Meliora Drents

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or orthopedic specialist. However, I have made a dedicated effort to educate myself on this topic by attending webinars, consulting reputable sources, and listening to experts in the field. This article is a condensed summary of the key insights I’ve learned. While I believe this information is valuable, it should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your puppy’s joint health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.

Orthopedic issues, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, are among the most common health concerns in dogs, particularly in larger breeds or those with less-than-ideal structure. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors—especially in a dog’s early months—can make the difference between a lifetime of mobility and one of joint pain.

The goal of this article isn’t to suggest bubble-wrapping your puppy. In fact, too much restriction can be just as harmful as excessive activity. Instead, the goal of this guide is to provide thoughtful, practical strategies to help your puppy develop strong, healthy joints, reducing the risk of orthopedic problems down the road. A little care now can mean a lifetime of pain-free movement and potentially save you thousands in veterinary bills.

The Two Key Influences on Orthopedic Health

1. Genetics – In most breeds, including the Drentsche Patrijshond, responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia using X-rays evaluated by organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP, with the goal of passing on strong genetics against joint dysplasia. Dogs with severe joint dysplasia are typically not bred unless there is strong evidence they are an anomaly in their lineage, have evidence of an injury, and/or offer other genetic benefits. While genetic screening before breeding decisions are made helps reduce the incidence of dysplasia in successive generations, it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
2. Environment – How a puppy is raised, exercised, and managed plays a huge role in joint health. The first several months of a dog’s life—from birth until full physical maturity—are critical in preventing future orthopedic problems.

What to Avoid

Certain activities and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of joint issues, especially during early growth phases. Here’s what to be mindful of:

• Slippery surfaces – Avoid letting your puppy run, jump, or play on tile, hardwood, or other slick surfaces, which increase the risk of soft tissue and growth plate injury.
• Jumping down – Prevent your puppy from jumping off furniture, out of cars, or down stairs. This repeated impact can damage developing joints.
• Sharp turns at a run – Fast, tight turns (such as those seen in traditional fetch or agility) can strain the joints.
• Overfeeding – Excess weight places unnecessary stress on joints. It’s better for a growing puppy to be slightly lean than overweight.
• Long periods on a bland diet – Puppies need well-balanced nutrition for proper growth. Diets like chicken and rice are insufficient long-term. If your puppy is struggling with gastrointestinal issues, a week or so of a bland diet won’t hurt them, but if problems persist longer, insist that your veterinarian explore alternate treatments to ensure your puppy is receiving proper nutrition.
• Excessive activity on hard surfaces – While walking on concrete is okay in moderation, running and jumping on hard surfaces should be minimized.
• Forced, on-leash exercise – A good rule of thumb is to limit structured walks or runs to 10 minutes per day per month of age (e.g., a 4-month-old puppy should not exceed 40 minutes of structured walking per day). There is no formal scientific evidence behind this recommendation, but it tends to work well for many as a guideline, especially when more beneficial forms of exercise are available.
• Front-clip harnesses – These harnesses alter natural movement and can impact long-term joint health. Consider a back-clip “Y” harness or use a regular collar or training collar (with the guidance of a qualified professional trainer) instead.
• Roughhousing with much larger dogs – Play injuries can lead to long-term joint damage. Monitor interactions with bigger dogs.
• Early spay/neuter – Pediatric spaying or neutering (before growth plates close) can negatively affect joint development. Waiting until at least 18 months to 2 years is recommended.

What to Do Instead!

Supporting healthy joint development doesn’t mean avoiding activity—it means engaging in appropriate movement and care strategies. Here are some things you should do:

• Encourage safe, free movement – Allow your puppy to explore off-leash in safe environments like hiking trails, fields, or parks. If off-leash isn’t an option, use a back-clip harness and a long leash or tape-style retractable leash to provide more freedom of movement.
• Swimming – This is a fantastic, low-impact exercise that builds muscle without stressing the joints. Introducing water early also helps puppies become confident swimmers into adulthood.
• Use management tools – Baby gates, exercise pens, and closed doors help prevent high-impact indoor activities like running on slippery floors or jumping off furniture or down the stairs.
• Lift your puppy – Instead of letting them jump out of the car, off the couch, or down stairs, pick them up when possible. This also helps them learn to be comfortable with handling.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Keeping your puppy slightly lean rather than overweight reduces joint stress.
• Provide a balanced diet – Ensure your puppy is receiving proper nutrition tailored to their age and breed.
• Keep nails and paw hair trimmed – Long nails can alter posture and gait, and excessive fur on the paws can cause slipping.
• Gradually increase exercise – Follow the 10 minutes per month of age rule to safely build endurance.
• Prioritize rest and recovery – Puppies need plenty of quiet time between play and exercise sessions to allow their bodies to recover and develop properly.
• Delay spay/neuter – If possible, wait until at least 18 months to 2 years, when most growth plates are closed.
• Seek veterinary care for injuries – If your puppy shows signs of lameness or discomfort, consult a vet promptly. Proper early intervention can be the difference between full recovery and chronic issues.
• Consider X-rays for active dogs – If you plan to regularly engage in high-impact activities like running, agility, or hunting, getting your puppy’s joints X-rayed at one year of age, and again at two years old, can help catch potential issues early so they cn be treated properly before symptoms appear or worsen.

Final Thoughts

Raising a puppy with joint health in mind doesn’t mean restricting them from all activity—it means choosing the right types of exercise and avoiding unnecessary risks while they grow. By implementing thoughtful management and exercise strategies, you’re setting your dog up for a lifetime of pain-free movement, adventure, and companionship.

Taking these precautions now will not only improve your dog’s quality of life but also help you avoid costly veterinary treatments down the road. A little care today means a healthier, happier dog that can live their best life for their whole life, pain-free.