Dog Arthritis Treatment after Knee Surgery - Physical Therapy and Exercise Can Help - Part 2

Weight Bearing & Platform Feeding 

You can hold the good leg up off the ground to encourage weight bearing on the operated leg. Don't overdo this - start with a few seconds and work up to two minutes.

Feed your dog on a raised platform (1-1 1/2 feet off the ground) so he has to stand with more weight on the hind legs to eat.

Stair Climbing 

Controlled climbing up stairs is fantastic exercise for the hind legs.

Dancing 

Have a dance with your dog! Standing up on the hind legs to dance with you will encourage strength and weight bearing.

Sit-Stand Exercises 

This is like squats but you need an obedient dog! Have your dog sit but as his bottom is about to touch the ground ask him to stand again. You can repeat this for as long as he can tolerate, working up to two minutes.

Figure Eight Patterns 

Walk your dog in tight figure of eight patterns, switching directions regularly.

Water Play 

Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmills and swimming can all help to strengthen legs after surgery.

Other Treatments 

Therapeutic ultrasound, pulsed signal therapy, heat or cold can also be helpful.

Don't Forget About Pain Relief 

Always remember that these exercises can be sore, especially the first few times. It never hurts to give pain relief and you will usually achieve better, quicker results if your dog is comfortable through these procedures.

For more information read my article on Articlebase - it debunks some of the myths around exercise and dog arthritis treatment

Dog Arthritis Treatment - Part 2 (PDF)