So how do we prevent lameness?
Lameness prevention starts with proper nutrition. A balanced diet consisting of high quality protein sources, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps keep your dog’s joints healthy. Your veterinarian can help determine what type of diet is appropriate for your particular dog. You should also make sure that they have plenty of fresh water at all times. While most dogs are fine drinking from their bowls, make sure that they are always drinking from a clean bowl and not a puddle or other source of contamination. This is especially important for dogs whose owners live in areas prone to flooding. Another common cause of lameness is environmental factors. If your dog has been outside during inclement weather (rainy days, snow, etc.), then he may be suffering from exposure to rain, snow, or ice. In these instances, it is best to apply an anti-freeze spray to his paws before heading back inside. Also, avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures. Even though it might feel warm outside, your dog could get frostbite on their feet if he spends too long standing outside without proper protection. Finally, make sure that your dog gets lots of rest and exercise. It’s not uncommon for a dog to become tired after spending time outdoors, so make sure he gets plenty of playtime during the day and a good night’s sleep. Finally, if your dog has recently had surgery, it’s important to give them adequate recovery time afterwards. Just because they look fine now doesn’t mean that they won’t suffer any lasting effects down the road. Make sure to follow up with your vet regularly to check in