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This article was co-written by Ray Spragley, DVM. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian and owner/founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. With experience working in a variety of institutions and private organizations, Spragley’s expertise includes the non-surgical management of superior anterior cruciate ligament tears, spinal disc disease (IVDD), and pain management in inflammation. Osteoarthritis. Spragley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany University and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) working at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) of Chi University.
There are 11 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 1,030 times.
Just like us humans, dogs may have a harder time moving as they get older than they did when they were younger. If you see that your dog’s hind legs are very weak, you are probably thinking about how to help him. Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen an older dog’s hind legs so that it can walk more easily. We’ll teach you how to recognize weak hind legs, know some of the causes of this condition, and some tips to help your dog recover.
Steps
What causes weak hind legs in old dogs?
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Arthritis: Arthritis is the most likely culprit when a dog has weak hind legs. Large and heavy dog breeds often develop arthritis as they age. Some signs of arthritis include: difficulty getting up, lethargy, and pain when touched. [2] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source
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Disc disease in the spine: This disease is quite common in older dogs, which can lead to dangerous diseases such as herniated discs. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you notice a sudden drop in his leg. [3] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
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Cushing’s disease: This is an endocrine disorder that causes loss of muscle mass. Early signs of the disease include extreme thirst and frequent urination, but as the disease progresses, the dog will lose muscle mass. Beagle, poodle, and dachshund breeds often suffer from this disease in old age. [4] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source
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Degenerative myelopathy: This rare genetic neurological disease can be fatal, and unfortunately there is currently no cure. If your dog often drags his toenails and toes when walking and seems to have spasms or weakness in his hind legs, he may be in the early stages of the disease. [5] X Research Sources
- Although this is a potentially fatal disease, physical therapy can help dogs gain control of their hind legs. This method can really improve your dog’s quality of life, so don’t give up if your dog has this disease. [6] X Research Sources
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Take your dog to the vet for an examination and diagnosis. Sometimes, the cause of weak hind legs is just being overweight, but it can also be due to a serious age-related illness. You need to talk to your veterinarian to know for sure if your dog is sick. [7] X Research Sources
How to make old dog’s hind legs healthy?
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Use passive range of motion (PROM) exercises to increase muscle flexibility. Lay the dog on its side, lifting one hind leg. One hand holds the dog’s elbow firmly, the other hand moves the leg. Gently bend the dog’s paw at the elbow and move it back and forth as far as possible within its natural range of motion. Repeat this exercise for the other leg, several times a day.
- PROM exercises help reduce inflammation, promote joint fluid production, and relax muscles. When done regularly, this exercise can help reduce arthritis and restore range of motion in your dog.
- If your dog seems uncomfortable with the exercise, contact your veterinarian.
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Perform a sitting/standing transition to exercise your hind legs. This exercise is often used in physical therapy to improve leg strength and stability. Have the dog sit down and stand up several times in a row and reward the dog when it obeys. If your dog can do it, repeat this exercise twice a day. [8] X Research Sources
- For the exercise to be most effective, it is important to maintain correct posture. When sitting, the dog must be in the “sphinx” position, with the body close to the floor and the legs close to the body. When standing up, the dog should rest his front legs on the floor and move his hind legs forward. [9] X Research Source
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Take your dog for a walk several times a day to improve strength. This exercise is essential for dogs to stay healthy, especially as they age. A short walk, even just 5 minutes, will help your dog gradually regain strength. Pay attention to keep the dog from overexerting. Your dog’s elbows or legs are sore is a sign that you should give him a break. [10] X Research Source
- Walking on uneven surfaces can help your dog recover coordination and balance. You can try walking your dog on a mattress so that he uses multiple muscle groups while moving. [11] X Research Source
- If your dog loves swimming, this can be a great way to build strength without putting too much pressure on the joints. Take your dog to a pool or calm water to exercise, but be sure to watch him carefully so he doesn’t over-exercise. If you see your dog struggling to float in the water, pick it up right away. [12] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source
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Give your dog a functional food to increase flexibility. There are many types of supplements, but many veterinarians recommend two: Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate. While there’s still some scientific controversy, there’s plenty of word-of-mouth evidence that these products work. If interested, ask your veterinarian what dosage and combination of products are appropriate for your dog. [13] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
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Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints. Maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to keep your dog from becoming overweight. Dogs need nutritious, high-protein food. You should feed your dog lean meats like chicken, and use vegetables as snacks to keep your dog at a healthy weight. Overweight or obese dogs are often prone to weak hind legs. [14] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source
- To quickly check if your dog is overweight, try the rib palpation test. Use your fingers to run along the sides of the dog. If your dog is of the right weight, you should be able to easily feel each rib (but not see it). If you can grip the skin and fat more than 2.5cm thick on the outside of your dog’s ribcage, it may be time to lose weight. [15] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source
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Use an anti-inflammatory pain reliever to help relieve the dog’s discomfort. These medications do not treat the causes of weakness in your dog’s hind legs, but by reducing inflammation, they can help your dog cope with arthritis or injury. If you find your dog in pain, Ask your veterinarian about these medications.
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Try acupuncture to increase your dog’s natural recovery. The acupuncturist will insert needles into certain points on the dog’s body to stimulate blood circulation and nerves. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, acupuncture can help make your dog more comfortable. Many veterinary clinics offer acupuncture, so be sure to ask about it.
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Choose laser therapy to treat inflammation with advanced methods. This procedure, done by a veterinarian, is quick and completely painless. This is a therapy that uses lasers to stimulate cells to activate inflammatory and pain-relieving functions. If your dog has arthritis or disc disease, laser therapy can bring about positive changes in quality of life.
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This article was co-written by Ray Spragley, DVM. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian and owner/founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. With experience working in a variety of institutions and private organizations, Spragley’s expertise includes the non-surgical management of superior anterior cruciate ligament tears, spinal disc disease (IVDD), and pain management in inflammation. Osteoarthritis. Spragley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany University and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) working at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) of Chi University.
There are 11 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 1,030 times.
Just like us humans, dogs may have a harder time moving as they get older than they did when they were younger. If you see that your dog’s hind legs are very weak, you are probably thinking about how to help him. Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen an older dog’s hind legs so that it can walk more easily. We’ll teach you how to recognize weak hind legs, know some of the causes of this condition, and some tips to help your dog recover.
Thank you for reading this post How to Restore Weak Back Legs in Old Dogs at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.
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