Therapeutic Exercise For Dogs
Targeted, condition-specific exercises to restore strength, neuromuscular control, and functional mobility
What Is Therapeutic Exercise?
Therapeutic exercise is a structured, clinically prescribed intervention used to improve neuromuscular function, rebuild strength, and retrain movement in dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery, managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions, or living with neurological disorders. These exercises are designed to address specific deficits such as muscle weakness, joint instability, impaired proprioception, poor coordination, and altered gait patterns.
Unlike general activity such as daily walks and plays in the park, therapeutic exercise is goal-driven and forms a core part of your dog’s rehabilitation plan—tailored following a detailed clinical assessment of their condition, mobility level, and functional needs.
At Paws4Paws, we deliver therapeutic exercise programs in the home environment, ensuring low-stress delivery and real-time adaptation based on your dog’s progress.
How Therapeutic Exercise Can Benefit
Therapeutic exercise plays a vital role in canine rehabilitation, forming the foundation of functional recovery across a wide range of conditions. It is essential for restoring physical ability and preventing secondary complications during post-operative care, chronic condition management, or neurological rehabilitation. By targeting neuromuscular control, postural stability, and movement efficiency, it facilitates appropriate muscle recruitment, improves joint loading patterns, and helps reduce compensatory strain on joints and soft tissues. Structured, progressive exercises also promote tissue healing, support joint integrity, enhance motor learning, and improve your dog’s confidence in everyday activities. Whether the goal is recovery, mobility preservation, or performance optimisation, therapeutic exercise ensures that each phase of rehabilitation is clinically guided, measurable, and meaningful.
When Therapeutic Exercise is Recommended
Therapeutic exercise is prescribed for dogs with functional deficits related to injury, surgery, chronic orthopaedic conditions, or neurological impairment. It addresses key impairments such as muscle weakness, joint instability, balance deficits, and abnormal gait patterns. By targeting specific clinical goals, therapeutic exercise supports recovery, prevents secondary complications, and promotes long-term mobility and independence.
Therapeutic exercise is commonly recommended for dogs with:
-
Post-surgical recovery (e.g. TPLO, patellar stabilisation, spinal surgery)
-
Neurological conditions (e.g. IVDD, FCE, degenerative myelopathy)
-
Muscle atrophy or generalised weakness
-
Chronic joint conditions like arthritis or hip/elbow dysplasia
-
Poor coordination, balance deficits, or altered gait
-
Age-related decline or loss of mobility
-
Athletic conditioning and injury prevention