an impactful or unstable landing. Avoid unnecessary impact on your pet’s knees, shoulders, spine, and elbows by lifting your dog in and out of the car. Lifting your pup off and onto furniture can also reduce jolting. Consider utilizing ramps or portable pet stairs if your pet is too big for human guidance to provide safer walks on elevation changes.

4. Maintain Their Healthy Weight

Overweight canines tend to have a higher injury risk due to the added pressure their joints, bones, and muscles carry. By keeping your pet’s weight healthy, you’re also reducing their risk of developing arthritis early on and promoting their joint health. If you want your pet to enjoy their favorite activities, avoid overfeeding them and never let their weight get past the healthy range.

5. Remove Obstacles and Objects That Might Contribute to Injuries

Is there furniture that your dog or child likes to climb on that could put them in harm’s way? Are there objects or toys that could potentially be dangerous to their well-being if played together? The best thing you can do is remove everything from their environment that might threaten their safety.

To End

Your animal companion might not be a sporting or professional working dog, but they always give their best in whatever they do. It’s our part as their parents to keep them safe and protected. Following and implementing the simple steps we’ve enumerated above can help your pet stay healthy while doing the activities they love for a long time.