Pet Care
Leading Veterinarian Offers 6 Tips to Get Dogs Ready for Warm Weather Activities
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May 3, 2021 - 7:44:35 AM

1. Start with a general health checkup - Dogs can’t talk so veterinary expertise is key. A simple wellness check can help to spot issues and address changes that may have taken place over the winter, the pandemic and all of our inactive time at home.
2. Slow and steady wins the race – Be thoughtful about how much you are asking of your dog if they haven’t been that active. Start with short 15-minute neighborhood walks before more strenuous activity. Work your way up to lengthier and more vigorous play and exercise.
3. Look for signs of stiff joints – Walking differently, struggling to stand after lying down or resting, or a reduced desire to play can be signs of stiffness which is common especially as dogs age. A quality supplement can help, but it’s important to do your homework as there are many options out there. Choose one that is clinically proven, offers a money-back guarantee, has quality ingredients and is backed by real science. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, look for green-lipped mussels as recent research supports how effective they are for joint health.
4. Be realistic about your dog’s weight –More than half of dogs in the US are obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Most owners don’t recognize that a healthy dog can look “skinny”. That extra weight makes it more difficult for dogs to get the exercise they need and puts extra strain on their joints. Consult with your veterinarian for a weigh-in and any changes you may need to make in their diet, so exercise doesn’t damage joints. A carefully planned exercise/play routine is crucial to helping get your pets weight back down, especially as we emerge from lockdown.
5. Age matters- As dogs age, they are more at risk for joint problems. This is especially prevalent among larger breeds. This can also be caused by repetitive stress or prior injuries. Be careful about jumping in and out of cars and consider ramps or stairs. Early signs can be hard to notice so it’s important to get your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian.
6. Be patient – Getting back into shape doesn’t happen overnight! Just like humans, each dog will vary in response to losing some unnecessary pounds or getting back into a more vigorous routine.

Interviews, additional veterinarian advice and supporting documentation available upon request. For more information on hip/joint health, senior dogs, and keeping pets active for life, please visit https://yumove.com/blogs/health-guides.

About YuMOVE

YuMOVE, is clinically proven and the #1 hip/joint supplement in the UK now available in the US. YuMOVE is on a mission to keep pets ‘active for life’ which is why they are committed to making the best joint support products in the world. Packed with unique ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussels, sustainably sourced from select New Zealand bays, YuMOVE is full of antioxidants and Omega 3. Its unique premium formula aids joint development supports active joints and structure and promotes mobility. www.yumove.com

About Lintbells

Lintbells, the UK's #1 Vet Recommended Dog Joint Supplement company, currently helps more than 1 million dogs across Europe and the United States. In March 2019, Lintbells officially entered the US Market with the introduction of their most popular product abroad, YuMOVE Soft Chews. This joint supplement promotes joint and cartilage health in dogs of all breeds and sizes. Made from all-natural, human-grade, non-GMO ingredients, the secret to YuMOVE Soft Chews' success comes from Lintbells own ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel (or GLM). GLM, a superfood derived from the purest sources in New Zealand, is an essential ingredient with extraordinary properties that improves joint function, mobility, and reduces discomfort in our dogs. This unique ingredient, rich with more Omega 3s than any other GLM, is naturally anti-inflammatory, meaning dogs' stiff joints are eased naturally.