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As a dog ages, he may slow down and begin to lose strength in his legs, but that doesn’t mean your dog can regain his strength. As an old dog’s legs become weaker, the loss of mobility can have a detrimental effect on his entire life. Dogs that can no longer fully support themselves may change the way they walk or stand and may stress different parts of the body. For example, a weak rear end can cause a dog to arch their back or put more weight on their front legs, which leads to even more joint pain.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your dog strengthen his hind legs and stay active.
How to Help an Old Dog Regain Leg Strength
Introducing a dog wheelchair into their daily routine
A dog wheelchair supports a dog’s hind legs, allowing them to stand in a natural upright position. Additionally, mobility carts reduce the pressure an animal puts on their hindquarters, making it easier to move around, which is vital to the health of a senior dog. When a dog becomes sedentary, he is likely to gain weight rapidly and lose muscle mass. Both are incredibly difficult to correct in older dogs. Age-related loss of mobility may never be completely reversed in an older dog, but exercise can help slow the progression of weakness. Therefore, a dog wheelchair is essential for keeping a senior dog active. With continued exercise, an older pet can maintain a healthy weight, avoid obesity, and reduce muscle loss while improving their overall quality of life.
Walking your dog is a great way to help him regain strength in his hind legs. An older dog may not have the stamina he had when he was younger. A wheelchair is a great way to support your dog on his daily walk.
Keep your dog healthy
Annual wellness checks are essential as a dog ages, many vets will recommend their older clients come twice a year. During a wellness exam, the veterinarian is able to detect early signs of various geriatric conditions, assess the overall health of the dog, and ensure that the dog is still stable. Additionally, checkups are key to catching the disease and loss of mobility in the early stages, when they are easiest to treat. Finally, for older dogs that have already shown signs of weakness, regular vet visits give your vet time to check on your dog’s progress and watch for signs of worsening (or improving).
Another important step in keeping a senior dog healthy is keeping them at a healthy weight, which may mean losing weight in an overweight dog or gaining weight if necessary. Weight fluctuations are typical in senior dogs, but giving seniors the right food (and the right amount) can improve their health and mobility. Talk to your vet about your best friend’s dietary needs and ask if a daily joint supplement would be beneficial or not.
Consider physical therapy
Physiotherapy aims to reduce a dog’s pain, improve their mobility and rebuild strength in their hind legs. However, it is important to know that rehabilitation is a slow process and it takes patience and time to see results.
A wide variety of exercises and techniques can help senior dogs, including massage, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and structured exercise, to name a few. Your dog’s canine rehabilitation practitioner will develop a plan that will include different treatment modalities combined with stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to your dog’s condition. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to rehabilitation – every case is different and every dog will need a different treatment plan.
Swimming is a low impact exercise that is very beneficial for older dogs. When a dog swims, the water makes him buoyant, allowing him to move easily without pain or strain in his joints.
Your dog’s mobility matters
Improving a senior dog’s mobility is important. With the addition of a dog wheelchair, an inability to walk unaided no longer means a dog should be put down. With the combination of proper veterinary care, rehabilitation, and a dog wheelchair, a dog can help your best friend regain leg strength and live a long, happy (and active!) life.
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