What matters most
- Exercises are prescriptions, not a generic checklist.
- Stop before form deteriorates.
- Pain or worse function afterward means the dose needs review.
Start with the written prescription
Ask for the exact position, repetitions, session frequency, surface, support level, and stop signs. Passive range of motion, assisted standing, weight shifts, and controlled walking each place different demands on the spine and limbs.
Do not copy a routine from another dog. The same exercise can be helpful in one recovery phase and unsafe in another.
Quality over quantity
Use a quiet, nonslip area. Keep the spine aligned and provide only enough support to produce the desired movement. End a set when the dog trembles from fatigue, crosses limbs more, collapses into the sling, pants excessively, resists, or loses form.
Small, successful doses distributed through the day are often more useful than one long session. Record the dose and how the dog moved later that day and the next morning.
Progress one variable at a time
A therapist may change duration, repetitions, support, surface, speed, or task complexity. Increasing several at once makes it hard to know what caused soreness or decline.
New pain, loss of function, or reduced bladder control is not normal workout soreness. Stop and contact the treating team.
Before you move on
- Confirm the exercise is cleared for today’s phase
- Use traction and correct support
- Film one repetition for form review
- Log dose, fatigue, and next-day response
What caregivers ask
Should I bicycle my dog’s legs?+
Passive cycling may be prescribed for some dogs but is inappropriate or unnecessary for others. Learn hand placement and range from a professional.
Are wobble boards useful?+
They can be advanced balance tools, but an unstable surface may be unsafe early. Use only when a rehabilitation professional prescribes it.
Sources & further reading
We favor peer-reviewed consensus guidance and established veterinary specialty organizations. Links open the original source.