Spring with a dog with osteoarthritis: How to get the season off to a safe start
The sun’s coming out, it’s getting warmer – and your dog is giving you that look. He wants to go out. Really go out. After months in ‘winter mode’, you’re both itching to get out and about.
But wait. For a dog with osteoarthritis, this very moment can be dangerous.
The most important points in brief
- After winter, joints are ‘stiff’ – increasing activity too quickly leads to pain and setbacks
- The 10 per cent rule helps: just 10 per cent more exercise per week
- Warming up before a walk is essential for dogs with osteoarthritis
- Joint-supporting supplements can ease the transition
Why spring is tricky for dogs with osteoarthritis
You’ve been taking it easy over the winter. Short walks, not much activity. That was the right thing to do – cold temperatures and stiff joints don’t mix.
But now something dangerous is happening: your mind says ‘finally, I can run properly again!’, but your body is still in winter mode.
The muscles have atrophied. The joints are less well-lubricated. The cartilage has been under less strain and has become more sensitive.
If you go from 0 to 100 now – long walks, wild play, hours-long outings – you risk triggering a flare-up of osteoarthritis. And that can set your dog back for weeks.
The 10 per cent rule: how to build up exercise properly
Forget the ‘weekend warrior’ mentality. Your dog needs a plan.
Here’s how it works:
Week 1: Take stock. How far can you currently walk pain-free? 15 minutes? 20? That’s your starting point.
Week 2: Increase by a maximum of 10 per cent. If you’re at 20 minutes, that’s an extra 2 minutes.
Weeks 3–6: Add another 10 per cent each week. But only if your dog shows no signs of pain.
Watch out for warning signs:
- Limping during or after the walk
- Difficulty getting up the next morning
- Less keen to go out than usual
- Licking at the joints
Do you notice any of these signs? Take a step back, not forward.
Warming up – the underrated secret
No athlete runs a marathon without warming up. Your dog with osteoarthritis shouldn’t either.
A 5-minute warm-up routine before your walk:
- Slow walking indoors (2 minutes): No stairs, no running. Just a leisurely stroll around the flat.
- Gentle stretching (2 minutes): Entice your dog with a treat so that he stretches to the left, right and backwards.
- Joint massage (1 minute): Use light pressure to make circular movements around the shoulders and hips.
Only then should you go outside. The first 5 minutes outside? A slow pace. Let your dog set the pace.
Choosing the right surface
Not every surface is suitable for dogs with osteoarthritis.
Good:
- Forest paths with soft ground
- Meadows (dry, not muddy)
- Sand (firm, not too deep)
Not so good:
- Tarmac and concrete (too hard; every step is a bit of a jolt)
- Steep hills (too much strain)
- Uneven terrain with holes (risk of injury)
In spring, the forest floor is often ideal – soft from the winter, but no longer muddy.
Supporting your joints from within
Exercise alone is sometimes not enough. Joints can do with extra support, particularly as you transition into the active season.
Natural active ingredients such as green-lipped mussel, glucosamine and MSM help with this:
- Nourish the cartilage
- Improve joint fluid
- Reducing inflammation naturally
If you’re not yet taking any joint supplements, the start of spring is a good time to begin. Veddelholzer joint tablets combine these active ingredients with devil’s claw and vitamin E – all natural and made in Germany.
Important: Supplements take time to work. It’s best to start 2–4 weeks before you really step up your activity.
Make the most of the time of day
Spring offers one advantage: milder temperatures at just the right time.
Ideal for dogs with osteoarthritis:
- Late morning (10 am–12 noon): The morning chill has gone, but it’s not too warm yet
- Late afternoon (4–6 pm): Pleasant temperatures; the joints have ‘warmed up’
Avoid:
- Early morning: Too cold, joints still stiff
- Midday heat: Can already be too warm from April onwards
Swimming – the underrated spring activity
Water is a dog with osteoarthritis’s best friend. No weight on the joints, full range of movement.
As soon as temperatures rise and lakes or rivers warm up (from around 15 degrees water temperature), swimming is ideal.
But be careful:
- Get in slowly; don’t jump in wildly
- Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes to start with)
- Dry them off thoroughly afterwards to prevent them getting chilled
If your dog isn’t a swimmer: even wading in shallow water is good for their joints.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take for my dog to be fit enough for longer walks again?
Allow 6–8 weeks if you build up the exercise gradually and consistently. It may take longer in cases of severe osteoarthritis. Patience pays off – a setback will set you back further than a slow build-up.
Can I give my dog painkillers so that he can walk more?
We advise against this. Painkillers mask the warning signs. Your dog won’t realise when they’re overdoing it, and their joints will suffer even more damage. Natural support is the better option.
How can I tell the difference between normal tiredness and overexertion?
Normal tiredness: Your dog rests and is fit again the next day. Over-exertion: He struggles to get up, limps, doesn’t want to go out, or shows signs of discomfort for several days.
Should I skip walks when it’s raining?
Light rain isn’t a problem. But avoid cold and wet conditions – they’re toxic for arthritic joints. Dry your dog thoroughly after the walk, especially around the joints.
When in spring can I start being more active again?
As soon as temperatures are consistently above 10 degrees and your dog seems less stiff in the mornings. This is usually the case from mid-March onwards. But always start slowly!
Does physiotherapy help with getting back into shape in spring?
Absolutely. A veterinary physiotherapist can draw up a personalised exercise plan and show you which exercises are best for your dog. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially after winter.
When to see the vet
Not all springtime stiffness is normal. See your vet if:
- Your dog suddenly refuses to walk at all
- The limping doesn’t improve after 2–3 days of rest
- A joint is swollen, warm or red
- Your dog whimpers in pain or snaps at you when you touch him
- He has a fever or seems unwell
A flare-up of osteoarthritis in spring is not uncommon. The sooner it is treated, the quicker your dog will be back on their feet.
Spring can be the best time of year with your dog suffering from osteoarthritis. You just need to take it slowly together – then longer adventures will soon be possible again.
Veddelholzer Dog Joint Tablets
With green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM – 100% natural, made in Germany.