In this week’s episode, I have the absolute joy of chatting with Dr. Madeleine Browne, a fellow integrative veterinarian and sports medicine expert who’s just as passionate as I am about helping our pets thrive at every stage of life. We dive into one of my favorite topics: how to protect your dog’s joints, starting long before you ever see signs of stiffness or pain. Because here’s the truth… the way your pup plays, moves, and exercises from those wiggly puppy days can shape their mobility for years to come. Dr. Browne shares simple, practical steps you can start right away, from gentle play modifications to fun at-home strengthening exercises, all designed to help your dog avoid heartbreaking conditions like arthritis, cruciate ligament tears, and IVDD (herniated discs). If you’ve ever dreamed of your fur baby trotting happily by your side well into their golden years, this episode is filled with the tools to make that dream a reality. Let’s keep those tails wagging for life 🐶
KEY INSIGHTS:
✨ Why mobility matters at every age — and how prevention in puppyhood sets the stage for lifelong joint health.
✨ How everyday activities like stairs, zoomies, and jumping off the couch can impact growing joints, and how to make them safer.
✨ Why keeping your dog lean is one of the most powerful ways to prevent arthritis and other mobility problems.
✨ How “prehab” (rehabilitation exercises started before injury) can strengthen your dog’s core, improve coordination, and lower injury risk.
✨ Breed-specific risks you should know — and what to ask your vet about preventing common issues like IVDD or cruciate ligament tears.
✨ Simple at-home strengthening exercises, including the “doggy crunch,” to build core stability and protect the spine.
✨ How to safely prepare puppies for high-impact activities like hiking, jogging, or agility — and why starting too soon can backfire.
✨ And home environment changes (like raised food bowls and non-slip flooring) that can make a big difference for joint protection.
RESOURCES:
Check out Dr. Madeleine’s educational blog posts on her website for more joint health and mobility tips: Balanced Paws Vet
FOLLOW:
Dr. Madeleine Browne: @balancedpawsvet
Integrative Pet Wellness Center: integrativepet.com
Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet
Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet
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