02/26/2026
CCL injuries (similar to an ACL tear in humans) are one of the most common orthopedic injuries I see. While we can’t 100% prevent them, we can definitely reduce the risk!
1️⃣ Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Extra weight = extra strain on the knees. Even a few additional pounds significantly increase stress on the CCL and accelerate joint wear over time.
2️⃣ Keep nails trimmed regularly.
If your dog’s nails touch the ground when standing or you hear clicking when they walk, they’re too long. Long nails change paw mechanics, shift weight backward, and increase tension through the knee joint.
3️⃣ Add green-lipped mussels as a joint supplement.
Green-lipped mussels are rich in omega-3s and natural joint-supporting compounds that help reduce inflammation and support cartilage health.
✨ Bonus Tip: Get your dog adjusted.
Regular chiropractic care keeps the spine and pelvis moving properly, improves biomechanics, and helps distribute weight evenly — reducing abnormal stress on the knees.
Prevention is always easier (and less expensive) than surgery.
If you have questions about your dog’s joint health, I’d love to help!
