Dog yoga or stretching, like massage, is a gift- a time of bonding between owner and pet. Whether it is 2 or 10 minutes, let’s make this worth you and your pup’s time!
Saturday 20th March 2021
Before we introduce some neck and spine stretches, remember these top tips:
Always encourage slow and purposeful movements. Be gentle and push your pet beyond what they are willing to do.
Let your dog guide you- if they show any concern or discomfort, reduce the movement and retry another day.
Consistency is King! A few minutes each day is much more beneficial to your pet than a longer session each week.
If you find your pet can’t do something they have done well before, then speak to your vet or your veterinary physio!
Neck and spine stretches for your dog
Simple exercises to stretch the spine, neck, shoulder and back muscles.
Start with 1-2 second stretch each side. Reward in neutral (centre) position.
Repeat: 2-3 times on each side.
Neck Stretch
This exercise can be carried out either in standing or sitting position. Use a treat to lure your dog’s head straight up slowly. Make sure your dog does not jump up.
Then lure the dog’s head straight down between the front legs. Keep the spine straight and strive for purposeful movements.
Neck Side Stretch
In a sitting position, use a treat to lure your dog’s head straight up slowly. Make sure your dog does not jump up.
Then lure your dog’s head down to the side. The stretch should come from the shoulders and neck. Try to avoid bending the lower spine. Stretch on both sides.
Spine Side Stretch
This exercise needs to be carried out in standing position. Use a treat to lure your dog’s head straight out. Strive for an extended reach without moving its feet.
Slowly lure the dog’s head toward the hip. The dog will bend in a C-shape, but movement depends on flexibility. Stretch as far as you can while keeping your dog’s front legs planted in the same position. Stretch on both sides.
Dog yoga: Jo Jo stretching her neck and spine We introduced dog yoga in our latest blog post. After some practice, one of our patients, Jo Jo, is mastering her stretches perfectly!!
Making muscles to manage hip dysplasia! Goldie puppy Fan Shu builds strength and stability. When we met Fan Shu as a puppy at 10months of age, he had both severe hip dysplasia and a shoulder injury causing deformity and pain. Luckily, he was adopted and his pet pawrents bought him to us to first help with pain and then create an exercise plan to keep him both comfortable and build him up to be fit for life.
Dusty's progress with hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease When we first met Dusty the Husky, she was 14 years old. She had been managing well over the years with hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease developing in her hips, back and knees.