Fit Tip 4/17/09 jumping
This is part of a series in keeping your furkids, especially the elder variety, feeling and looking their best. It is not intended to supercede medical advice or directives.
This will be quick & easy: no jumping. No jumping up on the bed, no jumping down from the bed. Substitute couch for bed. Or similar.
Jumping is very jarring on the spine of, especially, small dogs. There is an extraordinary amount of hyperextension that takes place. Add this to a genetic predisposition to back issues and well…there you go.
For large-sized dogs, use your discretion. I wouldn’t do “dancing” or picking up their paws and having them stand up tall towards your standing, bipedal self, often or for very long.
Now, dogs that do flyball and agility, their jumping is a bit different. More horizontal displacement. They tend to having more forces directed at their wrists/carpals. But yes, not the best physical activity. I wouldn’t be aggressively training any pups that aren’t at least 1 1/2yrs old or until skeletal maturity (longer for big breeds). Which also includes taking them jogging with you.
Jump to it! Or not 
