FITNESS AUTHOR
Jessica Tranchina, PT, DPT
PAW-SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY EXERCISES n Having your dog do physical therapy
exercises not only helps them heal from any injury or surgery but also helps maintain their physical health.
P
hysical therapy for your beloved canine doesn’t only have to occur when he/she has arthritis, disc disease, or a neurological or spinal disorder. It can be done as part of a maintenance plan to help your pup improve or maintain mobility and strength, as well as maintain overall health. For those pups who have more extensive issues, a clinic that specializes in canine physical therapy would be beneficial. Here are a few at-home routine exercises and massage techniques recommended by vets and canine PTs that can improve the well-being of your beloved dog. Note: these exercises are recommended for pups who do not have an underlying condition. Please check with your vet to ensure your pet can perform the exercises safely.
warmup and muscle builder for dogs of any age. Plus, it has the side benefit of honing basic obedience behaviors. A simple puppy pushup consists of having your dog move from a sit position to a down position then back into a sit. To increase the difficulty, teach your dog to stand on cue, which can be done using the guideand-reward method. Hold a treat to your sitting dog’s nose, then slowly pull forward to guide your dog into a standing position. Once your dog understands all three positions — sit, stand and down — you can combine them into a more complex puppy pushup. To increase muscle building, have your dog go from a stand to a down and then back to a stand without sitting in the middle.
Stretching Exercisess
Stretching is great for keeping your dog limber. It’s also useful for warming up before exercise and cooling down after. But how do
Puppy Pushups
Although commonly called “puppy pushups,” this exercise is a great
MARCH 2022
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