There are three areas of your dog’s body for which
stretching is especially beneficial – the hips, shoulders and back.
The following stretches, done slowly and gently, are well
tolerated by most dogs. However, if you don’t feel confident in your ability to
do the stretches, consider asking your vet or a small animal chiropractor
demonstrate the stretches for you so you can do them at home.
Instructions for most of these stretches have your dog
standing, but you can also do them with your dog lying on her side, or in the
case of the chest stretch, on her back. The model for the standing stretches,
our dog Rosco, was an adult rescue who has never rolled onto his back. Some
dogs are very uncomfortable in this position, so if yours is, don’t force the
issue. To demonstrate the lying-on-back chest stretch, we used our dog Ada, who
we’ve taught from puppyhood to ‘play’ on her back.
Needless to say, if your pet shows any sign of pain during
stretching, discontinue the movement and have her seen by your vet as soon as
possible.
- Stretching
the hip flexors. The hip flexors are muscles that enable your dog
to move his legs and hips while walking, trotting or running. To stretch
the hip flexors, ask your dog to stand, and grasp a back leg above the
knee. Gently and slowly move the leg back straight out behind your dog’s
body. When you reach a point of resistance, where further extension will
require applying pressure, hold the leg in position for 15 to 30 seconds.
Repeat this stretch 2 or 3 times with each back leg.
Please contact Dr Bruce with questions at 781-337-1180 or email at indekchiropractic@gmail.com
