Welcome back and happy 2025! We’re ready to get back into the flow and are kicking off the VetStem blog by reminding our readers how low intensity exercise, such as walking, can help to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve overall joint health. January happens to be Walk Your Dog Month, the perfect time to highlight the importance of daily walks for both dogs and their owners.

One of the most significant benefits of walking is its ability to help prevent and alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 5 dogs in the U.S. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage between joints wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Gentle activities like walking promote joint lubrication, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles around the joints, which can help reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis.

The same is true for people! For dog owners suffering from osteoarthritis, daily walks with their pets can serve as a low-impact exercise that encourages movement without overloading the joints. This can be especially beneficial for managing symptoms and maintaining joint health. By walking together, pet owners can not only keep their dogs active and healthy, but they can also use the opportunity to manage their own arthritis symptoms.

So, this January, take a step toward better health by committing to daily walks with your dog—your dog (and your joints) will thank you! And if you or your dog need a little extra help, consider VetStem Cell Therapy or our sister company, Personalized Stem Cells, for all of your stem cell needs!

November 17^th is National Take a Hike Day, and we love any opportunity to talk about the benefits of low-impact exercise on joint health! Hiking is a great way to get some low-impact exercise and can be one of the best activities for dogs with joint issues. Whether your dog is young or a little older, hitting the trails together can help keep them active and comfortable, especially if they’re dealing with joint issues like arthritis.

Low-impact activities like hiking can be especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis and tend to be easier on their joints compared to high-impact exercises like running or jumping. For dogs with arthritis or other joint concerns, regular hikes (at a pace that’s right for them) can reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and even help manage pain. Hiking can help to build muscle mass, thereby shifting weight from the joints to the muscles. Regular movement also encourages joint fluid circulation, which can lubricate stiff joints. And of course, keeping our pets at a healthy weight can reduce the stress on their joints.

While hiking is fun and beneficial for both dogs and owners, experts recommend regular, short sessions of exercise rather than one long, strenuous activity on weekends. Consistent, moderate exercise is key to maintaining your dog’s health and fitness. It is also important to note that different pets require different exercise regimens. One of your best resources is your veterinarian. He/She can help you build an exercise plan tailored specifically to your pet.

So, this National Take a Hike Day, take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your dog while also doing something great for their joint health. Regular, low-impact exercise like hiking can make a big difference in keeping your dog mobile, comfortable, and happy.

As we celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week, it’s the perfect time to grab that leash and hit the trails with your furry friend! This week isn’t just about getting outside; it’s a fantastic opportunity to focus on your dog’s health. One of the best forms of exercise for our canine companions is walking, which is especially beneficial for their joint health. Regular walks help keep those joints flexible and can help to prevent or alleviate issues like arthritis.

Walking is a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for dogs of all sizes and ages. Unlike high-energy activities like running or jumping, a leisurely stroll allows your dog to stretch their legs without putting too much stress on their joints. A few short walks a day can help keep your dog’s muscles toned and their joints lubricated, leading to happier, healthier movements.

October is also National Pet Obesity Awareness Month and walking is a great way to keep your dog’s weight in check, which is crucial for maintaining joint health. So, let’s celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week (and National Pet Obesity Awareness Month) by prioritizing those daily walks. Grab your shoes, leash up your furry buddy, and enjoy the great outdoors together! Your dog’s joints will thank you.

January is Walk Your Pet Month, an opportune time to celebrate the numerous benefits that daily walks bring to our furry friends, particularly our canine companions. Regular walks play a crucial role in maintaining the overall well-being of our pets and can actually improve their joint health. You may be surprised to learn that walking can help manage the symptoms of and even delay the onset of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common ailment in dogs. According to the stats, 1 in 5 dogs in the U.S. are affected by OA, and it has been identified as a leading cause of euthanasia. Symptoms of OA include pain, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life.

Fortunately, walking can be a game-changer in mitigating these symptoms. Regular exercise helps our pets maintain a healthy weight, which alleviates stress on joints. Additionally, walking can help to strengthen the muscles and supporting soft tissue structures around the joints, promoting increased joint stability. It can also increase joint fluid circulation, which is beneficial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage.

According to Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Regular physical activity is paramount in the treatment of osteoarthritis both in humans and animals. A lifestyle of regular activity that is moderated away from intermittent extremes of exercise (such as long hikes on the weekends) and activities to which the pet is not conditioned is essential. Ideally, multiple shorter walks are better than one long one. The same activity every day (or slightly increasing if tolerated) is ideal.”

That being said, all pets are different and what works for one dog may not work for another. Your veterinarian can help you craft an exercise regimen that is specifically tailored to your pet. And if your dog already suffers from OA, VetStem Cell Therapy may help get them back to their daily walks! Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

Happy National Take a Hike Day! As you have probably heard us say before, hiking can be a great exercise for both people and dogs to help control symptoms of osteoarthritis.

We frequently discuss the benefits of regular, low-impact exercise for dogs. Walking can be very beneficial when it comes to joint health. Low-impact exercise can lubricate joints and str

Mick, Dr. Harman’s dog, on a hike with a view!

engthen muscles, two benefits that may delay the onset or reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Hiking can be a good way to mix up your regular walks around the neighborhood.

While hiking can be fun and beneficial for both dog and owner, it is best to check with your veterinarian before embarking on any major hikes. Experts agree that regular, short-interval exercise is key, as opposed to doing one big activity on the weekends, such as a long or strenuous hike. That being said, there are many hiking trails that are shorter and less strenuous. It’s a good idea to do your research to find a hike suited to your dog’s athletic ability.

Our very own founder and CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, spends his spare time hiking with his border collie, Mick. As an avid hiker, Dr. Harman sometimes spends several days hiking and camping in the mountains in and around California. With his experience and passion for the sport, Dr. Harman offers advice for hikers of all levels: Choose your trail and map out your hike before you leave the house. This will ensure you know what to expect on your hike so you can prepare yourself and your dog accordingly. Always make sure to pack enough water and a snack or two for both yourself and your canine companion. Keep an eye out for signs of fatigue, dehydration, or discomfort in your dog. If you notice any concerning signs, it may be best to turn back before finishing the hike. You can always try again another day!

Happy trails, my friends!

The first week of October is National Walk Your Dog Week and we’ll take every opportunity to share the benefits of walking! According to the website, “Walk Your Dog Week aims to improve the health and wellbeing of America’s dogs.” Walking has many benefits for our canine friends such as providing mental stimulation and an outlet for their energy. Perhaps more importantly, walking can benefit a dog’s joint health as well.

If you follow our blog, you’re probably familiar with the statistic that approximately 1 out of every 5 dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) in their lifetime. Thus, it’s important that we take care of our dogs’ joints from an early age. While there are several ways to support a dog’s joints, studies have found that regular, low-impact exercise, such as walking, can support joint health in dogs with and without OA.

There are several ways in which walking benefits a dog’s joints. One benefit of walking is weight loss or maintaining an ideal weight. Like with people, regular physical exercise can contribute to reaching or maintaining a healthy weight. When dog’s are at an ideal weight, there is less stress on their joints and therefore less wear and tear.

Additionally, walking can help to strengthen the muscles and supporting soft tissue structures around the joints to promote increased joint stability. This kind of movement can also improve joint fluid circulation, which is beneficial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage. With all of these benefits combined, walking has shown to delay the onset and/or reduce the symptoms of OA in dogs.

Of course walking is not a foolproof method to stopping or curing OA altogether. Your veterinarian can offer advice in terms of supplements and other ways to support your dog’s joint health. Additionally, VetStem Cell Therapy has shown to reduce pain and lameness associated with arthritis in dogs, thereby leading to a better quality of life.

If you think your pet may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers in your area. And in the meantime, how about going for a walk to celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week!

As you probably know, May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and we are discussing all things arthritis in pets in the VetStem blog. In last week’s blog, we covered arthritis in cats. This week we are discussing obesity and exercise and how these two things can help you manage your pet’s arthritis.

A few weeks ago, we mentioned that obesity or excess weight can cause or exacerbate arthritis in pets. Excess weight puts more stress on the joints and thereby causes them to break down faster. Unfortunately, several reports in recent years have indicated that obesity in pets is on the rise. Thus, osteoarthritis rates are also on the rise. It is estimated that approximately 25-30% of the general canine population in North America are obese, making it the most common preventable disease in dogs. Unsurprisingly, approximately 20% of all dogs are affected by OA, making it the most common chronic disease in dogs. Are you picking up on a pattern?

Fortunately, there is something that can help control weight AND arthritis symptoms: Exercise! That’s right, exercise, especially low- to moderate-impact exercise can not only help keep your pet in shape, it can also help to reduce the symptoms or delay the onset of arthritis.

Exercise such as walking and light hiking can help to maintain or reduce your dog’s weight, thus putting less stress on their joints. Additionally, routine exercise can help to strengthen the muscles and supporting soft tissue structures around the joints, promoting increased joint stability. It can also increase joint fluid circulation, which is beneficial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage.

While exercising your pet has many benefits, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian first, if you have concerns about your pet’s abilities. Generally speaking, regular, moderate exercise is favored over intermittent, intense exercise. According to Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Regular physical activity is paramount in the treatment of osteoarthritis both in humans and animals. A lifestyle of regular activity that is moderated away from intermittent extremes of exercise (such as long hikes on the weekends) and activities to which the pet is not conditioned is essential. Ideally, multiple shorter walks are better than one long one. The same activity every day (or slightly increasing if tolerated) is ideal.”

It should come as no surprise to dog owners that going for regular walks is not only necessary but also beneficial. Of course dogs need potty breaks, but the exercise and mental stimulation that come with walking your dog is great for both you and your furry companion.

While going for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood may not seem like much, there are actually many benefits associated with walking your dog regularly. Getting out in the fresh air with all sorts of new smells and sights to explore may bring your dog great satisfaction and may benefit their mental and emotional health. Additionally, giving them something constructive to do, such as walking, may prevent them from doing something destructive, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes.

Perhaps more importantly, walking can help to reduce your dog’s weight or maintain an ideal weight. Unfortunately, obesity has become a major health concern in pets. According to some statistics, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs, affecting approximately 25-30% of the general canine population. As with people, obesity is associated with an increased risk for many serious diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoarthritis.

Speaking of osteoarthritis, regular walks can help control symptoms of this disease as well. By reducing an obese pet’s weight, you also reduce the stress on their joints. Additionally, walking can help to strengthen the muscles and supporting soft tissue structures around the joints, promoting increased joint stability. It can also increase joint fluid circulation, which is beneficial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage.

Walking is a relatively easy and low-impact exercise that comes with many health benefits. While January may not seem like the best month to get out and walk your dog, it’s actually a necessary reminder that dogs need exercise year-round, regardless of the colder temperatures. That being said, you should exercise your pet safely and remember that every pet has different capabilities. If you have questions about exercising your dog, it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian.

Happy National Walk Your Dog Week! Each year, we like to bring attention to this very important topic. Walking your dog has many health benefits, both for you and your pup. Walking is a low impact exercise that can provide mental stimulation and also improve joint health. For the purpose of this blog, we will focus on the benefits of walking to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Approximately 1 in 5 dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis. OA is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage within a joint breaks down, causing changes in the surrounding bone. Common symptoms of OA include pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In dogs, the majority of OA cases stem from a developmental orthopedic disease such as joint dysplasia. It can also develop as a result of an injury such as a cruciate ligament tear.

Walking to Improve Joint Health

Since so many dogs develop OA, it is important to take care of their joint health from an early age. One way to do this is by taking regular walks. Though every pet is different, most dogs can handle at least some amount of regular walking. Walking is a relatively easy and low-impact exercise that can help to support joint health in dogs with and without OA.

Walking May Improve OA Symptoms

Like in people, walking can help to reduce the symptoms or delay the onset of osteoarthritis in dogs. Walking regularly can help dogs lose weight, thereby causing less stress on the joints. It can also help strengthen the muscles and supporting soft tissue structures around the joints, promoting increased joint stability. In addition, walking increases joint fluid circulation which is beneficial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage.

It is important to remember that every pet has different capabilities. For instance, some dogs may not be able to handle one long walk per day and instead may benefit from shorter, more frequent walks. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to speak to your veterinarian about your dog so that they recommend an exercise plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

April 6^th was National Walking Day. Regular walks can have several health benefits for both people and our dogs! In this blog, we will look at the potential benefits that come with taking your dog on regular walks.

Walking to Improve Joint Health

Walking is a relatively easy and low-impact exercise that has been shown to reduce symptoms related to osteoarthritis. Regular walks can help you lose or maintain weight, thereby causing less stress on the joints. It can also lead to increased muscle mass, which shifts the pressure and weight from your joints to your muscles. In addition, it increases joint fluid circulation which is beneficial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage.

Since 1 in 5 dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it is important to take care of their joint health from an early age. Like in people, walking can help to reduce the symptoms or delay the onset of osteoarthritis in dogs. And as a low-impact activity, walking puts minimal stress on the body, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Additional Benefits of Walking

We mentioned above that regular walks can help your dog lose or maintain an ideal weight. While this is of course good for their joints, it is also beneficial to their overall health. Unfortunately, obesity has become a major health issue in pets. Obesity in dogs can lead to several diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and several types of cancer. By helping your dog achieve and maintain an ideal weight, you are potentially helping them live longer.

Additionally, regular walks can help to regulate your dog’s digestive and urinary systems. Routine walks outside can help keep your dog “regular” and prevent constipation while regular emptying of the bladder can help reduce the risk of bladder infections.

Lastly, regular walks outside with your dog can be beneficial for your dog’s mental and emotional health. Walking exercises the mind as well as the body. Allowing your dog to explore and smell different scents provides mental stimulation. And by giving them something constructive to do, such as walking, you may prevent them from doing something destructive, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes.