Dog stretching exercises can be helpful before and after exercise or simply as part of your daily routine. Gentle stretching can be a good fit for senior dogs, active sport dogs, and dogs with orthopedic issues that make their bodies not work quite right.
If your dog seems painful or has sustained an injury, a veterinary exam is in order. A diagnosis will tell you what parts of your dog are injured, compensating for injuries elsewhere in the body, or not moving normally. This information is critical to ensure that stretching is safe for your dog and to identify problem areas for you to focus on.
Your dog’s case has your regular vet stumped? We recommend a canine physical rehabilitation therapy consult. These practitioners focus on dog mobility and flexibility and are a wealth of knowledge to help your dog feel his best.
Benefits of Stretching Dogs
Stretching your dog’s muscles has several benefits:
- Improve dog mobility and flexibility
- Loosen muscle fibers
- Preserve range of motion
- Improve circulation
- Bonding time for you and your dog
How to Stretch Your Dog
Try these safe-stretching tips before you get started:
- Practice dog stretching exercises when your dog is calm and relaxed.
- Go slow. Your dog may be confused at first, or hesitant if he has been sore or painful.
- Use treats and praise to keep stretching positive and fun.
- Increase duration and intensity of stretch gradually. At first, you may only move your dog’s leg a few inches and hold for three seconds. That’s OK! You can build on that over time.
- Work both sides of your dog’s body.
- If your dog resists or seems uncomfortable, stop. If pain or discomfort persists, contact your veterinarian.
Basic stretching routines for dogs focus on the neck, shoulders, chest, back, and hips. All these areas do a lot of work during your dog’s life and can get sore or tight. Stretching for senior dogs follows the same principles, just keep in mind that our older dogs often have less stamina and may need extra support.
Stretching the Back and Neck
“Cookie stretches” are a great way to introduce stretching for your dog. Your dog should be standing, and you may need to support under his belly with one arm. With your other arm, show your dog a treat and then lure his nose so he reaches back to his hip. Hold it for a few seconds, then let him have the treat. Repeat three to five times.
You can mix up this exercise in several ways. Have your dog reach to his hip, elbow, stifle, flank, and paws on both sides to work different muscles and change the degree of stretch. You can also bring the treat down behind his legs to encourage him to reach downward, or up above his head to stretch up and back.
Stretching the Shoulders
Your dog can either stand or lie flat on his side for this stretch. Grip the leg at the elbow and gently guide his leg into extension to it is pointing forward. Go as far as your dog easily allows, hold for a few seconds, then relax the limb. Repeat three to five times.
You can also guide the elbow back so that the shoulder is fully flexed. Go as far as your dog easily allows, hold for a few seconds, then relax the limb. Repeat three to five times.
Stretching the Chest
Your dog can either stand or lie flat on his side for this stretch. Grip the leg at the elbow and gently lift the leg to the side, away from the body. You can also stretch back a little. Go as far as your dog easily allows, hold for a few seconds, then relax the limb. Repeat three to five times.
Stretching the Hips
Your dog can either stand or lie flat on his side for this stretch. Grip the leg above his stifle (knee) and gently guide his leg into extension so it is pointing backward. Go as far as your dog easily allows, hold for a few seconds, then relax the limb. Repeat three to five times.
You can also guide the stifle forward so that the hip is fully flexed. Go as far as your dog easily allows, hold for a few seconds, then relax the limb. Repeat three to five times.
