Similar to massaging a dog, stretching a dog isn’t too different to stretching a human.
Stretching primarily addresses the muscles, but it does have the added benefit of working on the joint range of motion (ROM), improving flexibility and reducing pain. This is important because it can make everyday functional tasks like sitting, getting on and off the ground, stepping over obstacles and even scratching themselves so much easier.
Contrary to common belief, stretching does not physically lengthen muscles as we previously thought. The latest understanding reveals that the nervous system plays a more significant role than we realised. When we approach the limits of our stretch, it is no longer solely the muscles restricting further movement; rather, the nervous system instructs the muscles to resist, acting as a brake to prevent overextension and potential injury. The mechanism behind stretching involves training the nervous system to adapt to the “end range,” gradually allowing for increased flexibility over time.
Keep in mind, your dog is old, joints not working like they used to and in pain. The main thing you’ll need to watch out for is irritating an arthritic joint. Follow the tops below to ensure that you’re stretching your dog safely.
From a standing or sitting position, use a treat to lure your dog’s head into a wide arc to the side, and move towards the hip. Lots of older dogs won’t be able to move this far, and you might find that one side is easier for them than the other. Hold this position for as long as they will tolerate, and repeat as many times as you need to total 30 seconds of stretching on each side.
Lying down: With one hand support behind the shoulder and with the other hand push the elbow forward. This will cause the shoulder and wrist (carpus) to extend together and will stretch the back of the leg in the triceps and back of the shoulder. Aim to get their wrist in line with their head if you can.
Standing: Use your supporting hand to hold underneath their chest while your other hand pushes the limb forward.
Lying down: Hold their wrist (carpus) and gently pull their wrist back towards their hip to stretch the front of their leg in the biceps muscle.
Standing: Do the same action while using your other hand to support under their chest.
Lying down: Holding around the ankle (hock), slowly stretch the leg forwards aiming to get the paw up towards their head.
Standing: Difficult to do, but if you need to do it this way, crouch down in front of the dog, hold their hock and pull their leg towards you. With your other hand hold underneath their belly and pelvis to support.
Lying down: Support behind their pelvis with one hand, with the other hand, hold the knee (stifle) and slowly pull their leg backwards. Most dogs will resist in some way, if they do, take your time and persist until you’ve gotten as far as they’ll let you.
Standing: Stand over the top of their hind end facing their head. With one hand reach under their belly to support, and the other hand hold on to their stifle and extend in the same way as described above.
