Normally till HD-C the dog doesn´t get problems before it is old if you don´t use it a lot for sports with a lot of climbing, jumps and so on. HD-D dogs normally get problems sooner or later. It is important to keep the dog slim and trained, the better trained the muscles are the better for the joint. Swimming is very good and moderate bycicle training. You should avoid a lot of climbing and jumps (if she herself thinks she should jump over something it´s ok). There are several possibilitys with food additionals that help a long time (chassoton for example) and when the dog starts to get problems there are very good antipain-drugs and surgerys that keep it able to live a quite normal life. I don´t think you should stop her to do all the things she loves, I think the main thing is that she feels happy and satisfied, even if that will shorten her life a little bit.
Regards Ina
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