5 Guidelines for Dog Injury Prevention

Most pet parents might think injury prevention is more appropriate for highly active or athletic 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 energetically, can increase their injury risk. However, practicing caution can substantially enhance their safety and quality of life while doing the activities they love.

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

How to Prevent Dog Injuries

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

Here are five useful ways to minimize your pet’s injury risk.

1. Warm Up Before Exercising

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

2. Watch for Signs of Weakness

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

If you assume the sign of weakness is not caused by muscle fatigue or routine activities, take your dog to veterinary diagnostic facilities so diagnosis, pet medications, and treatment can begin immediately.

3. Assist With Furniture and Vehicle Exits

A carefree jump out of a vehicle can result in an impactful or unsteady landing. Avoid unnecessary impact on your pet’s shoulders, knees, spine, and elbows by lifting your pet 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 dog is too big for human guidance to provide safer walks on elevation changes.

4. Maintain Their Healthy Weight

Overweight pets 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 are also reducing their risk of developing arthritis early on and promoting their joint health. If you want your dog to enjoy doing their favorite activities, avoid overfeeding them and never let their weight get past the healthy range.

5. Remove Obstacles and Objects That May Contribute to Injuries

Is there furniture that your pet or child likes to climb on that could put them in harm’s way? Are there items 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 may threaten their safety.

To End

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