If your dog runs with you, age may be an important  factor in long- term health for your pooch.

Too young?

Young dogs don’t have fully developed bones, and the concussive force of running on hard surfaces for long distances may have ill effects on their developing  joints.   As a veterinarian, I worry about placing too much stress on puppy knees and hips too soon.  The problem is, no one has done any studies to determine a “safe” time to start ramping up with running.

It gets even harder to choose a good starting age when you take into account the diffferent rates at which dogs reach maturity.  There ARE studies that show that yorkies have finished bone growth- or have closed their growth plates- by five months of age.  Great Danes don’t finish bone growth until eighteen months, even though they continue to fill out for at least another six months after that!  Generally, the smaller the breed, the faster they reach maturity in terms of bone development.

Just because bones are done growing doesn’t mean a pup’s  ligaments are ready for a regular run schedule.  No one has studied the effect of “organized exercise” – on a leash and running beside the owner-  on developing ligaments, either.

How can you help your pup run off all that energy when he isn’t  ready to run with you, yet?

Plenty of play time is clearly in order.   Encourage chasing and fetching on soft surfaces as long as you both hold up!  Get your pup ready for the day he’ll be ready to start running beside you by getting him socialized with other dogs, teaching him good leash manners or how to wear a harness, and working on verbal commands.

Check with your veterinarian to determine when your pup has growth plate closure and enough joint maturity to hit the road with you.

Too old?

Exercise helps all of us age more gracefully. The key is to do enough to enhance mobility and not so much that we get run down and injured.  The same is true for your dog.

If your senior runner has a touch of arthritis, start your runs with a warm up walk.  Adjust your work out distance to end before your dog scuffs his toes or limps on that rear leg.

Consult with your veterinarian and find out if there is a particular diet or supplement that might increase your older dog’s agility.   Laser therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage have all been shown to improve joint function.   It works for us…it can help your hound.

Prescription anti-inflammatories may also be in order.  That’s a decision you’ll make with your dog’s doctor.  (Remember:  MOTRIN, Ibuprofen, and many other human anti-inflammatories can be extremely toxic to your dog.  Even regular aspirin can cause stomach ulcers in dogs.  Please don’t use medication for your pet before you check with your vet).

Enjoying the “middle years”?

Make the most of them!   Your dog will love the time he gets to spend on the run with you.   Make sure he maintains good coat and body condition, shows no lameness or pain after each run,  and always looks ready for the next outing.

Dogs are great, at every age!

Liz Devitt, DVM