Exploring Passive Stretching for Dogs

Before Christmas, Maestro's team at Canine Aquafitness & Veterinary Rehab Centre introduced Maestro and I to passive stretching for dogs to increase Maestro's range of motion. After three weeks, several people have commented on how Maestro is moving more quickly (especially when treats are involved). As Maestro has canine arthritis and Inter-vertebral Disc Disease, passive stretching is necessary so as to not aggravate his achy joints. The main thing about any passive range of motion technique is to support the joint as you are stretching a muscle group.

First, we learned neck stretches. Here is a video of Maestro's first day:

After Christmas, we learned passive stretches for his legs and hips. For this area, it's best for you to watch this video by Dr. Ruth Roberts:

For more information on passive range of motion techniques to help with pet injuries or degenerative diseases in dogs, check out these resources:

• Manual Therapy Techniques for Canine Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation Therapy

• Canine Aquafitness & Veterinary Rehab Centre

• Passive Stretching for Dogs - Dr. Ruth Roberts

Check out my affiliate links of books available on passive stretching:

We'll post another video soon to show Maestro's progress with these passive dog stretches.

Maestro's Continuing Adventures in Water Therapy for Dogs

Last week, Maestro completed his fifth water therapy treatment for canine arthritis and Inter-vertebral Disc Disease. He has made steady progress. Each week, he walks approximately .1 mile more than the previous week. He also spends more time walking at .75 mph.

Last visit, he walked for about 20 minutes. Thankfully, Maestro doesn't complain as much as he used to.

Here are clips from Maestro's third and fourth sessions of water therapy sessions:

Week 3 Front View

Profile View

[Week 4]

Unfortunately, I left my phone at home during Maestro's fifth water therapy session, so I wasn't recorded.

One interesting tale from our last visit: there have been several “poopy patients”. In case you are wondering what happens when a dog defecates during an aqua fitness treatment, the tank is shut down for the rest of the day and subsequent appointments are rescheduled. The water in the tank has to be purified, while the water treadmill is sanitized from top to bottom.

In order to avoid the embarrassment of having your dog defecate during a canine water therapy session (and the “poop charge”), there are three things three things pet owners can do. First, owners should not feed their dog less than three hours prior to a session. Second, owners should let their dog relieve themselves before they enter the clinic. Finally, if a dog has diarrhea on the day of an appointment, the owner should reschedule the water therapy for dogs until the it is feeling better.

(Not to worry, Maestro wasn't a poopy patient.)

Dr. Catherine at the Canine Aqua Fitness Centre did mention that Maestro is ready to try swimming as part of his treatment for canine arthritis. He will start that portion of his water therapy for dogs next month.

Diggin' the Laser Therapy

Maestro laser.jpg

After six months of laser therapy for his canine arthritis and I.V.D.D., Maestro is still enjoying the benefits of this non-invasive treatment.