Small Dog Joint Health: 3 Ways to Support Their Mobility
Learn how to keep your small dog’s joints healthy. Keep your small dog active as they get older with at-home exercises, therapy and supplements.
They may be little, but small dogs have enormous characters - it’s no wonder that they make up over half of the UK’s top ten dog breeds.
On average, small breed dogs live 10 to 15 years, much longer than their larger cousins. It’s not uncommon for some small dogs, such as Jack Russell Terriers or Border Terriers, to reach 18 - the lifespan we might expect from a cat rather than a dog!
It’s heartwarming to know that our pint-sized pups could be with us for so long, but those extra years have their downside. These long-lived pooches are classed as geriatric for longer than a larger breed dog, and their joints will need extra support to carry them through those extra years.
But fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep your small dog mobile and support their joint health for many happy, active years.
Which small breeds need the most attention?
Some small breeds are more predisposed to joint change than others. Patellar luxation is more common in Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Miniature Poodles. Long-backed breeds such as Dachshunds and Corgis carry a different set of considerations around the spine.
If your dog belongs to one of these groups, it is worth raising joint health with your vet earlier than you otherwise might, rather than waiting for a visible change.
1. Small dog joint supplements
The pet supplement industry is full of myths and over-exaggerated claims, making understanding which supplement is best for your small dog very difficult. Look for a joint supplement that is clinically proven, recommended by vets and contains high quality ingredients.
Regularly feeding a clinically proven joint supplement to your dog will support their long-term mobility and joint health. Keep those small dog zoomies going!
Supplements vary widely. These are the things worth checking before you commit to one.
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What to check |
Why it matters |
What good looks like |
|
Named active ingredient |
Blends that list only a proprietary name tell you nothing about feeding amount |
A named ingredient with the amount per capsule stated |
|
Ingredient origin |
Marine and plant ingredients vary by source and processing |
The manufacturer can tell you where it comes from and how it is processed |
|
Dose by weight |
Small dogs need a different amount to large breeds |
A clear feeding guide that covers dogs under 10kg |
|
Format |
Small dogs can struggle with large capsules |
A capsule size suited to small breeds, or one that opens onto food |
|
Manufacturer transparency |
Tells you who stands behind the product |
Contactable company, clear labelling, batch information |
|
Trial period |
Supplements are a long-term commitment |
A money-back period so you can stop if it does not suit your dog |
Small dogs are not simply scaled-down large dogs when it comes to supplements. A product amount for a Labrador will not be right for a Yorkshire Terrier, and splitting a large capsule is not a reliable way to get there. Check that the feeding guide covers dogs under 10kg specifically, and that the capsule size is manageable for a small mouth.
2. Aim for a healthy weight
Studies have shown that losing just 5% of bodyweight can have a huge impact on overweight dogs who need joint support.
Keeping your small dog at a healthy weight isn’t all about diets and restricted feeding (although they’re important). It can be fun for both of you!
Try these ideas to increase your dog’s activity levels and keep them moving.
Go On Adventures
- This is one of the most obvious ways of supporting your small dog's health and mobility, but according to the PDSA’s most recent PAW report, there is still a small percentage of dogs who are never walked or only walked once a week. Even if your dog is slowing down, getting out for a short time is beneficial. If you would like to increase the length of time you walk with your dog, do so gradually over a few weeks, and avoid walking after a meal or when it’s hot.
Scatter Feeding and Puzzle Feeders
- One of the easiest ways to increase your small dog’s activity is utilising puzzle bowls and scatter feeding. This is not only good for increasing activity levels, helping your dog to lose weight - but it’s fun for your dog and will support their mental agility.
Obstacle Courses
- Lying items like broom handles on the floor for your dog to step over increases the range of motion of your dog's joints beyond what they would normally perform during the day. This keeps them fit and stretches their limbs, creating a greater range of movement in the joints.
3. Professional and Home Rehabilitation Therapy
Who doesn’t love a massage? Even your dog will enjoy a bit of pampering, and therapy is incredibly effective at supporting and maintaining your dog’s mobility. We recommend you seek professional support from a qualified therapist, but there are exercises you can do at home with your dog. (Always check with your veterinary or rehabilitation team to ensure these exercises are suitable for your dog.)
Stretches
- Static stretches can help loosen up your small dog. Like any new exercise or training, make sure you use a tasty treat and start small, building up to stretching over longer periods of time. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort or unwillingness to continue - stop and try again another day. Bicycling your dog’s limbs gently through a “passive range of motion” can help stretch out limbs gently whilst not extending them beyond a normal range of movement. Try these simple stretches at home.
Strengthening Exercises
- Get your dog to move from lying to sitting, standing and back again. Although simple, these exercises will help build strength in the movements that your dog relies on every day.
- If your dog struggles, you may need to assist in gently lifting under their abdomen to help them rise, being mindful of your dog’s comfort levels. Always have a tasty (but healthy) reward handy.
Professional Therapy
- Veterinary rehabilitation therapists support dogs throughout their lives. As your dog ages, therapists can utilise a vast array of techniques and tools to help your dog stay active.
- Read more about how a rehabilitation therapist can support your dog here.
Small dogs bring boundless energy and love into your home, and it’s heart-wrenching to see them slow down as they get older. But reaching those senior years doesn’t mean you can’t still have bags of fun together. With these tips, you and your mini-pooch can stay active and continue your adventure together.
Frequently asked questions
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When should I start giving my small dog a joint supplement?
There is no fixed age. Owners of breeds predisposed to joint change often start earlier, and so do owners of dogs who are very active. If you are unsure, it is a sensible thing to raise at your dog's next routine vet appointment rather than deciding on your own.
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Do small dogs get joint problems?
Yes. Small breeds live longer on average, often ten to fifteen years and sometimes considerably more, which means more years on the same joints. Some small breeds are also predisposed to specific joint conditions, so size alone is not protective.
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How much exercise does a small dog need?
Less than a large breed in distance, but the daily routine still matters. Short, regular walks suit most small dogs better than one long outing, and activity at home through scatter feeding, puzzle feeders and simple obstacle work adds up. If you want to increase the length of walks, build it up gradually over several weeks.
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Can losing weight help my small dog's joints?
Weight has a direct bearing on the load going through a dog's joints, and on a small dog a small gain representsa large proportion of their body weight. Research has looked at the effect of modest weight loss in overweight dogs. Your vet can tell you whether your dog is at a healthy weight and what a realistic target looks like.
