Physical therapy exercises for dogs

 

Our pups need regular activity for comfortable and lubricated joints.

In this article, I share several concepts and exercises that can apply to most dogs. They will limit joint stiffness and keep your pup moving while being fun for you :)

What is dog physical therapy?

But first, let’s define physical therapy, as it forms the foundation for these exercises and tips.

 

Dog physical therapy is a rehabilitation that focuses on improving your dog's mobility, strength, and overall quality of life. It involves a variety of techniques, including therapeutic exercise performed by canine physical rehabilitation professionals, manual therapy (including canine acupuncture and massage), hydrotherapy and electrotherapy.

Is physical therapy only useful for injured, senior or recovering dogs?

No, even healthy dogs can benefit from canine physical rehabilitation exercises.

These pet exercises were developed to focus on joint and muscle health, relieve pain and other physical benefits without jeopardizing dog's condition. 

General tips on physical therapy exercises for dogs

2 walks per day minimum

• Walking our pups at least twice daily for 10-15 minutes is necessary.

• As you see your dog's mobility decrease, slow down the pace.

• But don't cut back on frequency.

Water is your ally

To drink, but not only :)

• Exercising our dogs in water is a great way to decrease the pressure on their joints.

• If your dog enjoys swimming, encourage them. It is a good way to reduce joint stiffness and strengthen muscles.

Adapt to your dog's abilities

• Planning low-intensity activities is a great way to keep our pups active.

• For example, making your dog mindfully walk over small obstacles is also great for mobilizing all their joints.

The Sidewalk & Physiotherapy Exercise routine

The previous tips were just the starter—this is the foundation for keeping your dog mobile.

 

It's also important to vary your pup's activities to target different muscle groups and maintain joint health, especially since this is beneficiation to stimulate elderly dogs' brains.

 

Listen now to what Dr. Christine was doing to help her pup:

Dr. Christine: Exactly! And that's why, along with daily walks, I've added physiotherapy to my dog Pepsi's osteoarthritis management.

 

If you're looking for simple exercises to help improve your dog's mobility, you can do a few at home.

 

One of these exercises is called the sidewalk exercise, which can help to reinforce your dog's muscles.

 

While I recommend having a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner guide you through more complex exercises, incorporating some basic practices into your routine can already make a great difference.

Watch the demonstration video with my dog Rio.

The different steps for the sidewalk exercise for your dog

• Implement this simple exercise early and aim to do it once daily when you take your dog for a walk.

• While walking along the sidewalk, guide your dog up and down.

Go down from the sidewalk

• Start by making your dog go down from the sidewalk. Their front legs should lower from the level of their hind legs.

• Not all dogs will be able to do that without struggles, so go easy and follow their pace.

Go back up

• After a few steps, guide your dog back onto the sidewalk. This time, the front and rear legs should be on different levels.

• Repeat this back-and-forth exercise a dozen times.

 

Rio enjoyed the exercise so much that he did it alone after a few times.

 

Check out our YouTube video for a demonstration and more details. Give it a try! This simple exercise will bring your dog benefits!

 

While this exercise has a low risk of injury, it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog's needs and health.

 

When I did physiotherapy with Pepsi, despite being in vet school, I took a veterinary physical rehabilitation course before implementing it with him.

 

What can I give my dog to help with mobility?

Continuous use of Jope Hip & Joint Dog Chews will work with these recommendations to maintain your dog's fitness.

• With UC-II® Collagen, shown more effective than glucosamine

• Made by Vets

• Clean formula, 80% organic ingredients