Step 0: Support Joint & Muscle Balance with supplements

Goal

Support the body systems involved in comfortable movement before strain or imbalance develops.

Habit: Provide Support With Natural Supplements

Healthy movement places ongoing demands on joints, muscles, and recovery systems. Some families choose mobility-focused nutraceuticals as part of a preventive routine to help support:

• joint comfort
• muscle recovery
• normal inflammatory responses related to movement
  

How Supplements May Be Used

• Daily support: given consistently as part of a regular routine to support joint and muscle balance over time
  
• Situational support: used around periods of increased physical demand, such as longer walks, training days, hikes, or sports
  

BSAVA principle: Foundational physiological support.

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Step 1: Manage Sudden Spikes in Activity

Goal

Avoid sudden increases in physical load by keeping movement predictable and supporting the body when activity is higher than usual.

Prepare and Recover Around Higher-Activity Days

Most dogs tolerate regular movement well, but sudden “spikes” such as a long hike after quieter days place extra demand on joints and muscles.

Higher-intensity activities may include longer hikes, jogging or running with your dog, sports (such as agility or canicross), or extended play sessions with repeated running or jumping.

Regular activity that is normally well tolerated may need adjustment in colder conditions.

Helpful habits: Warm up and cool down

• Keep regular daily movement in place, even on quieter days
• Before higher-intensity activity:
  Start with 10–15 minutes of easy walking.
• Increase pace or difficulty gradually
• After higher-intensity activity: Allow 10 minutes of calm walking to wind down
• Avoid stopping abruptly after intense movement
• Plan lighter or calmer activity the day after heavier exertion
  

BSAVA principle: Load consistency & rate-of-change management.

Joints, muscles, and connective tissues cope best when changes in physical demand are supported with preparation and recovery rather than occurring abruptly.

Step 2: Protect Joints During Growth and Activity

Goal

Reduce unnecessary joint strain during vulnerable periods and repeated daily movement.

Use Joint-Friendly Movement Choices

Joints are more sensitive to strain during growth, but also during repetitive or high-impact activity at any age.

Helpful habits

• Walk on a loose lead to allow natural head, neck, and body position
  Keep sleeping areas warm and well-padded to support joints during rest
• Encourage play on non-slip, forgiving surfaces (grass, rubber, mats)
• Limit repeated jumping on and off furniture, especially during excitement
• Use ramps or steps for cars, sofas, or beds when possible
• Trim nails regularly to maintain normal paw contact and reduce slipping

Small, everyday adjustments can significantly reduce cumulative joint stress over time.

BSAVA principle: Mechanical load management.

Reducing repetitive impact and uncontrolled forces helps protect joint structures and slows long-term wear.

Step 3: Maintain a Healthy Body Condition

Goal

Reduce unnecessary load on joints, muscles, and soft tissues over time.

Habit: Actively Manage Body Condition

Even small changes in body weight have a meaningful impact on joint load and long-term mobility.

Helpful habits

• Check body condition regularly, not just weight (visible waist from above, ribs easy to feel without pressing)
• Adjust food portions when activity changes (quieter weeks, growth phases, injury, seasonal differences)
• Use part of the daily food allowance as rewards instead of adding extra treats
• Be mindful of “hidden calories”
  (chews, table scraps, frequent snacks)
• Reassess portions every few months, even if food type stays the same
  

Maintaining a lean, stable body condition is one of the most effective ways to protect mobility at any age.

BSAVA principle: Weight-related load management.

Excess body weight increases mechanical stress on joints and accelerates wear, making body condition control one of the strongest protective factors for long-term mobility.

Step 4: Build Muscle Strength and Balance

Goal

Improve joint stability and movement control by supporting balanced muscle use during everyday activity.

Habit: Play Games and Activities to Support Muscle Strength and Balance

This step focuses on movement quality and coordination, not intensive training. A variety of movements helps muscles support joints more effectively.

Low-impact play and games

Choose games that allow walking or gentle jogging, and avoid sprinting before your dog has properly warmed up.

Helpful examples

• Walking-based games
  Relaxed leash walks, follow-me games, or gentle direction changes (curves, figure-eights) to encourage controlled movement.
• Gentle jogging
  Short periods of easy jogging at a comfortable pace, after warming up, without sudden acceleration.
• Sniffing and search games
  Scattering food or hiding treats to promote slow, purposeful movement and natural posture changes.
• Controlled fetch
  Short throws on soft ground, allowing your dog to jog or run naturally rather than repeated all-out sprints.
• Ground-level tug
  Calm tug with a soft toy held low and horizontal, avoiding jumping, twisting, or sudden jerking.
• Low obstacle stepping
  Stepping over poles, towels, or cushions placed on the ground to support balance and coordination.
  

About sprinting and jumping

Sprinting and jumping are normal, healthy dog movements and can be part of play and sport. They are most protective when:

• your dog is warmed up
• surfaces provide good grip
• they are not repeated excessively as the main form of activity
  

The goal is not to avoid these movements, but to balance them with regular, controlled activity so joints and muscles are well supported.

BSAVA principle: Muscular support and joint stabilisation.

Balanced, well-coordinated muscle use helps stabilise joints, absorb impact, and reduce uneven mechanical stress during daily movement.

Step 5: Create a Movement-Friendly Home

Goal

Reduce unnecessary strain, slips, and awkward movement during everyday activities at home.

Adjust the Home Environment to Support Movement

Daily environments play a major role in long-term mobility. Small adjustments can significantly reduce repeated micro-strain over time.

Helpful habits

• Add non-slip rugs or runners in areas where your dog walks most often (hallways, near doors, around food and water bowls)
• Provide supportive resting surfaces in places your dog uses regularly, such as near family areas or sleeping spots, allowing them to lie flat and stretch comfortably
• Ensure easy access to favourite resting areas without repeated jumping on or off furniture
• Keep food, water, and toys within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or awkward movement
• Use soft, even lighting in the evening so your dog can move confidently as activity levels wind down
  

A supportive home environment helps protect joints during the many small movements that happen every day.

BSAVA principle: Environmental risk reduction.

Reducing slips, awkward positions, and repeated low-level strain supports joint health and long-term mobility.

Step 6: Watch for Early Mobility Changes

Goal

Identify subtle changes early, before they develop into larger mobility problems.Habit: Regularly Check How Your Dog Moves

Early mobility changes are often gradual and easy to miss. Making observation a habit allows earlier, gentler adjustments.

Watch for

• Slowing down on walks or needing more pauses
• Hesitation before jumping, climbing stairs, or starting play
• Stiffness after rest or sleep that eases with movement
• Shorter or less enthusiastic play sessions
• Changes in posture, gait, or willingness to move
  

If you notice changes

• Reduce intensity temporarily rather than pushing through
• Increase consistency and recovery time
• Adjust daily habits (walk length, play type, surfaces)
• Monitor whether changes persist or improve
  

Early response helps protect long-term mobility.

BSAVA principle: Early intervention and monitoring.

Small changes addressed early can prevent progression and reduce long-term joint and soft tissue stress.

Step 7: Get Veterinary Guidance When Needed

Goal

Ensure timely support when preventive habits are no longer sufficient.

Know When to Ask for Help

Preventive care also includes recognising when professional guidance is needed.

Contact your veterinarian if

• Limping or stiffness persists beyond a few days
• Mobility changes worsen or do not improve with adjustments
• Your dog avoids activities they previously enjoyed
• Pain, swelling, or sudden reluctance to move appears
  

Early evaluation allows targeted advice and helps prevent longer-term mobility issues.

BSAVA principle: Timely clinical assessment.

Early veterinary input improves outcomes and supports long-term joint and musculoskeletal health.