Strength-Building Exercises for Pets with Mobility Challenges
Recovering from injury or surgery can be challenging for pets, but strength-building exercises play a critical role in helping them regain mobility, strength, and overall quality of life. If your pet is recovering from something like hip dysplasia or a surgery to repair a fracture, tailored rehabilitation exercises can assist in rebuilding muscle mass, improving stability, and promoting healing. However, doing certain exercises incorrectly or unsafely can just lead your pet to more pain or the possibility of another injury. These tips will help you to do things right, and to know when it’s time to trust your furry friend to the experienced hands of a professional on our team here at Prime Pet Rehabilitation Therapy!
Balance Boards
Balance boards are an excellent tool for helping pets improve their stability and coordination, especially after an injury or surgery. The instability of the board challenges the pet’s muscles, engaging them in a way that strengthens both the abdominal and back muscles, which are essential for maintaining balance and posture.
For pets recovering from ACL surgery or hip dysplasia, balance exercises can help improve the stability of their joints and reduce the risk of further injury. Pets that are struggling with arthritis can also benefit from these exercises to support joint function and reduce pain.
To use a balance board at home, start by placing the board on the floor and encouraging your pet to step onto it. If your pet is hesitant, begin with short intervals (around 10-20 seconds) to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. Gradually increase the duration as your pet becomes more comfortable balancing. Remember to always supervise your pet during these exercises, and make sure the surface you perform them on is non-slip to avoid accidents.
Resistance Band Exercises
Resistance band exercises are another great way to help pets recover from injuries or surgery. These exercises target specific muscle groups, helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding injured joints and promote stability. For example, resistance bands can be used to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles for pets with hip dysplasia.
When you’re performing resistance band exercise, attach a resistance band to a stationary object and loop the other end around your pet’s leg (usually the hind leg). Gently guide your pet to walk in place or step forward while providing resistance. For more advanced strengthening, you can incorporate side-to-side movements or backward walking. Start with a low resistance band to avoid straining your pet, and perform the exercise for short amounts of time to start. Always ensure that the resistance band is securely fastened and that your pet is comfortable to avoid injury.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, which includes underwater treadmills and swimming, is one of the best rehabilitation methods for pets recovering from joint injuries or surgeries. The buoyancy of the water alleviates the pressure on the joints while still providing resistance, making it an effective way to rebuild muscle strength, enhance mobility, and promote overall recovery.
Swimming, in particular, is excellent for pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or ligament injuries like ACL tears. It allows for a full-body workout without putting strain on the joints, and the water’s resistance helps to strengthen muscles gradually.
If you have access to a pool designed for animals or a hydrotherapy center, regular sessions there can be extremely beneficial to a recovering pet. For pets with mild injuries or those recovering at home, consider using shallow water in a bathtub for gentle movements.
When to Consult a Physical Therapist
While many strength-building exercises can be performed at home, it’s essential to know when to consult a qualified veterinary physical therapist. A professional can tailor a rehabilitation program specifically for your pet’s injury or condition, ensuring they receive the proper care.
Our team here at Prime Pet works hard to assess your pet’s mobility and create a customized plan based on their specific needs. We provide hands-on guidance, and monitor your pet’s progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed to prevent overexertion and promote healing. When in doubt, it’s best to trust your best buddy’s recovery to the people who know physical therapy best!
Exercises like these ones are essential for pets recovering from surgery or injuries, helping them regain mobility, rebuild muscle mass, and improve stability. As a pet owner, it’s crucial for you to monitor your pet’s progress to keep things safe and healthy! For more complex rehabilitation, working with us at Prime Pet Rehabilitation Therapy can make all the difference in the world. By incorporating the right exercises into your pet’s rehabilitation plan, you can help them return to their best physical condition safely and comfortably!