Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure! They bring joy (and a little chaos) into our lives. But as adorable as they are, puppies need the right kind of care to grow into strong, healthy dogs. As a canine physiotherapist, I often see issues that could have been avoided with a little extra attention early on. If you're wondering how to support your puppy's growth, here are some important tips to help protect their joints and muscles for a healthy start.

1. What Type of Play Is Best for a Puppy?
Play is a vital part of your puppy’s growth, but it’s important to ensure that their activities are safe and appropriate for their developing bodies. Here are key guidelines to keep in mind when exercising your puppy:
Avoid repetitive strain exercises – Activities like excessive fetching or long-distance running can put too much stress on their joints.
Exercise during cooler times of the day – Puppies can overheat quickly, so aim for early morning or late evening play sessions.
Watch for signs of fatigue – If your puppy slows down, lies down frequently, or seems reluctant to move after play, it’s time for a break.
Here’s how to make puppy playtime fun and safe:
Go for Low-Impact Play – Short bursts of running and playing on soft surfaces like grass or rubber mats help protect growing joints.
Avoid Too Much Jumping and Rough Play – Jumping off furniture, wild chasing, or rough wrestling can strain developing muscles and joints.
Use Interactive Toys – Puzzle feeders and soft tug toys provide mental stimulation while keeping movement controlled and safe.
Supervise Puppy Playdates – Socialisation is great, but roughhousing with older or bigger dogs can lead to accidental injuries.
By being mindful of how your puppy plays, you’ll help them build strong muscles and coordination while reducing the risk of injury.
2. Understanding Your Puppy’s Growth Timeline
Puppies grow fast, but their bones take time to fully develop. Knowing their growth stages can help you make better choices for their activities:
3 Weeks onwards: At this stage, your puppy's mental and neural development is key. Expose them to new environments and introduce brain games to stimulate their growth.
2 Months onwards: Coordination is coming into play! Focus on balance exercises, as this is the foundation for all other physical activities. Keep things light, and avoid strenuous exercises to protect those developing muscles and joints.
4 Months onwards: Active stretching and full-range movements are great ways to assess your puppy's skeletal health and flexibility.
6-9 Months: This is the time to start teaching your puppy essential skills for life, setting them up for success as they mature. Essential skills include obedience training, leash walking and playing with other dogs.
9-12 Months: As bones grow rapidly but remain soft, it's important to limit high-impact activities like jumping, sprinting, and sharp turns. For medium-sized breeds, growth plates start closing, but larger breeds will take longer. Gradually introduce strength training and other controlled exercises.
12-24 Months: Larger breeds continue developing, so ease into high-impact activities. Endurance training can be introduced slowly to help build stamina and strength.
Growth Plate Closure: Growth plates typically close by 14 months for intact dogs. For neutered or spayed dogs, this process takes longer, between 18 to 22 months. For sporting or working dogs, it's advised to check for growth plate closure with X-rays before starting specialized training.
Being aware of these stages can help prevent injuries and ensure your puppy’s body develops properly. I will be sharing a detailed post soon on the best types of play and exercise for each growth milestone – stay tuned for the next blog post!
3. Setting Up a Puppy-Friendly Home
Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, but that doesn’t mean they should have unlimited freedom to engage in any activity they want. Their growing bodies need a balance of movement and rest to develop properly. A safe home environment can go a long way toward preventing unnecessary injuries. Here are some simple adjustments you can make:
Non-Slip Flooring – Vinyl and marble floors (which are common flooring choices for homes in Singapore) can be slippery, making it easy for puppies to slip and strain their joints. Use rugs or anti-slip mats to give them better traction. If you are planning a home renovation, do opt for flooring materials that are more anti-slip like tiles with higher non-slip rating.
Limit Stairs and Furniture Jumping – Their little bodies aren’t built for repeated jumps yet! Using ramps or blocking off stairs can help prevent injuries.
Comfy Resting Spots – A supportive, orthopedic bed is great for proper posture and joint health. A quiet resting spot also provides a conducive environment for your puppy to rest in and teaches them to 'switch off'.
Safe Play Areas – Make sure their play space is free from hazards like sharp objects, unstable surfaces, or steep drops.
4. Knowing Your Puppy’s Breed
Each breed has unique characteristics, strengths, and potential health concerns to consider when planning their activities and care. If you're wondering how to care for a Labrador puppy, a Border Collie, or a Dachshund, their needs may be quite different, for example:
High-Energy Breeds – Dogs like Border Collies and Australian Sheepdogs thrive on both physical and mental challenges. However, their natural drive and speed can sometimes make them reckless, increasing the risk of injury. Engaging their minds early with structured activities and body awareness exercises can help reduce this risk.
Achondroplastic Dog Breeds – Breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis, which have short legs and long backs, are prone to spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Controlled exercise, core strengthening, and avoiding excessive jumping are key to keeping them injury-free.
Every breed has different needs, so it’s important to consider their natural tendencies and potential weaknesses. A balanced approach that strengthens their bodies while keeping their play safe will support long-term health and well-being.
5. Signs to Watch for in Your Puppy’s Movement
Catching potential musculoskeletal issues early can make a significant difference. Keep an eye out for these signs of joint problems in puppies:
Limping or Favoring a Leg – If they’re avoiding putting weight on a limb, it could be a sign of pain or injury.
Bunny Hopping Gait – If their back legs move together when running, they might have hip concerns.
Stiffness or Trouble Getting Up – Puppies should be bouncy and flexible! Stiffness might indicate joint issues.
Reluctance to Play or Move – If they’re suddenly not as playful, it could be because they’re uncomfortable.
Uneven Muscle Development – If one leg looks smaller or weaker, they might not be using it properly.
If you notice any of these signs, getting your pup checked out by a professional (like me!) can help catch and manage issues early.
Final Thoughts
Your puppy’s early months are so important for setting them up for a happy, active life. With the right type of play, an understanding of their growth and breed, a safe home setup, and early detection of any issues, you’ll be giving them the best possible start.
If you’d like to better understand your dog’s body and how to support their mobility, consider joining our Canine Stretch and Massage Workshop! This hands-on session is a great way to learn techniques that promote flexibility and comfort, but it’s recommended for dogs aged six months and above to ensure their bodies are ready for this type of work.
If you ever have concerns about your puppy’s movement, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help them grow strong and stay happy! :)
Comments