Preventing Canine Bone and Joint Issues
Have you noticed that your dog seems to be struggling to get on and off of furniture or other high-up places? As flexible as dogs are, we often overestimate their ability to cope with the impact of leaping to and fro areas. To help prevent long term damage, we’re going to talk about the benefits of using steps for dogs.
Jumping, while a very natural movement for dogs, can encourage bone and joint problems if performed in excess. How often does your dog jump on and off of your bed, a chair, or the car? Say he does this three times a day. In just one week you dog’s joints will have absorbed the shock of 21 impacts. Imagine the effect this has over a lifetime? It’s no wonder that many dogs develop health issues such as hip dysplasia (arthritis targeting the hip region) and even scoliosis or other back problems. Preventative maintenance is the best way to reduce your dog’s likelihood of suffering from one of these physical issues.
Of course, you could incorporate certain limitations to your dog, such as not allowing him onto the furniture anymore—but does that really seem fair to him? When a dog leaps onto to the sofa for a cuddle, he isn’t simply trying to find a comfortable place. It’s natural for dogs to want to be with their owners—they love us and seek our companionship. To suddenly cut that sort of contact off with your dog could result in behavior issues.
The best alternative is to purchase some sturdy steps for dogs. Pet stairs allow your dog to disperse his weight over a series of steps rather than one jolting movement. The impact of walking down stairs is only slightly more than that of normal walking, and a great deal less than jumping from the full height of the furniture or vehicle. You will find that a lot of dog steps have a carpeted finish. This is a huge advantage for a dog as it minimizes his risk of slipping, especially if the floor (which he would normally jump onto) has a hard or slick finish.
There is a wealth of variety available when shopping for dog steps, including different heights, widths, and materials. Choosing the correct stairs is important, as steps that are too large or small for your dog could result in a stumble or fall. If you have a large breed of dog, try searching for steps that are at least 16” wide. This allows your dog plenty of room to maneuver the steps. Medium-sized dogs should have steps at least 14” wide, and small dog breeds do best with steps 12” wide or smaller.
Some breeds of dog are especially prone to joint issues later in life, but that doesn’t mean that these breeds are the only ones needing preventative care. Young dogs whose bones are still developing as well as older or special-needs dogs can too benefit from pet stairs. While there are many factors that contribute to your dog’s bone and joint health, dog stairs can certainly play a major role in staving off joint problems in your dog’s future.
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