However, not every dog owner has access to trails or a beach and the road might be the only option for daily runs. Just like people, concrete and hard surfaces can take its toll on your dog, if you don't follow a few best practices.
Learn the dangers of running on concrete and how to prevent injuries in your dog or puppy during your daily runs.
The Dangers
Your dog's muscles is the power that propels them into action. Those muscles need healthy bones, joints, ligaments and connective tissues.
Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis is caused from destruction of the cartilage that protects the bones that form a joint. Cartilage destruction can be the result of normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joints.
More: How to Train Your Dog to Run With You
Hip dysplasia is an example of normal stress on an abnormal joint. Arthritis, stiffness, and pain from inflammation is an example of abnormal stress on a normal joint.
Running on concrete or hard surfaces is more invasive and can be tough on cartilage and ligaments ultimately effecting joints, creating inflammation pain and stiffness over time. Cartilage has no nerves, so the damage can develop without outward signs. Arthritis or degenerative arthritis may not manifest until a dog has had several years of abnormal stress.
It's best to run with your dog on a variety of surfaces. Always choose a trail or grassy soft surface over pavement.
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