Appropriate exercise throughout a dog life reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis and maintains the muscle mass that protects joints from abnormal loading.
Joint disease prevention through appropriate lifelong exercise is a welfare investment that pays dividends across the entire lifespan of a dog. Dogs that receive appropriate regular exercise maintain the muscle mass around joints that provides natural mechanical protection against abnormal loading. Conversely, intermittent intense exercise interleaved with prolonged inactivity creates the loading pattern most associated with soft tissue injury. Senior dogs with osteoarthritis benefit most from gentle daily exercise rather than rest, which allows muscle wasting to progress and reduces joint lubrication. Exercise management is one of the most powerful and freely available welfare tools available to dog owners.