Quote:
Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1  We really do need to try to keep these little dogs from JUMPING!!! Jumping on and off furniture is devastatingly hard on little joints and tendons! Toy dogs bones are tiny, so it stands to reason, their little joints are also little. Now it is true you can have a congenital issue where the joint itself is exceedingly shallow, and the ligaments and tendons holding that joint together, are loose....but LP can be and frequently actually are, the result of allowing these babies to jump from furniture! The pressure on the tiny ball and socket joints, as well as the stretching of the tendons and liganments is brutal on knees and hips. Owners can not always think their LP in their baby, is a congenital/genetic issue....on that first vet visit, right after you get your puppy, your vet should be checking for slipping knees....if the pup has no problem with its joints, and the knees are stable and the tendons and ligaments are good and tight, your pup is in great shape....do not let that baby jump from heights, because that will cause LP!! And if your vet does diagnose LP that needs surgery, I would go immediately to an ortho specialist and get a second opinion! |
Also what is hard, when you allow the puppy to jump repetitively up and down (say over and over again, when they are in their Xpen and jumping up to greet you). Especially on slippery floors.
Also chasing toys on slippery floors; not a good idea when they are young pups.
Then folks get out and exercise your dogs! It can be especially for toy breeds in your backyard, if the greater outside seems too dangerous for you and your pup.
Down the apartment hallway (which I understand is usually carpeted).
Underwater treadmill work. Climbing hills. Swimming in a kiddie pool (in summertime of course)
Trick training that focuses on building up core muscles - back - upper and lower thighs, chest muscles.
Stacking or in layperson's terms - just standing in a good stance for a treat.
Common sense is so very rare these days.