Intro back to family activity after graduation from rest

A dog coming off of 6 weeks post op or 8 weeks of conservative treatment crate rest needs to gradually build up muscles and stamina.

1. Building up muscles: GRADUALLY reintroduce the pup back to activity. The IDEAL would be to go to a certified canine rehabilitation therapist and get a schedule on how to do this, plus specific exercises to rebuild muscle and coordination.

Below are some GENERAL ideas, but always check with your vet or physical therapist if this schedule is right for your pup, or if some modifications should be done. In that case, follow their advice.

2. Easing back into walking or using a wheel chair. After weeks of crate rest, especially with 8 weeks of conservative treatment, you will need to slowly build up your dog’s muscles and stamina. Always observe and restrict movement if there is soreness. Maintain control of speed and have your eyes on your dog. Always use a leash and harness for that control when working with your dog . No more collars with a leash attached to avoid putting stress on the back or neck. If your dog is still wobbly, add a sling to help stabilize the rear and prevent flopping or falling over.

With too much exercise, it may be hard to tell the difference between sore muscles from too much exercise or a relapse of IVDD. If you see any signs of the IVDD worsening, crate and contact the vet right away.

NOTE: A hallway is a general term for a distance of 4-8 yards. It doesn’t have to be the hallway. The ideal is actually a non slippery surface, so if your hallway’s floor is slippery, it is preferred to take the dog outside and walk it on grass, soil or on an old carpet.

Surgery dogs will likely be more advanced in their condition such as walking to and from the potty place, hydrotherapy, etc. Always check with your vet/surgeon on their recommendation.

A general program to ease dog back into walking or using a cart after 6-8 weeks of crate rest:

1st week.

• Mon-Tues:  1 min up and down hallway 1x. Back in crate, observe. Any signs of soreness? Then skip a day of exercise
• Wed:          1 min up and down hallway 3x a day.  Observe for overdoing soreness
• Thurs-Sun:   1 min up and down hallway 4-5x a day. Observe for overdoing soreness

2nd week.

Can move about the house under supervision for 5-10 minute periods 3x day, no rough housing, running, jumping. Your dog will feel good as new and may want to do too much. If you can’t supervise, then back in crate.

5 min walk outside 1x a day early in the week building to 3x a day later in the week

3rd week.

10 mins walk outside 1x a day. Build up to 3x a day plus crate free time: 10-20 mins. 3x a day.

4th week.

By now the dog will have good muscle tone and should be on an almost back to normal schedule. We still recommend that from now on you crate your dog whenever you are leaving the house.

3 Always use common sense, call vet if you have concerns

If you think your dog might have overdone it, then rest the dog in the crate and observe. Call the vet if you have concerns. Do not rush your dog back into activity: the risk of overdoing is not worth taking, it is better to go slowly for a few weeks.

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