How can I strengthen my dogs back legs? Here’s What to Do Next

Why are my dog’s hind legs weakening?

While the weakening of a dog’s hind legs is not uncommon as they enter their golden years, it’s important to note that the root cause should be identified as a matter of priority.

It is vital that you don’t simply put it down to a natural phase in the ageing process. Ensure that you seek immediate professional attention to avoid a deterioration of the problem and to address any pain your dog may be experiencing.

Here are just some of the reasons why your pet may be experiencing issues with their back leg strength:

Arthritis – a common cause of hind leg weakening, this condition causes deterioration of the cartilage that can lead to pain and inflammation. It can also lead to lethargy and a general reluctance to play and engage in active behaviour. It tends to be a more regular occurrence in overweight dogs and larger breeds.

Hip Dysplasia – a chronic condition that forms when the ball and socket of the hip joint rub together, leading to a loss of cartilage and a general loosening of the joint.

Muscle Atrophy – this causes loss of muscle mass due to lack of activity as a result of pain or illness. While symptoms such as dragging the feet may be apparent, they will also cause physical changes like a shrunken hind end.

Degenerative Myelopathy – this condition of the nervous system causes weakness of the hind legs through muscle loss, leading to eventual paralysis. While there is currently no available treatment, regular physical therapy can have a hugely positive effect on your dog’s quality of life.

Intervertebral Disc Disease – sudden mobility loss will be a key indicator of this issue, which is caused by a slipped disc. It’s vital to seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you suspect intervertebral disc disease, as if untreated it could lead to more serious conditions such as herniated discs or even paralysis.

When performing the stair climb, make sure to focus on form over speed. So check that each paw lands on each step and that no stair is skipped. After all, hopping up or down the stairs could be a sign of pain or injury. Stay vigilant.

Massages are the easiest and most basic type of exercise. All you have to do is gently apply pressure on the affected areas. Performing a massage can help decrease pain and swelling in specific muscle groups. Moreover, it helps improve circulation and reduce anxiety.

Have you tried performing core balancing exercises with your pet? You can use a wobble board or a balancing ball for this type of exercise.

By performing this set of dog physical therapy exercises regularly, you’ll notice a gradual improvement in your pet’s overall fitness. For the best results, make sure regular exercise is coupled with the proper diet.

Start with your dog standing on all fours on a flat surface. Use a treat to lure your dog to follow it around to its shoulders, mid section, hips, and front and rear paws. Just keep in mind that for this exercise to work, your dog needs to stay in place and practice stretching to different parts of its body.

Osteoarthritis

Older dogs, like older humans, commonly develop osteoarthritis. In this form of arthritis, the cartilage that normally minimizes friction in a joint breaks down and thins out, resulting in chronic joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Hind leg exercise

While everyone may love the boundless energy and playfulness of puppies, in many respects old dogs make the best companions of all. When you’ve lived with your four-legged buddy for years, you have a bond that’s hard to explain to anyone not familiar with that feeling.

So when your elderly pet starts developing trouble in its hind legs, you can’t stand to watch it suffer and struggle. Fortunately, you can take steps to lend strength or stability to an aging dog’s hind legs. Take the following information to heart as you seek solutions for your old friend.