An animal physiotherapist presents exercises for outside and inside
Hanover. Just like we humans, our pets can develop orthopedic problems. Injuries, incorrect loads and age -related wear and tear can cause pain in muscles and joints. Tension, blockages and pathological changes in the joint substance are often part of everyday life, especially in older animals. Unfortunately, many dogs only show pain when the underlying disease has already progressed. Then they seem to suddenly no longer jump into the car, hesitate when climbing stairs or have trouble getting up. However, dog owners have opportunities to counteract this. Targeted exercises can strengthen the musculoskeletal system of our animals over a longer period of time and thus ensure that they live free of symptoms as possible. The Agila pet insurance has the animal physiotherapist Dr. Antje Wittkopp met and asked what such a fitness program could look like for the dog.
Antje Wittkopp has her practice in Stadthagen in the Schaumburger Land, about 40 kilometers west of Hanover. When we visit her, your patient is 'let'. The overbearance is almost twelve years old, but at first glance looks agile and lively. He is not there due to an acute illness or injury. “However, many of my patients come in acute cases, for example after a cruciate ligament operation. Because animal insurance such as Agila also cover the costs of physiotherapy care, more and more animals are enjoying such treatment.” 'Lasses' mistress, however, has been in practice with him every four to six weeks for several years to have the aging dog treated prophylactically, says the physiotherapist. “Then I solve smaller blockages in the back and let it train on the underwater treadmill to maintain its muscles and prevent wear and tear such as osteoarthritis.” However, Antje Wittkopp also adds to 'Lasses' good fitness that his owner regularly trains with him. “For five minutes of training three times a day, there are a huge difference. There are many exercises that are also easy to carry out for lay people and which can also be integrated into the daily walk.”
This includes the podium exercise that Antje Wittkopp shows us 'Friedo' with her own dog. The poodle mixing places the front paws on a small pedestal. After he has stood for a few seconds, his owner makes him seat a few times and get up again, whereby the front paws have to stop on the podium. “The standing exercise is suitable for every dog without exception,” explains Antje Wittkopp. “Even after operations, it can be carried out as soon as the dog is fit enough for the physiotherapeutic treatment. In combination with the seat, the exercise is only suitable for dogs without serious restrictions in knees and hips. The podium exercise trains the balance and different muscle groups of the hindquarters. Instead of a podium, thick books or steps can be used. Increase. “
The extension exercise, the 'Friedo' and 'let us' show us together. Here, the physiotherapist attracts the two male with treats and thus makes them stand on the hind legs and properly stretch along a tree trunk. “In addition to the hindquarters, which is often shortened in dogs with knee or hip problems, the spine also benefits greatly from this exercise,” explains Antje Wittkopp. “Place is created between the vertebrae, which the dogs find very pleasant. However, if the animal has acute back problems, the extension should not be too far.”
Anyone who is willing to invest some money in dogefitness recommends Antje Wittkopp the purchase of an inflatable balancing pillow. “It is one of my favorite training equipment for at home,” enthuses the specialist. “If the dog manages to stand on the pillow with all four paws for a while, almost all muscle groups are used. It is important, as with all exercises, to take it slowly. At the beginning, a few seconds are enough. As soon as the dog begins to tremble if a break is taken.” Beagle 'Lasse' is initially skeptical, but then follows the treat in the hands of his physiotherapist and, after a few failed attempts, actually manages to stay on the pillow for a while.
Antje Wittkopp has more fitness tips ready for the daily walk in the forest. “It can be balanced on fallen tree trunks. Downt out thicker branches can be put down in parallel with one step distance and slowly let the dog go over it. This promotes the concentration, balance and mobility of the joints.”
Swimming is also suitable for active and healthy dogs, which has a positive effect on the strength and endurance of the dog. It is important to pay attention to any blue -green algae warnings on the water. Flow waters should be avoided due to the risk of underflooring. Antje Wittkopp also recommends creating a life jacket. “In this way, the back remains straight and the neck is stabilized.” But also when swimming applies: prefer to start with short units. “When it comes to dogefitness, it is not about performance, but about consistency. Dogs that regularly train moderately have good chances of leading a pain -free life for as long as possible.”