Dougal, The Very Best Dog

This month the Canine Arthritis Management team is hosting their annual Big Walk to highlight ways to keep our dogs lean, strong, and learn how to best support them throughout their lifetimes. I LOVE the information that CAM hosts on their various platforms and encourage you to take many peeks! So, we'll be sharing our thoughts and experience throughout the month here and on social media (facebook, instagram, and TikTok)

That arthritis is an old dog's disease or that there's nothing to do once a diagnosis are the main myths that many of us are focused on showing otherwise. Sure, many older dogs do indeed receive an arthritis diagnosis in one or several joints as it's part of the aging process. However, it can pop up quite young. (Remember how Kenna recently received a potential diagnosis in her foot? She's only 4!)

However, we'll be focusing on Dougal's journey in this month's conversation, as we've learned so much in the last year-ish since he was diagnosed. First and most important, though, we're going to talk about weight and just H-O-W critical a role it plays.

So, let's chat!

• Is your dog at an ideal body weight?

• Have you seen the Body Condition Score scale? What is your dog's score?

• Has your vet addressed any weight- or arthritis-related issues at your most recent visit?