How to Strengthen An Old Dog’s Hind Legs: 4 Exercises for Improved Mobility

It’s sad when our dogs begin to age. Your dog isn’t as energetic as he once was, and his eyes start to mist up. But fret not; plenty of bonding time remains for you and your furry friend. One common first symptom of age for many breeds (German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels, to name but two) is hind leg weakness.

Muscle atrophy is very common, but it isn’t the end by any means. As dog owners, we can perform several home forms of physical therapy to increase the muscle mass of a senior dog and improve their pet’s health for a comfortable, happy old age.

This article covers four key exercises for improved mobility for an old dog, as regular exercise hugely benefits them. Read on, and discover the best ways to rejuvenate your dog’s energy levels and strengthen its hind legs!

Senior Dog Mobility Issues: Understanding Them

As dogs age, the cartilage between their joints starts to deteriorate, leading to inflammation and pain. But dogs are very good at hiding it from us when it comes to pain. So, it’s worth taking action even in minor hind leg weakness, as these conditions can substantially impact your pooch’s quality of life.

Weak hind legs can lead to a reluctance to walk, adversely affecting your dog’s mental health and causing lethargy and pain at worst. The lack of energy can also lead to further declining joint health due to muscle loss, which is difficult for any pet owner.

Remember to take Precautions First!

But rest assured; there are many actions you can take. But remember to consult a vet before beginning any exercise regimen with your pooch. Certain exercises might be too much for senior dogs with mobility issues, and without a deft hand, can worsen symptoms. So, the importance of talking to your vet for the specifics can’t be understated.

Also, remember that your dog will be looking to you for guidance, so always keep your dog’s comfort levels in mind!

Strengthening Your Pooch’s Hind Legs: The 4 Exercises

Sit-to-Stand

The simplest of the four exercises is encouraging your senior dog to sit and then stand up. You can encourage them with treats, affection, and other nice rewards that will implement their action to reward motivation. Pavlov, here we come! And it is a great, gradual way to build strength in the rear legs.

Rear Leg Lifts

An old dog might need additional physical support, and this can come in the form of rear leg lifts. You can even purchase harnesses that gently raise your dog’s hind legs and encourage them to strengthen through muscle strength. Muscle groups, such as the adductor, are vital for your furry friend’s ability to walk.

Walking & Gentle Slope Training

Nothing beats regular and consistent exercise. If your dog suffers from pain with weak back legs, it may be more reluctant to go at first.

But with gentle training, warm encouragement, and a consistent route, you can build your elderly dog’s strength and will back up over time. Gentle slopes are helpful as they give your dog a steady challenge to strengthen its hind legs.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is physical therapy except submerged in water, usually with buoyancy aid to keep your pooch afloat. The water resistance strengthens the muscles, albeit without the strain.

Also, buoyancy decreases joint strain, which gives your dog more room to move around. To perform hydrotherapy sessions safely, do it in a controlled environment where your dog won’t be overstimulated, and consider hiring a trainer to help your dog with their progress.

How to Monitor Your Dog’s Progress & Make Adjustments

It’s essential to monitor your dog’s response to the exercises. If they seem uncomfortable or are struggling, this is a sign that you should adjust the exercises. Their progress is telling too.

Depending on their progress level, you can make adjustments. Perhaps they can handle a little extra exercise or need less to make steady progress. Interact with your dog and make the process work for both of you.

The Importance of Strengthening Your Senior Dog’s Hind Legs

Regular, manageable exercise is the perfect way to improve your dog’s hind leg strength and mobility. Find the most productive and achievable methods you can, whether through gentle walking and slope training or hydrotherapy and pursue them to create the happiest senior years possible for your pooch.

You can treat this as another bonding process, similar to the early years of training. But above all, maintain patience as you go, and you will help your older dog to stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all senior dogs benefit from these exercises, or are they breed-specific?

These exercises are generally universal, but some forms of muscle weakness can occur with specific breeds. It’s always worth consulting your vet before doing them.

Are there any alternative exercises for senior dogs with severe hind leg issues?

Swimming is another form of exercise that benefits muscle atrophy in older dogs. But this can be quite strenuous if done incorrectly, so make sure you construct the exercise in a manageable way for your dog.

How frequently should I perform these exercises with my senior dog?

As a dog owner, it’s essential to maintain regular exercise with your dog. Every day will be good for building their strength, but this again depends on your dog’s unique situation. Perhaps once every 48 hours is better for them. It depends on a variety of factors.

What other measures can I take to support my older dog’s hind leg health?

Devices such as orthopedic braces, a nutritious diet, and even homeopathic support can significantly add to your dog’s exercise regime.

Should I consult a professional trainer or therapist for additional guidance on these exercises?

It’s worth consulting a professional trainer or therapist if your dog has special needs or to ensure that you train them correctly. A bit of advice supplements the exercise regime nicely!