This summer is already turning out to be a gorgeous, long, hot season. Brilliant for summer fun and dog-friendly holidays, but it might not be all summer lovin’ for your dog.
So, why might your dog not be in love with summer? How can you make it easier for them, and how will giving them Antinol® Joint Care Pro make it a summer to remember - for both of you?
The problem with summer for dogs with joint stiffness - and how to help it!
We usually think of winter as the challenging season for dogs, particularly those with joint stiffness, as the cold can really trouble them. But have you ever considered that summer might also be tricky for your dog?
So, why might your dog be feeling zoomless, rather than zoomie, this summer?
Long walks on sandy beaches are more effort for your dog
Ever been for a run on the beach? It’s more exhausting than your usual road route, isn’t it?!
Thats because it takes around twice as much effort to walk on sand, compared to a hard surface. It’s a lot more effort for your dog too, and those with joint stiffness may find it even more difficult.
Walking on sand means your dog has to exert more effort and put more force through their legs, because the soft sand moves under their feet and they sink as they walk. This extra effort puts more strain on their muscles and joints. Plus, they have to work harder to maintain their balance on the soft sand, which may lead to slips and twists.
Stony beaches are tough on your dog’s feet
It’s not just sandy beaches that you need to watch. Stony beaches are also unstable underfoot, and dogs are at a higher risk of slips or trips. Plus, the stones can cause your dog’s toes to be pushed at funny angles, stretching around smaller stones as they walk. This can be no fun at all, especially for senior dogs who may not have perfect mobility in their toe joints.
Although long walks on the beach are fun, your dog could find them hard work, especially on their joints. But dogs LOVE a zoom on the beach and a splash in the waves, so this isn’t saying the beach is a no-go. Just make sure you give them lots of rest and don’t expect to walk miles—take a leisurely stroll.
Hard ground is tough on a dog’s joints
From one extreme to the other. The soft sand of a beach can be hard work for your dog, but equally, the baked hard ground can be jarring on your dog’s legs.
All this hot, dry weather means even your normal walks can be tougher than usual. As the ground is baked solid, it doesn’t absorb as much of the impact of your dog’s steps, so this force then travels up their leg and through their joints.
Take shorter walks, or try to find more shady routes. A wander through the woods may be better than a stroll across a field at this time of year.
Summer is too much fun!
The long warm days are awesome, and mean we get to spend lots of family time, outside, enjoying the world. You might be travelling, heading on a dog-friendly holiday, going on days out, strolling through the woods, or even playing in the paddling pool in the garden.
But, be mindful of how much exercise your dog is getting, as they may feel the effects of their games once they relax in the evening, particularly if they have stiff joints.
It’s hot, but your dog isn’t thirsty
We all need to drink more when the temperature rises, and you’ll notice your dog heading for their bowl more often. But, just like us, often our dogs don’t drink enough when the weather is hot. Your dog’s joints need to stay hydrated in order to stay well lubricated. So if your dog isn’t drinking enough, you might find they’re feeling stiff. Encourage them to drink as much as possible—perhaps invest in a dog water fountain, or give them some ice cubes to play with.
Learn ways to keep your dog cool this summer here.
Summer fun with Antinol Joint Care Pro
We can’t stop your dog running lengths of the beach, getting the zoomies on hard ground or having so much fun they forget to have a drink. But Antinol® Joint Care Pro can support your dog’s joint health and mobility through a long, hot summer.
Antinol® Joint Care Pro is a powerful, rapidly absorbed 100% natural joint, skin and coat supplement that’s backed by over 25 years of scientific research. It supports your dog’s natural anti-inflammatory processes, maintaining joint health and performance.
Let’s keep them agile and summer-fun-ready!
Travelling abroad this summer? Check out our guide to travelling to the EU with your dog.
